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Tampa Bay Rays News

Joe Maddon working out Tampa Bay Rays' lineup
February 12
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Manager Joe Maddon has been back on U.S. soil for a week after his European vacation and headed to Tampa Bay, set to formally complete his three-year contract extension this week and start preparing for the season. Already, he has started scribbling down lineup possibilities, given the offensive additions of 1B Carlos Peña, DH Luke Scott and INF Jeff Keppinger. Naturally, he will ponder many, many others between now and opening day, and more from there. "My thoughts are that my thoughts aren't clear," Maddon said. "I've got my ideas, but I've got to see it, I've got to talk to the guys, got to see where they're at, how do we feel, how do they feel. But it's going to be interesting putting"
Davis taking trade rumors in stride
February 12
Tampa Tribune
 
"That was Wade Davis who was seen running through Tropicana Field on Friday, giving his legs a workout as he prepares for another season of Rays baseball despite offseason rumors that pointed to the contrary. When asked if he was surprised, Davis said, "Not at all, because I know most of that stuff is not always what you think it is, anyway. The majority of it is all rumors. Most of it isn't legit." Davis spent a good part of his offseason in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where he occasionally checked in on the rumors that had him involved in a number of trade scenarios. "I took a look at them just to see what's going on, but I don't pay attention to them any more," Davis said."
Brandon Gomes, recovering from back surgery, won't throw at start of spring training
February 11
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Coming off an impressive rookie season, reliever Brandon Gomes is projected to play a key role in the Rays bullpen this year. But Gomes won't be throwing at the start of spring training, held back as he continues to recover from November back surgery to clean up a disc. "Right now it's progressing along great, I don't really see anything to be concerned about," Gomes said Friday after a workout at Tropicana Field. "I might miss the very beginning of spring training, but that's about it." Gomes has yet to throw off a mound and likely won't throw bullpen sessions during the first week or two of camp. But given the lighter workload for relievers, he expects to be ready for opening day. Gomes,"
Rays' Andrew Friedman calls team's offseason a 'dream scenario'
February 10
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays seemed to have had a successful offseason improving their offense and bullpen without diminishing their defense or trading from their stash of starting pitchers. So much so, executive vice president Andrew Friedman on Thursday called it "a dream scenario." Speaking on 620-AM's Countdown to Opening Day show, Friedman said, "We still have a lot of work to do in terms of this division and this league, but as far as within the scope of what we can do, this offseason worked out very well in our estimation." One area they had looked to upgrade more was catcher, Friedman said, acknowledging "there were a few guys that we targeted that we felt like would have been really good fits," but"
Rays pack for spring training in Port Charlotte
February 10
Tampa Tribune
 
