Home for the holidays ...

St. Pete native Doug Waechter wasn't having much fun Christmas shopping on Friday but he was thrilled to not be going anywhere else to resume his career.

Waechter - who expects to be pitching in games by June following October shoulder surgery - signed a minor-league deal with the Rays that includes an invitation to spring training.

Waechter struggled through a miserable 2006 season in the majors and at Triple-A but figures to do much better with the fraying in his labrum and rotator cuff now cleaned up. He expects to pitch for the Rays in the major leagues sometime during the 2007 season.

Minor additions ...

In addition to finalizing the deal with veteran reliever Al Reyes that was mentioned here last week, the Rays added two more former major-leaguers to their spring training roster, signing pitcher Gary Glover and outfielder Jason Grabowski to minor-league deals.

Both spent last season in Japan. Glover, 30, is 21-18 with a 5.03 in 149 big-league games with the Blue Jays, White Sox, Angels and Brewers. Grabowski, 29, has a .196 career average in 190 big-league games with the A's and Dodgers. most in 2004.

Reyes, 36, could have a legit chance to win a job in the bullpen if he comes back from Tommy John surgery anywhere near the form he showed in 2005 for St. Louis, when he was 4-2 with a 2.15 ERA and held opponents to a .177 average over 65 games. Reyes spent most of 2006 rehabbing from surgery and could provide the veteran presence the Rays sorely need at the back end of the bullpen.

Also, check the Friday paper for an update and some interesting news about OF Jonny Gomes.

Heading east ....

Rays CF Rocco Baldelli still isn't heading anywhere, despite a continued flurry of trade rumors. But former Rays outfielder Damon Hollins is on the verge of a big move, as he is about to finalize a deal to play next season in Japan.

The Rays chose to let Hollins go at the Dec. 12 nontender deadline, deciding the spot on the 40-man roster was more valuable than keeping Hollins as the fourth or fifth outfielder. They did so knowing they could have a need if they were to trade Baldelli - or Carl Crawford or Delmon Young for that matter - and probably were planning on having the option to resign Hollins if necessary. But that isn't going to be possible once Hollins - who also drew interest from several major-league teams - formalizes what is likely to be a lucrative deal to play in Japan.

As for Baldelli, most of the latest rumors involve the Braves, and some are pretty darn creative. One that is being talking about in the media there involves a three-way deal in which Baldelli goes to the Braves, 1B Adam LaRoche to the Orioles and closer Chris Ray to the Rays. The problem with that, obviously, is that as much as Ray would be a good pickup, the Rays would be looking for more. Like lefty Chuck James. To see what Braves fans think, take a look at http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2006/12/20/braves_brass_in.html

Also, Casey Fossum was out and about Wednesday doing some holiday shopping and said his surgically repaired left shoulder is feeling great and that he already was throwing from a distance of 90 feet, which is a good sign since the Rays are going to need him. Former Ray Rob Bell was out too, and said he has signed a minor-league deal with the Orioles, but he too is exploring possibilities in Japan. Both wanted to know what was going on with Baldelli.

Rocco rumors, again

Gift-seekers may not be the only ones looking to do some last-minute holiday shopping. Rumors are starting to fly again about interest in Rays centerfielder Rocco Baldelli, with the Braves and Rockies mentioned most prominently.

Baldelli has been a popular subject of conversation throughout the offseason, but it only makes sense that the huge deal Vernon Wells just got from the Blue Jays ($126-million over seven years) has made Baldelli an even hotter commodity. For the same reason, he is also probably that much tougher for the Rays to trade, too.

He would be especially appealing to the Braves, who - in their new world of limited finances - know they are going to lose free-agent-to-be CF Andruw Jones and may be more determined to trade him first.

As much as some Braves backers refuse to admit it, they likely would have to part with lefthander Chuck James to make a deal, as well as another piece or two from a group that could include  reliever Joey Devine, pitcher Kyle Davies, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, first baseman Adam LaRoche.

The Rockies reportedly would offer SS Clint Barmes and a couple of pitchers, one of whom - the theory goes - they would trade just acquired OF Willy Taveras to get. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd, however, said Monday there are no talks ongoing with the Rays.

