Because nothing is less relevant to “the greater good” than batting .500:
But Manuel also said he was confident Reyes wouldn’t resist a change because “it would be best for the team.” And a significant portion of what Manuel intends to preach to his players this spring involves putting the team before the individual. He said, “The game takes precedent over individuals stats,” and variations on that theme several times.
The manager even went so far as to suggest a player who goes hitless in four at-bats but does the “little things” to help the team in one game might be rewarded the following day and have a better chance to play than a teammates who had two hits in four at-bats but did nothing to enhance the greater good. Manuel called it “kind of a ticklish situation” and noted, “We have to applaud and celebrate the little things.”
He made a point to say he didn’t believe his players behaved selfishly on the field last season “to a point that it stood out.” But now, with the Rays’ “9=8” mantra resonating throughout the game and evidence that the approach has worked well for Mike Scioscia’s Angels teams, Manuel indicated ways to enhance his players’ selflessness do exist. He said he intends to emphasize that.
“There’ll be a lot of conversations,” he said.
Full article here.
-sadfatman
The Arbiters 
I strongly endorse this plan. Fans love watching a $150M payroll play smallball. The artistry of Delgado squaring up is unmatched. Teaches the kids something.
Delgado said he’s working on hitting to the opposite field. Hey, if it worked for Luis Castillo circa 2003….