"Thursday was loading day for the Tampa Bay Rays, the day members of the clubhouse staff loaded trucks with equipment and gear for spring training, which starts in less than two weeks. Pitchers and catchers report to the Rays facility in Port Charlotte on Feb. 20 and have their first workout the next day. Position players report on Feb. 25 and the first full-squad workout is Feb. 26. Before that, the team will hold its annual Rays Fan Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 18 at Tropicana Field."
Former Tampa Bay Devil Ray Danny Clyburn killed in South Carolina shooting
February 8
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Outfielder Danny Clyburn came across as the strong, silent type during his brief time with the Devil Rays in 1999. Early Tuesday morning, according to police, he was shot to death following an argument in his South Carolina hometown. Clyburn, who was 37, made the opening day roster after being acquired late in spring training from Baltimore. He played in 28 games (20 starts), hitting .198 with three homers and five RBIs, before being sent to Triple A in June. He finished the 1999 season in Durham and was released the next spring. "He had outstanding God-given talent, loved to play the game, worked hard every day and carried himself in a quiet, classy manner," former Devil Rays general"
Rays' Joyce gets young ballplayers into the swing
February 8
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Matt Joyce remembers all too well the jitters of opening day at the Little League field. "I remember being nervous, terrified," he said during a break in his Sweet Swingin' Baseball Camp, at North Brandon Little League, in late January. Joyce, who played at North Brandon as a youngster, returned for a second year to get the kids pumped up for opening day, now just 10 days away. "This is awesome, to get these kids out here," said Joyce, a graduate of Armwood High School in Seffner and Florida Southern College in Lakeland. "They are getting to see faces up close that they normally see on TV.""
Leaner Evan Longoria focused on playing all 162 games for Tampa Bay Rays
February 5
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Third baseman Evan Longoria looks a little different coming into camp this spring. After spending the past two offseasons bulking up in workouts, Longoria is 10 to 15 pounds leaner and considerably looser, emphasizing flexibility over strength in an effort to avoid the muscle injuries (hamstring, quadriceps, oblique) that have sidelined him during the past two seasons. "That was the focus for me," Longoria said Friday. "I feel great. So I hope it pays off." After spending the past two offseasons at the Athletes' Performance facility near his offseason home in Arizona, Longoria opted for a less structured workout at a smaller facility, similar to what he did before the 2009 season, which he"
Rays win arbitration case against pitcher Jeff Niemann
February 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays say they don't like going to arbitration hearings, but they definitely have the routine down. Friday's ruling that they prevailed over right-hander Jeff Niemann extended their record to 5-0 under executive vice president Andrew Friedman and 6-0 overall. Niemann, who was 11-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 23 games last season and spent six weeks on the disabled list with a back strain, will make $2.75 million this season. He sought $3.2 million. The Rays went to a hearing with Niemann when the sides couldn't resolve "philosophical" differences by the Jan. 17 deadline to exchange figures. The Rays settled in time with their five other arbitration-eligible players: centerfielder B.J. Upton ($7"
Former Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Casey Kotchman agrees to deal with Cleveland Indians
February 3
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays were pleased with Casey Kotchman's play last season but felt enough need to upgrade their power production at first base that they spent a surprising $7.25 million to bring in Carlos Peña. On Thursday, Kotchman found a new home, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Indians for $3 million plus up to $1.75 million incentives. "Like I've always said, it's a privilege to put on a major-league uniform and I'm appreciative for the opportunity to be able to go to Cleveland and play for the Tribe,'' Kotchman said. The St. Petersburg native and Seminole High product resurrected his career playing at home last season, hitting .306 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs and leading major-league first"
Former Ray Kotchman signs with Indians
February 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"Casey Kotchman, who hit a career-best .306 last season while playing first base for the Tampa Bay Rays, accepted a one-year, $3 million deal Thursday from the Indians. "Like I've said before, it's an honor and a privilege to put on a major league uniform," Kotchman said. "And it's an honor to have the opportunity to put on another uniform. I want to take advantage of his opportunity and help (the Indians) continue and improve upon what they started last year." The Seminole product, playing in front of his hometown fans for the first time since high school, enjoyed the best offensive season of his career in 2011 while providing his normal steady glove at first. In addition to his"
Kotchman inks one-year deal with Tribe
February 3
MLB.com
 
