Rankings galore

Both espn.com's Keith Law and Baseball Prospectus released their rankings today of the game's top 100 prospects, and the Rays are well represented.
Law has 3B Evan Longoria as the No. 1 overall prospect and - more surprisingly - has OF Desmond Jennings, who played last season at Class A Columbus, ranked 11th overall.
He had more Rays, nine, than players from any other team.
The other Rays on Law's list:
15. RHP Wade Davis
16. LHP David Price
26. LHP Jake McGee
49. SS Reid Brignac
72. Fernando Perez
75. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
78. C John Jaso

Law's criteria, as he explained it:
Players who have lost their rookie eligibility are not eligible for this list, nor are players coming over from either of the major Japanese leagues; while they're rookies for the purpose of the Rookie of the Year awards, they're not "prospects" in any sense of the term. I consider a number of factors when ranking prospects, including ceiling, probability, expected time to reach the majors and expected time to become contributors in the majors, but I do not consider factors like whether the player has a place to play in his current organization, or whether his big league club's home park is friendly or unfriendly for him, although I may mention such things in the comments. Unlike last year's list, I've expanded the scope to include players with little or no pro experience.

The Baseball Prospectus list, by Kevin Goldstein, includes six Rays, led by Longoria, who was third overall, behind Reds OF Jay Bruce and Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz.
The other Rays on his list:
6. LHP David Price
15. RHP Wade Davis
18. OF Desmond Jennings
25. SS Reid Brignac
40. LHP Jake McGee

Rays or Marlins

ESPN.com poses that question in Thursday's installement of their Hot Stove Heater debates. Or more specificially, who will be the better team in 2010. There will be a live chat starting at 2 p.m., but - spoiler alert - the conclusion of writer Sean McAdam is that the Rays will be better.

His reasons:

Track record should mean something here. The Marlins have won championships twice and rebuilt both times. Their front office -- Larry Beinfest, Mike Hill, Dan Jennings -- has proven an ability to recognize and develop young talent and has been locked up for the long term, ensuring stability. But there?s no denying that the Rays' talent pool is greater. Their outfield is already more accomplished and assuming Longoria and Brignac are as good as advertised, the infield stands to be better, too. The real advantage, however, comes in the pitching department. A projected rotation of Kazmir, Shields, Garza and Price -- augmented by others -- is clearly superior to what the Marlins have in stock. Finally, there's no guarantee -- given Florida?s self-imposed payroll limitations and penchant for dealing off young stars -- that Ramirez will be in a Marlins uniform in 2010. My choice is the Rays; let the debate begin!

Sounds like "whew" ...

That rustling in the air through downtown St. Petersburg may have been a sigh of relief coming from Tropicana Field.
Don't think the Rays weren't happy to see Johan Santana traded to the Mets.
Not only did the pending deal get Santana out of the American League, but more importantly it kept him from coming into the AL East, where as a member of the Red Sox or Yankees the Rays could have had to face him four or five times a season for the next half-dozen years.
Santana's bottom-line numbers against the Rays aren't staggering - he is 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 career appearances - but he has dominated them at times. Rays batters had just a .195 average against him, and struck out 76 times in 61 1/3 innings (including 62 in the last 50 2/3 innings).
Now they can hope the Orioles trade Erik Bedard (who is 10-3, 2.94 in 19 games against them), and the performance-enhancing drugs controversy proves to be too distracting for the Yankees' Andy Pettitte (13-2, 3.53 against the Rays).

Emcee wanted ...

Continuing our series of classified ads for the Rays, the team said today it is looking for an emcee.

Rusty Kath, who handled the duties last season and turned it into a spotlight role, will be back but on a limited schedule, so technically, the Rays are looking for a "co-host" to split the duties.

Here are the details, from the team release:
Talented hopefuls should submit a demo reel, photo and resume to Tropicana Field between January 31^st and February 14^th.  Ten finalists will be invited to a live audition held at Tropicana Field on February 21^st (invitation only). Applicants will be judged on personality, baseball knowledge and public speaking skills.
Those interested should submit their DVD demo reel, photo and resume to:
Tampa Bay Rays, Attention: MC Auditions
1 Tropicana Drive
St. Petersburg FL 33705

Interested candidates may call (727) 825-3151 for more information.

Rays want you to get crazy

The Rays are holding open casting calls this week for members of the Ray Team.

