Rays in talks with Floyd

The Rays are in serious discussions to sign free-agent OF Cliff Floyd, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed this evening.

Tampa Bay, seeking a left-handed bat who can play outfield as well as be plugged into the DH spot, could sign Floyd by this weekend.

The crop of left-handed hitting outfielders shrunk earlier today when Astros OF Luke Scott, another Rays target, was one of five players traded to Baltimore in exchange for All-Star SS Miguel Tejada.

The 35-year-old Floyd, who became a free agent in November when the Cubs declined his $5 million option for 2008, has a history of injury problems and has played in more than 113 games just one of his past five seasons. But the Rays believe including him in a three-pronged RF/DH platoon with Jonny Gomes and Rocco Baldelli, would limit his wear and he can remain healthy. Floyd has spent most of his 13-year career in the NL, so he's been forced to play the field. 

He hit a respectable .284 last season in 108 games with the Cubs, and also had a .373 on-base percentage, showing he has the plate discipline that the Rays are looking for. He would also add a veteran presence and provide leadership to a young Tampa Bay clubhouse, much like recent addition Troy Percival.

Comments

[ryan callahan]

I think this would be a nice step in the right direction for the rays. we need a lefty bat and a right fielder, so it only makes sense to get 2 in one. floyd has hit a bump in the road the past few years, but he is still a good veteran presance and i think he has the ability to hit .275.

[Reality]

Over/under on games played.......
60.....

I take the under.....

[al o'brien]

Not a bad move at all. Match up Floyd with the Rays' crack medical staff, give him plenty of time at DH and he's a good bet for 400 moderate-power, good-OBP PA's. Not the difference that makes the difference, but more evidence that replacing Delmon's production in right won't be too hard.

[real reality]

Even with the injuries, the last time Floyd played less than 60 games in a season was 1995. But thanks for the exaggeration and typical response to anything the Rays do, Reality.

[the true bax]

This is the kind of move Naimoli-Lamarr would have made. Same bad old days.

[Steve]

Its only a Namoli-esque move if the Floyd Deal is a 4 year deal for 60 mil

a 1 year deal with maybe an Option year isn't that bad of a deal. Maybe health incentives?

[Charlie Troeger]

The more you read the Blog's the more you see the tide turning in favor of the Rays. A lot less Na-Sayers now. It's beginning to look a lot like (Christmas Yes but No) A PLAYOFF TEAM. Say Happy New Year for the Rays

[Winston]

"But thanks for the exaggeration and typical response to anything the Rays do..."

Classic. I love it. I am on a message board with someone right now that is still upset over the Garza for Young trade. His main point in his argument is trading an everyday player for a once every five day player is stupid.

As for the Cliff Floyd signing, time will tell. I would love for him to play well and help this team move to the next level. Fans need to remember he is a hole-filler and won't be on the team very long. He will keep the position warm for the next prospect.

[dave]

"Ten years ago the Rays were signing Greg Vaughn to the biggest contract possible after he had just finished a mega-fluke performance with the Padres. Now they're signing Cliff Floyd as a bit player for a reasonable contract at a time when he's pretty underrated."

From the comments at Baseball Think Factory on the Floyd rumor. A different take on the comparison of the current management to the Naimoli/LaMar regime.