"When Carlos Pena signed with the Rays last week, the message was clear that Casey Kotchman would be playing elsewhere this season. The Indians have agreed to sign the free-agent first baseman to a one-year deal worth $3 million, plus incentives, MLB.com has learned."
Johnson moving on after memorable Rays run
February 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"Dan and Holly Johnson welcomed their daughter, Ellison, into the world Dec. 13. "We've been a little bit busy with her," Johnson said. This offseason Johnson also started a home renovation business and a snow plowing business. "We've been busy with the renovations," Johnson said. "Not so busy with the snow plowing, because it hasn't been snowing here." "Here" being Ham Lake, Minn., where Tuesday's highs reached into the 50s. One other activity kept Johnson busy during these last few months: monitoring what the Tampa Bay Rays were doing at designated hitter and first base. The back-to-back signings of Luke Scott and Carlos Peña brought an end to Johnson's days as Tampa Bay's home"
Arbitration hearing today for Rays' Niemann
February 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann goes before a three-person panel today for a salary arbitration hearing. Niemann, 11-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 2011, is seeking a one-year, $3.2 million contract. The Rays offered $2.75 million. Niemann made $903,000 last season. The decision of the arbitrators will likely be rendered Friday."
Rays hero Johnson grateful for shot with Sox
February 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Dan Johnson played a heroic role in one of the most memorable nights in Major League Baseball history. Now Johnson gladly would settle for a contributing role with the White Sox after agreeing to a minor league contract. "I sense there's an opportunity there," the left-handed-hitting Johnson told the Tribune on Wednesday. "With that said, it's one of those things where I got the opportunity to come back.""
Pirates, Cruz agree to deal
February 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates signed right-hander Juan Cruz to a minor league contract and offered him an invitation to spring training. Cruz, 33, pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, pitching 482/3 innings in 56 relief appearances. He will likely compete with Chris Leroux, Jared Hughes, Tim Wood, Ryota Igarashi and others for a spot in a crowded bullpen or could provide depth in case of injury. Cruz also pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Oakland A's, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals in his 11-year major league career."
Young guns Moore, Reed top list
February 1
Foxsports.com
 
"In case you missed it earlier in the week, here is Part 1 of our rookie preview. Today we will examine the upper echelon of pitching prospects for the 2012 season. Starting Pitchers SP: Matt Moore, Rays Contrary to most adolescent arms, Moore's name is recognized by most hardball enthusiasts as a result of a seven-inning shutout performance against the Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS last fall. This exploit, coupled with Moore's Major League starting debut in the final week of the season (five innings, zero runs, four hits, 11 strikeouts), has generated the Tampa hurler to the forefront of the young gun discussion heading into the upcoming campaign. After his remarkable 2011 submission, one"
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Rays trade International League MVP Canzler to Indians
February 1
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Rays traded infielder Russ Canzler to the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday for cash considerations. Canzler, 25, was the 2011 Most Valuable Player of the International League and received a September call-up to the Rays. He appeared in three games as a pinch-hitter and designated hitter and had one hit. Canzler was designated for assignment Friday to clear room on the 40-man roster for veteran utility infielder Jeff Keppinger. Canzler was drafted in the 30th round by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 and signed as a minor-league free agent by Tampa Bay in November 2010."
Cleveland Indians acquired INF/OF Russ Canzler from Rays for cash
January 31
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians acquired right-handed hitting Russ Canzler from Tampa Bay for cash. Canzler, 25, was the International League's MVP last year at Class AAA Durham. He hit .314 (149-for-4784) with 40 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 83 RBI in 131 games. Canzler, 6-2 and 215 pounds, played 41 games in right field, 33 games in left, 40 games at third and 17 at first. He had a OPS of .931 for the season and 1.034 in the second half. Canzler hit .356 (63-for-177) with 17 doubles, eight homers and 30 RBI in 47 games after the Class AAA All-Star break."