What does that mean? Well, those are the people who run, jump, dance and launch T-shirts around the stadium during games, trying to get fans excited.

So what do you have to do to be one of them?

Here's what the Rays say they are looking for, and we note their optimism in the last two words:
The Rays are seeking energetic, outgoing individuals who not only possess a winning personality, but also enjoy performing their various talents (i.e. dancing, cheering, tumbling, singing and public speaking) in front of a large crowd.

If you are interested, the auditions are Thursday and Friday night, 6-9 p.m., at the Trop.

Here are the specifics from the Rays release:

• Applicants may attend one session only.

• Applicants wishing to demonstrate their dance skills are encouraged to bring a music track on a CD with a length of no more than one minute.

• Registrations will begin at 6 p.m. and interviews will start at 6:30 p.m.

• Casting call sessions will end at 9 p.m.

• Registration will take place inside Gate 4 on the east side of Tropicana Field.

• Applicants are encouraged to park in Lot 1 of Tropicana Field (16th St. and 4th Ave. South).

Applicants needing more information may call (727) 825-3151.

Josh's story

Former Rays phenom Josh Hamilton, traded from the Reds to the Rangers during the winter, is offering more and more details of just how far he fell due to drugs and alcohol, and seems to find more and more strength in his faith,  and Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News does a nice job capturing Josh's story.

Prospecting ...

In counting down the days until the start of spring training, one of the most interesting days is when the Baseball America Prospect Handbook arrives. And it came today ...
The experts at BA go 30-deep in their rankings for each team, which even those who follow the Rays closely will find fascinating.
While their top 10 can spur some debate - such as 3B Evan Longoria or LHP David Price at No. 1, OF Desmond Jennings soaring ahead of RHP Jeff Niemann to be No. 6 - it's where they go from there that can be even more intriguing.
Note, for example, how highly - 11th - they rank LHP Glenn Gibson, the low-level minor-leaguer acquired for Elijah Dukes, and how low they place such previously touted players such as RHP Mitch Talbot (21st) and two who could make the opening day roster, OF Justin Ruggiano (27th) and INF Joel Guzman (29th).
So with that big buildup, here's their top 30:
1. 3B Evan Longoria
2. LHP David Price
3. LHP Jake McGee
4. RHP Wade Davis
5. SS Reid Brignac
6. OF Desmond Jennings
7. RHP Jeff Niemann
8. RHP Jeremy Hellickson
9. OF Ryan Royster
10. RHP Chris Mason
11. LHP Glenn Gibson (acquired from Washington for Elijah Dukes)
12. RHP Juan Salas
13. C John Jaso
14. RHP Alex Cobb
15. RHP Eduardo Morlan (acquired from Twins in Delmon Young trade)
16. RHP Josh Butler
17. RHP Nick Barnese
18. LHP James Houser
19. RHP Heath Rollins
20. RHP Matt Walker
21. RHP Mitch Talbot
22. C Mike McCormick
23. RHP Will Kline
24. RHP Wade Townsend
25. OF Fernando Perez
26. C Nevin Ashley
27. OF Justin Ruggiano
28. 1B Rhyne Hughes
29. 3B/1B Joel Guzman
30. OF D.J. Jones

Pena checks out okay

Rays 1B Carlos Pena passed his physical exam on Thursday, leaving only the paperwork to be finalized on the three-year, $24.125-million deal announced last week. Pena had agreed to a one-year, $6-million deal in the interim until he returned to the Tampa Bay area from the Dominican Republic, where he had been working out.

RHP James Shields said one of the reasons he agreed to the potential seven-year, $44-million deal was because he wanted to be with the Rays for a long time. And as part of that, he may move from Las Vegas to the Tampa Bay area. His daughter is due to start kindergarten in the fall, and Shields and his wife are contemplating relocating. ... As part of his contract, Shields will donate up to $650,000 to the team charitable foundation.

LHP Casey Fossum is the latest ex-Ray to find a new home, agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Pirates. Former Rays reliever Dan Miceli is also attempting a comeback, agreeing to a minor-league deal with the Red Sox.

Shields' deal could be worth $44-million

The Rays formally announced a seven-year contract with pitcher James Shields that could be worth up to $44-million and could be the longest contract in club history.

"I just want to be part of it,'' Shields said.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman cited three reasons for making such a commitment - Shields' "talent, work ethic and character.''