Tomorrow, though, could be different.

Iwamura a $12-million Ray

The Devil Rays on Friday made their first - and perhaps only - significant addition of the off-season, completing a deal with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura that cost them more than $12-million.

Iwamura agreed to a three-year contract for $7.45-million, and includes a 2010 team option for at least $4.25-million (it can go up to $5.25-million based on plate appearances) or a buyout of at least $250,000 (or up to $750,000) for a total guarantee of $7.7-million. Iwamura will have the opportunity to be a free agent at the end of the contract. With the $4.55-million posting fee the Rays have to pay to Iwamura's former Yakult team, their total commitment is $12.25-million.

Iwamura, 27, was a five-time All-Star in eight seasons with the Swallows, compiling a .300 average while hitting 188 homers and knocking in 570 runs. He had a sudden surge of power over the last three seasons, hitting 44 homers in 2004, 30 in 2005 and 32 last season, though he is not expected to hit for as much power against major-league pitching. He hit .311 last season - fifth best in the Central League.

"We are very pleased to add a player of Akinori's ability to our organization,'' Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "Aki is a complete player who will make a significant impact on our club.''

The Rays aren't sure exactly how they will use Iwamura. He won five Gold Gloves at third base, but the Rays are considering moving him to second. That, though, could be predicated on trading Jorge Cantu or shifting him to first.

Iwamura deal just about done

As the Rays worked Thursday to finalize details of their three-year contract with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura, Major League Baseball nullifed a deal the Rays made earlier in the week.

The Rays claimed pitcher Bobby Livingston off waivers from Seattle and then immediately traded him to the Phillies in return for about $50,000. MLB ruled that the move essentially allowed the Phillies to circumvent the waiver process and nullified both the trade and the waiver claim. Livingston was then awarded to the Reds, who were next in line to claim him after the Rays.

The deal with Iwamura, which will include an option, is expected to be completed Friday morning and announced shortly thereafter. The Rays face a midnight Friday deadline. Iwamura is likely to be guaranteed between $7.5- and $8-million, and will have the right to become a free agent at the end of the contract.

The Rays are also expected to re-sign reliever Al Reyes to a minor-league deal and will bring him to spring training with a chance to win a job in the bullpen.

The Voice is changing

The firing Tuesday of longtime PA announcer Bill Couch is the latest step in what appears to be a massive overhaul of the game-day production staff. Couch said three others from that department, including producer Becky Shultz, have also been let go and more could be. Couch, the voice of the Rays since their inception at spring training and regular season games, was upset at the way his dismissal was handled and questioned whether management was headed in the right direction.

Goodbye Mr. Hollins

In an effort to create space on the 40-man roster, the Devil Rays on Tuesday decided to not tender a contract to OF Damon Hollins, making him a free agent.

They did so ostensibly so there is room to add Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura, who they remain optimistic about signing by Friday's deadline, as well as a potential utility infielder. With Hollins gone, the roster is currently at 38.

The move didn't save them much - if any - money, as Hollins was going to make around $400,000 next season and any replacement (rookie Elijah Dukes' chances just went up) would make at least $380,000. It really was more about the roster spot, and the flexibility it affords them.

Plus, by dropping Hollins now, the Rays would have the option - say, should they trade Rocco Baldelli or Carl Crawford and suddenly have a need for a veteran - to resign Hollins and bring him straight to the majors.

   Hollins, 32, hit .228 in 121 games last season with 15 home runs and 33 RBIs. He had spent most of 13 seasons in the minors until the Rays called him up during the 2005 season. Hollins was a steady, low-maintenance veteran around the clubhouse, was versatile enough to play all three outfield spots, and was a close friend of Crawford.

Also, the Rays continued negotiations with agent Alan Nero and remain optimistic about having a deal with Iwamura in advance of Friday's midnight deadline.

And there appears to be zero truth to the latest Rocco Baldelli trade rumor - a three-way deal with the Reds and Blue Jays that would have landed Baldelli in Cincinnati.

If only they were free ....