Former Tampa Bay Rays DH Pat Burrell retires
January 31
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Pat Burrell retired on Monday, ending a 12-year career that included both one of the biggest hits and biggest misses in Rays history. In the 2008 World Series, playing for the Phillies against the Rays, Burrell smacked a seventh-inning double off J.P. Howell that led to the run that clinched the resumed Game 5, and thus the championship, for Philadelphia. Burrell then signed a hefty free-agent deal with the Rays — $16 million over two years — and doomed them again, ill-fitted for the DH role he signed up for, hitting just .218 with 16 homers and 77 RBIs and getting released six weeks into his second season."
Rays still have pitching to deal after filling most holes through free agency
January 29
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays' primary goal going into the offseason was to bolster their occasionally anemic offense without diminishing their dazzling defense. Additionally, they wanted to add a few experienced arms to their bullpen, improve their bench and solidify their catching. For the most part, they have done all that, though it sure seems they still need to add another experienced catcher, given that Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos, the potential partners for Jose Molina, have a combined 42 games in the majors. The surprise is how the Rays have done that: primarily by opening their checkbook — committing more than $18 million to five free agents — and without trading any starting pitchers. To think"
Rays sign utilityman Jeff Keppinger
January 28
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Jeff Keppinger not only knows what he's getting into with the Rays, he likes the sound of it. Having spent most of his career in the middle infield, Keppinger signed Friday — getting a one-year deal for $1.525 million plus incentives — to be the next product of the Tampa Bay superutilityman factory. Russ Canzler was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. "I'm up for anything," Keppinger said. "I like that prospect rather than a team just limiting me to be a backup at one position, so that kind of attracted me the most." Though he has made only eight appearances at first base and five in the outfield, and though the Giants let him go because they believed he wasn't"
Rays add infield depth, sign Keppinger to 1-year deal
January 28
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Rays signed veteran infielder Jeff Keppinger today to a one-year, $1.525 million deal with incentives. Keppinger, 31, who made $2.3 million in 2011 while splitting time between Houston and San Francisco, will give the Rays another right-handed bat as well as depth around the infield. He has played more than 100 games at second base, shortstop and third base during his seven-year career. He also has seen time at first base and all three outfield positions. His experience – albeit not much – in the outfield will create options for Joe Maddon as Maddon goes to his bench during the late innings. "Jeff is a good player who fits our club well," Rays executive vice president of baseball"
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
Oakland A's co-owner Lew Wolff not against signing Manny Ramirez
January 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The A's continued their offseason overhaul by finalizing a one-year deal with outfielder Jonny Gomes on Thursday, and adding Manny Ramirez to the mix reportedly wouldn't bother co-owner Lew Wolff one bit. Wolff told the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday that he would " have no problems with that on (Ramirez's) talent and his ability." Ramirez, a 12-time All-Star, is attempting a comeback and recently was linked to the A's in a report by ESPN Desportes. He can't play for anyone until the last week in May while he serves a 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy last season. Wolff told the Chronicle the suspension wouldn't reduce the A's interest, but he said ultimately"
Tampa Bay Rays close to deal with reserve infielder Jeff Keppinger
January 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays were looking for one more right-handed hitter to fill out their roster and have settled on veteran infielder Jeff Keppinger. The Rays and Keppinger are finalizing a deal, the Tampa Bay Times learned Wednesday, and, pending a successful physical exam today, an announcement is expected by Friday. Keppinger, 31, has played parts of seven seasons in the majors, splitting 2011 between the Astros, who traded him in July, and Giants, who let him go after the season."
Peña back with Rays, hopes to create more memories
January 25
Tampa Tribune
 