Shields is guaranteed $11.25-million - four years of salary starting at $1-million this season for a total of $9.25-million, plus a $2-million buyout - and the Rays hold options for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Based on figures obtained by the Times, here is the breakdown of what Shields could make:

2008 - $1-million
2009 - $1.5-million
2010 - $2.5-million
2011 - $4.25-million
2012 option - $7-million or 2-million buyout
2013 option - $9-million or $1.5-million buyout
2014 option - $12-million or $1-million buyout

There are also various incentive clauses based on innings pitched and starts, as well as where Shields finishes in the Cy Young voting that could add up to about $6.25-million more.

- Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Shields deal set; announcement Wednesday

UPDATE (11:40 p.m.)
The new deal could pay Shields more than $38-million over the full seven years, the Times has learned. Plus there are incentive clauses that could push the total value to more than $40-million. The guaranteed portion of the deal - the first four seasons and a buyout of the options - is believed to be worth about $12-million.

UPDATE (10:21 p.m.)
The Rays have completed the long-term contract with James Shields and will announce it Wednesday at a 2 p.m. media conference. "It's a done deal,'' agent Page Odle said after leaving a meeting. The contract could keep Shields with the Rays for seven seasons, through 2014, with the first four years guaranteed and the Rays holding options for the next three.

-------

Rays pitcher James Shields' agent is meeting with the Rays tonight to finalize a long-term contract that, with options, could keep the righthander with the team for the next seven seasons.

"My goal is to have this done tonight,'' agent Page Odle said.

The deal is expected to be completed and announced on Wednesday. The Rays have scheduled what they describe as a "major announcement regarding a player signing" at 2 p.m. Shields was in St. Petersburg on Tuesday for physical exams.

"We have a couple of issues to still resolve,'' Odle said. "The years and terms are still being talked about. There's a couple different scenarios.''

The deal, which likely will include up to three options years, would be somewhat unusual in terms of length (especially for a starting pitcher, given the usual injury risks) and because Shields, with 1 year and 125 days of major-league service, won't be eligible for arbitration until 2010 and free agency in 2013.

The deal would go into effect for the upcoming season and is likely to be similar in structure to the contract the Rays gave OF Rocco Baldelli in November 2005, in which three years were guaranteed (for $5-million, plus a $4-million buyout) and the Rays held options for three more seasons (that could be worth another $23-million).

By extending the deal to all seven years, the Rays would have the opportunity to "buy out" Shields' first two seasons of free agency. He is under team control for the 2008-09 seasons (with projected salaries in the $425,000-$475,000 range) and would be eligible for arbitration the next three seasons. (There is a slim chance he could be eligible for arbitration in 2009 as a "Super Two" player based on how many other players have between two and three years' of service time.) 

In essence, the Rays would get cost certainty over the length of the deal and the potential for a bargain while Shields would get the security of guaranteed millions.

Shields, 26, was 12-8 with a 3.85 ERA last year in his first full major-league season, throwing 215 innings (10th most in the AL) despite skipping his last two starts under team orders. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 184-36 was second-best in the majors, and among the best in major-league history for a pitcher 25 or younger.

Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said last week the team was "optimistic" of completing the deal shortly.

Kazmir signs for $3.785-million; Shields next?

The Rays avoided arbitration with ace LHP Scott Kazmir after all, agreeing to a one-year deal for $3.785-million just ,minutes before the team-imposed noon deadline to halt talks.

The Rays are also working on signing starter James Shields to a long-term deal, possibly for as long as six- or seven-years, that will keep him with the team into his free-agency years.

As recently as mid-morning, Kazmir said he expected to end up in arbitration but negotiations continued and the sides came to agreement at 11:51 a.m. "Nine minutes to spare,'' Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "It was always our intent to avoid going to a hearing and it took both sides moving some to get a deal done,'' he said.

Kazmir, 24 next week, made $424,300 last season while going 13-9 with a 3.48 ERA and leading the AL with 239 strikeouts.

Pena thrilled to get 3 years, $24.125-million

The Rays have agreed to a three-year deal with team MVP Carlos Pena for $24.125-million, the Times has learned.

The team confirmed the deal with an announcement shortly before 1 p.m.

"It's awesome,'' Pena said this morning from the Dominican Republic. "It's extremely exciting. I get to be in a place I absolutely love, around people that I love and people that I know care about me. It couldn't be any better. I'm pumped. We're celebrating.''