The Rays didn't have much chance to sign any of the top-notch free agents given the soaring prices and their budget constrictions. But the market will be infused with new names on Tuesday night as teams cut loose players rather than tender them contracts.

Players eligible for arbitration are usually the prime targets, because teams don't want to give them huge raises as a result of the process. Non-tendered players can be signed for any price. Some interesting names are being mentioned as possible non-tenders - pitchers Joel Pineiro, Rodrigo Lopez, and Chris Reitsma; infielders Marcus Giles and Ben Broussard; and outfielder Brad Wilkerson.

Two players the Rays traded to the Dodgers are also candidates to be set free - pitcher Mark Hendrickson and catcher Toby Hall.

The Rays made one of the best signings last season when they plucked Ty Wigginton off the non-tender pile for $675,000.

Also, the Rays on Thursday will announce formalization of the plan to move the May 15-17 series with Texas to the Disney Wide World of Sports complex.

Weekend outlook

Rays officials talked Friday with Alan Nero, the agent for Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura, and made some progress. There has been a substantial gap in terms of finances and contract structure, and they have only until Dec. 15 to work out a deal or Iwamura has to play in Japan next season. Despite the differences, both the Rays and Nero have expressed optimism they will be able to work something out.

The Rays continue to discuss possible trades of CF Rocco Baldelli, with the Braves among the most interested teams. While lefthander Chuck James would seem to be the type of pitcher the Rays are interested in, the Braves may be more likely to talk about righthander Kyle Davies and position playing prospects such as catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and shortstop Yunel Escobar.

The Rays are talking to several teams, including the Orioles and White Sox, about Baldelli. Some of the teams that have interest in Baldelli are involved in signing free agent pitchers, which would impact which young pitchers they would be willing to deal. That means it may take longer for a deal to be made - if the Rays really want to make it.

Good bye to Josh?

Josh Hamilton, the talented but troubled outfielder, could be in the major leagues this season, but not with the Devil Rays. Hamilton was being selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft Thursday morning and then traded to the Reds, who will have to keep him on their major-league roster all season. If he doesn't make it - and it will be a big jump - the Reds would have to put him through waivers and then offer him back to the Devil Rays for $25,000, half of the original drafting fee. Hamilton - the celebrated top pick in the 1999 draft, made it back to the minors this season after missing more than four years with injuries and drug problems.

Rocco rumors growing ...

There was no official word, but there was been plenty of talk and speculation about Devil Rays centerfielder Rocco Baldelli throughout Wednesday at the winter meetings.

Among the more interesting rumors are potential deals with a) the Braves, who could offer up lefty Chuck James as part of a package; b) the Orioles, who could offer a combination of Daniel Cabrera, Hayden Penn and Adam Loewen; and c) Dodgers, who could offer any of several top young pitchers, such as Chad Billingsley, and might be more willing to do so after signing top free agent Jason Schmidt.

The White Sox and Tigers may also still be, and the Marlins remain a possibility despite breaking off talks earlier.

There was even some interesting chatter was about a potential three-way blockbuster in which Baldelli would go to the Braves, All-Star Andruw Jones would go to the Dodgers and the Rays would end up with a pair of elite young pitchers.

Nothing appears to be imminent, though talks are likely to continue even after the winter meetings end Thursday, as are conversations about other Rays, such as Carl Crawford, Delmon Young, B.J. Upton and Jorge Cantu. It will be interesting to see if the Rays feel they are getting enough back to make one of these deals.

More winter wonders...

The Rays did lots of talking Tuesday at the winter meetings.

They talked to lots of other teams about a lot of trade possibilities. Though they wouldn't say much, it sounds like most of the talk had to do with centerfielder Rocco Baldelli, who is attractive to other teams because of his talent and his modest contract. Top possibilities for Baldelli include the Braves, Dodgers, Orioles, Dodgers, Tigers, and White Sox, with some also interested in Carl Crawford and/or Delmon Young.

They also talked to a number of free agents, making an offer to free-agent closer Octavio Dotel and having in-depth discussions about David Riske and Russ Springer.