"The familiar smile that shone through the dark days and then helped transform the Tampa Bay Rays into a perennial playoff contender returned Tuesday to Tropicana Field. Its owner, Carlos Peña, officially rejoined the Rays, having passed a morning physical. "I'm glad to be back," Peña said. "As simple as you can explain it, I'm happy to be a Ray again." And the Rays are happy to have Peña back. The Rays' former first baseman was welcomed back Tuesday afternoon on a series of billboards throughout the Tampa Bay area."
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
January 25
Dallas Morning News
 
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Could rail get Rays' attendance on track?
January 24
Tampa Tribune
 
"Wishful thinking or not, city leaders hope a proposed light-rail system can help boost Tampa Bay Rays attendance and even quiet rumors that the Rays are Tampa-bound. Witness the comments at a Thursday night St. Petersburg City Council meeting. Speaking about Tropicana Field, Councilman Wengay Newton said light rail "is going to be a huge factor, because if you've been there, getting out of there is a huge nightmare." Councilman Karl Nurse noted how the Rays supported the failed campaign to build light rail in Hillsborough County. The Rays have a "clear understanding" of light rail's importance, Nurse said."
Johnny Damon would join select company in second tour of duty with Tigers
January 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"If the Tigers sign Johnny Damon to take Victor Martinez's place, he would join a distinguished group of players who have had a second tour with the Tigers. Damon played with the Tigers in 2010, then joined Tampa Bay as a free agent last season. In chronological order, here are some prominent "two-time" Tigers from recent decades: • Kirk Gibson: He played the first nine years of his career with the Tigers, then left as a free agent after the 1987 season for the Dodgers, for whom he became the National League MVP the following season. The Tigers signed Gibson as a free agent for the '93 season. He played with them until he retired in August 1995. • Dan Petry: He went to the Angels for Gary"
Tigers pursuing Johnny Damon, Roy Oswalt in free agency
January 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Tigers are pursuing Johnny Damon to fill the void left by Victor Martinez's knee injury, Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reported on Sunday. "And they should," he said. "He can hit in a number of lineup spots, which suits them well because Jim Leyland is still sorting through a number of lineup options." Damon, 38, is a career .286 hitter over 17 major league seasons and hit .271 with eight home runs and 11 stolen bases in 145 games with the Tigers in 2010."
Rays have simple reasons for recent spending decisions
January 22
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Big-bucks spending by the Rays is not typically a topic of conversation. But it was last week as they committed more than $16.5 million to their five arbitration eligibles then further pushed their payroll into the mid $60 million range by signing free agent 1B Carlos Peña ($7.25 million). The deals — and upcoming hearing with RHP Jeff Niemann — raised a few questions. • Why pay CF B.J. Upton $7 million, compared to $4.35 million for LHP David Price? Because they had to. Arbitration, as much as anything, is based on service time in the majors, specifically comparisons with other players in the same class. Upton was a third-time eligible, having made $3 million in 2010 and $4.825 million in"
Team still stocked with solid starters
January 22
Tampa Tribune
 
"It is now less than a month until the pitchers and catchers report to Port Charlotte and the Rays have all their starting pitchers. Surprised? Given the talk at the start of the offseason, when James Shields, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis were popping up in trade rumors, it is surprising. But Andrew Friedman is very protective of his stable of starters. It was going to take more than a handful of prospects for Friedman, the Rays executive vice president of baseball operations, to move one. Friedman was seeking help at the major league level, and as he's said often this offseason, moves of that nature are hard to line up. Besides, with basically every team looking for young pitching, why"
Pena could have folks smiling again
January 22
Tampa Tribune
 columnist Martin Fennelly
"The Rays are getting the band back together. It'll be Longo on drums, B.J. on lead guitar and 'Los on first base. Just you wait. Next month, Carl Crawford is going to come crawling under the fence at Rays spring training. First things first: Carlos Pena is back, and to some that means more than home runs – or strikeouts. When the news broke Friday, I'm sure there were Rays fans rummaging through closets or hampers for their No. 23 jerseys. There aren't many second acts for athletes in towns that they loved and towns that often loved them. This is one. And there's this: Last September, I was in Chicago, at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were playing and a fierce wind was blowing in. It didn't"
Carlos Peña returning to the Rays
January 21
Tampa Tribune
 