Pena will get salaries of $6-million of 2008, $8-million in 2009 and $10.125-million in 2010. The deal is subject to Pena passing a physical, which likely won't take place until next week when he returns to the U.S. Until then, the team announced, there is a one-year deal in place that can be extended to three years.

The deal puts Pena under contract with the Rays through 2010, avoiding arbitration this season and next and buying out his first year of free agency.

Pena, 29, was the consensus American League Comeback Player of the Year after a spectacular season in which he finished with a team-record 46 home runs and 121 runs batted in.

Pena said he commended Rays' executive VP Andrew Friedman and his agent, Scott Boras, for the manner in which they handled the negotiations, which were concluded early this morning. "I can't tell you how awesome Scott did with this deal and how awesome Andrew did,'' Pena said. "Hats off to both of them.''

The contract will be one of the largest given by Stuart Sternberg's ownership group, and among the largest in franchise history.

Pena was one of the game's biggest bargains in 2007, signing a minor-league deal to come to spring training and making just $800,000 in salary, with another $400,000 in incentives.

The Rays are taking something of a gamble in hoping Pena can continue producing at close to what was by far his career-best year and could have a bargain if he does, while Pena is getting the security of the money and the opportunity to stay with the team, where he has been very comfortable.

As part of the deal, Pena will donate $225,000 to the Rays Baseball Foundation, which supports area youth and education programs.

The $24-million overall guarantee and annual average value of $8-million are the largest amounts committed by the Rays since the previous administration gave Greg Vaughn a $34-million, four-year deal in 2000. WIlson Alvarez got a $35-million, five-year deal in 1998.

Since Sternberg's group got involved with the team, they signed Carl Crawford to a four-year, $15.25-million deal that with options could be worth up to $35-million and gave Rocco Baldelli a three-year deal for $9-million that with options could be worth $32-million. More recently, they signed Troy Percival to a two-year deal for a guaranteed $8-million that could be worth up to $13-million with incentives.

- Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

-- Photo by James Borchuck | Times, 2007

Kazmir planning for arbitration

Ace Scott Kazmir expects to end up in arbitration against the Rays.

Even though negotiations are expected to continue until Friday's team-imposed noon deadline, Kazmir said Thursday night he is preparing for a deal to not be reached.

That meant spending Thursday afternoon in California with agents Greg Genske and Brian Peters going over their case and going through a mock hearing so Kazmir, arbitration eligible for the first time, could get familiar with the sometimes contentious process. "We won,'' Kazmir said.

Kazmir said he would prefer to have his contract situation resolved, but understood going through arbitration was part of the business side of the game. Though hearings don't take place until February, the Rays have a team policy to cease negotiations once salary figures are filed, which takes place at noon Friday.

"All we can do is really prepare ourselves because they have the file and trial policy,'' Kazmir said. "I guess you just gotta go. They made it loud and clear. ...

"If we go to arbitration, which it kind of looks like right now, so be it. It's just what we have to do. Sure, it would be nice to have everything settled right now and not have anything to worry about.''

Kazmir, 24 next week, made $424,300 last season while going 13-9 with a 3.48 ERA and leading the AL with 239 strikeouts. He is in line to end up with a salary between $2-million and $4-million.

The Rays also plan to continue talks with 1B Carlos Pena, their other remaining arbitration eligible player. Pena, the team MVP and consensus AL Comeback Player of the Year, is in line to make $4.5-million to $7.5-million.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said he remains optimistic of reaching deals with both players, but said the team would stick to policy and "the system is there for a reason.''

If the cases go to a hearing, the arbitrator picks between the salary figures submitted by the team and by the player.

Rays trade for Aybar

The Rays found the super-utilityman they were looking for Thursday in acquiring Willy Aybar from Atlanta in exchange for lefty reliever Jeff Ridgway, but Aybar comes with the baggage of a three-month stay in a substance-abuse facility last season.

The Rays also got minor-league infielder Chase Fontaine, a 2006 second-round pick from Daytona Beach Community College who hit .271 in two Class A stops last season.

Aybar, 24, is a switch-hitter who can start at third and second base, and the Rays plan to give him work during spring training and at first base and in left- and right-field.

He didn't play in the majors at all last season due to a series of concerns, arriving late to spring training due to visa issues; opening the season on the disabled list due to a hand injury; getting suspended by team, going AWOL and eventually ending up in rehab for what his agent told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was "drinking and drugs," then undergoing August surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand.

