"What the Rays will do to improve their offense is a burning mystery, as they continue looking for a first baseman and DH.

"We're having a lot of conversations on both the trade front and also with free agents,'' executive VP Andrew Friedman said Saturday. "I'm confident that we're going to end up with two hitters that will complement our existing offense and fit in very well.''

Thus?

If they're going to complement the "existing offense,'' that would imply they're not looking to trade CF B.J. Upton or any other regular. And as much as they're looking, it seems they wouldn't settle on bringing back DH Johnny Damon and 1B Casey Kotchman (though one could return pending how they fill the other spot).

As good as their pitching is, the Rays have a prime opportunity to win and need as close to a sure thing as there is. Ideally, at least one big bat, a legit game-changer.

But the list of remaining free agent hitters after Prince Fielder isn't impressive, many old or coming off injuries or off years. 1B Carlos Peña is probably next best, but the Rays — if they can even afford him — know the power and defense come with strikeouts and a low average.

The available DHs such as Vlad Guerrero and Hideki Matsui haven't piqued their interest. Alfonso Soriano is a no. Other hitters aren't much more interesting: Raul Ibanez, Ryan Ludwick, Luke Scott, Derrek Lee, Magglio Ordonez. (And the comebacking Manny Ramirez.)

None might be better than Damon, who hit .261 with 16 homers (third most of all DHs) and 73 RBIs. He said Friday that he hasn't heard much from the Rays, and he has talked with another team, but still holds out hope of returning. "You know it,'' he texted. (Neither Kotchman nor agent Casey Close responded to messages.)"