"James Shields caught up with his old teammate Carlos Peña this offseason at a celebrity golf tournament near Orlando, and he listened as Peña raved about his days with the Rays. "He loved it here," Shields said. Peña reached his potential during his four years with the Rays and helped turn the franchise from the hapless Devil Rays into the playoff-contending Rays before leaving for the Cubs as a free agent after the 2010 season. Now the Rays, looking very much to contend again in 2012, have asked Peña to come home. The 33-year-old power-hitting first baseman with one Gold Glove on his résumé agreed Friday to a one-year, $7.25 million contract. The deal will be finalized early next week."
Rays re-sign first baseman Carlos Peña
January 21
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Carlos Peña can be a loquacious and inspirational speaker, but on Friday he needed only two words — well, and five exclamation points — in a text message to convey how he felt about returning to the Rays: "Sooooo excited ... !!!!!" Peña is headed back after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $7.25 million contract that is expected to be officially announced — and thoroughly discussed — after his physical exam on Tuesday. The deal is the second step, following last week's signing of DH Luke Scott, of what the Rays project to be a significant upgrade of their offense. Peña averaged 36 homers and 102 RBIs during his 2007-10 stint with the Rays, while playing stellar defense and providing"
Former Tigers second baseman Will Rhymes among four invited to Tampa Bay Rays spring training camp
January 20
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Will Rhymes likes what he sees in the Rays. And he looks like their kind of player. Now it's a question if the former Tigers infielder can win a spot on the roster. Rhymes, 28, signed a minor-league contract with the Rays that includes an invitation to spring training and the chance to compete, most likely with Elliot Johnson, for a bench job. "Their style of play really appealed to me, the way they run their organization, how they do things," Rhymes said. The Rays also announced the signings of outfielder Jesus Feliciano, 32, who has played 54 big-league games (2010 Mets) in a 14-year pro career; right-handed reliever Romulo Sanchez, 27, who has brief big-league time with the Pirates"
Foster reports to council: 'Rays want to look around'
January 20
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Rays declined St. Petersburg's offer to help look for a new stadium site within Pinellas County earlier this week, but Mayor Bill Foster was nonetheless upbeat Thursday about the team's future in the city. Foster also downplayed the stadium standoff's urgency as he gave a briefing to the St. Petersburg City Council. "There is no dire urgency for us to develop plans this year or next," he told the council. Foster and Rays owner Stuart Sternberg got together for a much-anticipated summit Tuesday to talk about the Rays future in St. Petersburg. Foster had revealed some of what happened to reporters earlier this week, but he opened up about the discussion to the council on"
Tampa Bay Rays area's last hope for sports success this year
January 19
St. Petersburg Times
 columnist Gary Shelton
"They have been ranked as the No. 1 team in baseball for the coming year. If it's all the same to you, Rays fans would like that number to be guaranteed. They have added a bit of pop in free agent Luke Scott. For those who have seen this lineup silenced too often, however, a bit more sounds like a fine idea. They have stared at the payroll numbers following the new contracts for B.J. Upton and David Price and did not blink. On the other hand, their followers would prefer they spend more. And so it goes. Every day, you look toward the Rays to see if a new addition has come aboard. Have they signed a first baseman? Have they made a trade for a shortstop? Have they found a catcher on the"
A column Rays' Sternberg, Mayor Foster can't refuse
January 19
Tampa Tribune
 columnist Martin Fennelly
"So the Tampa Bay Rays' owner and St. Petersburg mayor have met. Was that really so difficult? Apparently nothing earthshaking emerged between Rays owner Stu Sternberg and St. Petersburg mayor Bill "Secret Plan" Foster. Here's a tip: When people start talking up a meeting between a baseball owner and a mayor as if it was Yalta, beware. We still have no idea if the Rays are going to get a new joint, or where it will be, and what this mayor's end game is other than not being the mayor who let the Rays leave. That's going to take the magic word: Lawyers. Yes, things have been testy at times, but at least none of the following has ever been said — yet:"
Foster optimistic after talking with Rays' Sternberg
January 19
Tampa Tribune
 
"St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster says he left his meeting with Rays owner Stuart Sternberg earlier this week optimistic the Tampa Bay Rays will honor the team's agreement to play at Tropicana Field until 2027. "There was nothing in the conversation that gave me the impression they intended to violate the terms of the use agreement," Foster said Wednesday. Foster met with Sternberg for more than an hour Tuesday afternoon at Tropicana Field to discuss the stadium and other issues, including perpetually low attendance at Rays home games. Sternberg has said the stadium's location is a large part of the reason for the team's attendance woes and wants to explore sites for a new stadium outside"
Tampa Bay Rays reach one-year deals with B.J. Upton, David Price
January 18
St. Petersburg Times
 