Also, the Rays won't sign Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura until Friday at the earliest, they are talking about other players in potential trades such as Jorge Cantu, they are still interested in free agent 1B Darin Erstad, and they talked with Scott Kazmir's agent about a potential long-term deal.

Infielder B.J. Upton, in town for a Baseball America banquet, said his sore left shoulder is feeling better and he would open to move to the outfield if necessary.

Former Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo got the free-agent money he was looking for, agreeing to a four-year, $36-million deal with Boston.

Barry interesting?

Most likely, Barry Bonds is going back to the Giants. GM Brian Sabean came out Monday sounding almost apologetic, saying they never meant to make it appear they didn't want him. Agent Jeff Borris confirmed they were talking  - "talking a lot.'  And another round of discussions - if not serious negotiations - started at about 1 a.m. Tuesday.

But that may not have stopped the Rays from at least raising THE issue - that they might be interested in signing the controversial slugger.

The Rays met Monday night with representatives from the Beverly Hills Sports Council. The agents that make up the council represent a number of veteran relievers that are among those the Rays likely have interest in, including Octavio Dotel, Matt Herges, Rick White, Keith Foulke, and Arthur Rhodes.

And - through Borris - they also represent Bonds.

"We met with the Rays tonight,'' Borris said in the lobby of the main winter meetings hotel around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday. "But I don't want to say if we talked about Barry or not. I want to respect their privacy.''

If the Rays did express interest, they were probably well aware it was a long shot.

Borris said Bonds' desire has been to go to a team with a good shot to get to the postseason, which the Rays are not. And while Bonds is going to get a hefty contract probably in excess of $10-million, the Rays likely would have wanted to base any deal heavily on incentives to protect them should Bonds be injured or unavailable to play due to certain legal or other issues.

At the least, it's an interesting idea.

Winter wonders ...

Rays officials arrived mid-day Monday at the Disney Dolphin resort and immediately delved into meetings that lasted much of the day and night. First internally, then with representatives of other teams and agents representing free agents.

Their primary goal is to improve their bullpen, and Friedman said there are options via trades and with free agents. Possibilities include Russ Springer, David Riske and Octavio Dotel, though the Rays aren't going to commit a lot of money or sign a veteran for very long.

* Friedman said they are also discovering “a tremendous amount of interest” in their young players. Outfielders Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford - whose modest long-term contracts make them even more attractive - are primary topics of conversation, but trade talks may also include B.J. Upton (whom the Marlins have asked about) and Jorge Cantu.

* Talks with Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura are going to continue this week, but according to agent Alan Nero they are nowhere close to a deal, with significant gaps in both dollars and structure. Iwamura is scheduled to take a physical on Tuesday and return to Japan on Wednesday, most likely without being signed. The Rays have until Dec. 15 to sign him.

* The plan to shift the three-game May 15-17 series against Texas to the Disney complex is close to getting the necessary approvals but won't be made official this week.

 

Chatter, and some talks

So far the scene at winter meetings is pretty relaxed - baseball officials checking in the Dolphin and Swan resorts on the Disney property, having friendly conversations and sharing a few laughs and cold drinks around the lobby.

Things will get a little more serious on Monday as the rest of the teams - including the Devil Rays - arrive, as will some of the big-name agents, as well as Scott Boras, who represents many of the top free agents.

The Rays continued the courting of Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura Sunday night over dinner with executive vice president Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon, who flew in from California. Friedman said talks with agent Alan Nero went well and progress was made.

  "Nothing is imminent, but we will continue to have dialogue this week and we're optimistic about getting a deal done well in advance of our (Dec. 15) deadline,'' Friedman said.

The Rays bid $4.5-million for the rights to Iwamura, and he is reportedly seeking a deal for around $5-million over two years with an option. The sides have until Dec. 15 to work something out.

It's just three games, he says

Gary Shelton writes about the team's plans to  plays three games in Orlando next May.

"It was troubling 17 years ago when it was Hugh Culverhouse talking about a dalliance with Orlando and, yeah, it's a little unsettling to hear Stu Sternberg singing the same lyrics...."

Read more of Shelton's column, then share your thoughts here.