"With the exception of Jeff Niemann — who is headed to a hearing next month — everyone else involved in Tuesday's resolution of the Rays' remaining arbitration cases seemed pleased. Certainly starter David Price, who more than tripled his salary to $4.35 million and joked that he may celebrate by investing with an even richer Tampa-based player. "I might ask (Yankees star Derek) Jeter if I can buy a wing in his house for a little while," Price joked. Also centerfielder B.J. Upton, who got a hefty raise to $7 million, making him the team's second-highest paid player. And even the Rays, who also struck a one-year deal with reliever Burke Badenhop for $1.075 million, with executive vice"
No Rays' stadium solutions after Sternberg, mayor meet
January 18
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said Tuesday he is optimistic the team will resolve its stadium troubles even though it came no closer to a solution during his meeting with St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster. Sternberg and Foster met for more than an hour Tuesday afternoon at Tropicana Field to discuss stadium matters and other issues. Sternberg didn't go into details in a short interview afterward, but said the team and Foster reached no deals on the Rays' future in the city."
Price, Upton agree to one-year deals with Rays
January 17
Tampa Tribune
 
"What is David Price going to do with his new riches? He's not sure, but the Rays left-hand pitcher who agreed today to a one-year deal worth $4.35 million, offered this idea: "I might ask (Derek) Jeter if I can buy a wing in his house for a little while," Price said this afternoon during a conference call. Price, a Super 2 player who opted out of the final year of the six-year contract he signed after being drafted in 2007, received the most money for a first-time arbitration-eligible player since former Marlin Dontrelle Willis signed for the same amount in 2006. When asked how it feels to tie Willis, Price joked, "It's awesome. You're always trying to set records, so it's pretty cool that"
Future looks brighter for Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 draft class despite summer struggles
January 17
St. Petersburg Times
 
"For most of this past summer in Princeton, W. Va., the future of the Rays — draft class of 2010, anyway — didn't look too promising. Drew Vettleson, the outfielder chosen 42nd overall by the Rays, alternated warm-and-cold on his way to hitting .282 in his first pro season. Justin O'Conner, the catcher selected 31st, rallied in the final 10 games to finish with a .157 average. And Josh Sale, the well-muscled outfielder they took 17th overall, marked his arrival with a homer in his first pro at-bat but hit only three more on the way to a .210 showing."
Rays re-sign J.P. Howell, talk with 4 other arbitration-eligible players
January 17
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Rays struck a one-year, $1.35 million deal with reliever J.P. Howell Monday but went into this morning facing the potential of four arbitration hearings if agreements aren't reached by the 1 p.m. deadline. The remaining eligibles include two of the Rays' top players: centerfielder B.J. Upton, who is in line to make $6.5 million to $7 million; and lefty starter David Price, expected to get around $4.5 million. Also in play are starter Jeff Niemann (likely in the $2.5 million-$3 million range) and reliever Burke Badenhop (around $1 million)."
Decisions loom for Rays on Price, Upton deals
January 17
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher David Price is inching closer to the biggest payday of his professional career. The same goes for center fielder B.J. Upton. The two are the priciest of the four remaining arbitration-eligible Rays, a list that includes starter Jeff Niemann and recently acquired right-handed reliever Burke Badenhop. Major league teams have until noon today to exchange contract figures with the representatives of their arbitration-eligible players. If agreements are not reached, the sides head to arbitration hearings, which begin Feb. 1."
Rays face business decision if choosing Tampa
January 17
Tampa Tribune
 columnist Joe Henderson
"I doubt much will come from the ballyhooed meeting today between St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and Tampa Bay Rays owner Stu Sternberg about a new baseball stadium, unless Foster's head explodes from holding his breath until the team agrees to a new deal in Pinellas County. While that would be entertaining, it probably won't happen. So in the interests of seeing Tropicana Field go one-on-one with a wrecking ball as quickly as possible, let's move this thing along, shall we? Mayor Foster, you're wasting oxygen and time in arguing to keep the Rays in St. Petersburg. Ain't gonna happen, no matter how many times you wave that lease in Sternberg's face that theoretically binds them to the"