"We did a lot of due diligence into his problems from last year and while we recognize it's a risk obviously we felt it's a risk worth taking,'' Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We've seen him play a lot in the Dominican Republic and we've talked to a lot of people that have been affiliated with him throughout his career and that are around him now and we feel that the upside is definitely worth it.''

Friedman said Aybar has shown "positive momentum" the last five months in overcoming his problems, but also that the situation "certainly needs to be monitored" and that Rays would be "aggressive to help him anyway we can and put a support network in place.''

Aybar has been playing this winter for the Licey team in the Dominican Republic, hitting .268 with no homers and 8 RBIs in 27 games, and is hitting .339 in postseason play. In 105 major-league games with the Dodgers and Braves, Aybar has a .292 average with five homers, 40 RBIs and a .387 on-base percentage.

Aybar could figure prominently in the Rays' plans, perhaps even as the opening day third baseman if they decide top prospect Evan Longoria is not ready to start the season in the majors. Aybar - who is out of options so he can't be sent to the minors without first going through waivers - could also provide insurance if Akinori Iwamura has trouble moving from third base to second.

"We really liked Willy's offensive profile and feel like he can really hit,'' Friedman said. "We like his defensive versatilty and we plan on expanding that some in spring training.''

Aybar is the older brother of Angels infielder Erick Aybar.

Though the Rays have a dire need for a lefthanded reliever, they apparently saw enough of Ridgway in spring training and in a late-season callup to decide he wasn't going to fill the need. Ridgway, 27, pitched in three regular-season games, allowing nine of the 10 batters he faced to reach base, and finished with a 189.00 ERA.

Friedman said Ridgway has "a really good arm" with the potential to be a successful major-league reliever and the deal "was much more about Willy Aybar for us.''

Gomes deal done

The Rays completed their one-year deal with OF/DH Jonny Gomes on Thursday, and it ended up right about where it was last night  - a salary of $1.275-million, with the chance to make another $25,000 in incentives for making 500 plate appearances.

Gomes made $407,800 last season, hitting .244 with 17 homers and 49 RBIs in 107 games.

The Rays are continuing talks with their two remaining arbitration-eligible players, ace Scott Kazmir and 1B Carlos Pena, against a team-imposed Friday noon deadline.

Gomes close to a deal ...

Rays OF/DH Jonny Gomes was close to a deal  Wednesday evening on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. Final numbers had not been set, but talks were in the range of $1.25-million with some  incentives.
Gomes was one of three players remaining in arbitration. Talks are continuing with LHP Scott Kazmir and 1B Carlos Pena with a team-mandated Friday deadline approaching. Executive VP Andrew Friedman said the Rays "remain optimistic" of settling both cases.

Wheeler signs for $2.875-million

The Rays crossed one potential arbitration case off their list Tuesday, agreeing to terms with reliever Dan Wheeler on a one-year deal for $2.875-million.
"I'm very pleased with the contract, that it works for myself and for the team,'' Wheeler said. "Now that that's behind us, I'm looking forward to start playing baseball again, now we can start having some fun and win some games.''
Wheeler, acquired from Houston in July, made $2.1-million last season. He pitched in 25 games for the Rays, going 0-5 with a 5.76 ERA. For the season, he was 1-9, 5.30 with 11 saves. Overall Wheeler, who pitched for the Rays from 1999-2001,is 12-26 with a 4.09 ERA and 25 saves.
With the acquisition of closer Troy Pervical, manager Joe Maddon plans to use Al Reyes in the eighth inning and Wheeler in the seventh. Wheeler said that was fine with him: "Seventh- or eighth-inning, it doesn't matter - you have to make your pitches and get outs. ... Sometimes there's bigger outs in the seventh inning than the eighth inning.''
Wheeler could earn an additional $25,000 for making appearing in at least 65 games; he has pitched in at least 70 over the past three seasons, ranking eighth in the majors with 216 appearances over that span.
The Rays continue negotiations with their three other arbitration-eligible players - OF/DH Jonny Gomes, LHP Scott Kazmir and 1B Carlos Pena - with a Friday deadline to cut off talks. Executive VP Andrew Friedman's policy is to cease negotiations once salary figures are exchanged, which is scheduled to happen Friday.

Kennedy died of natural causes

Former Rays pitcher Joe Kennedy died of natural causes related to heart disease, Hillsborough County Medical Examiner Dr. Vernard Adams said Tuesday.

Kennedy, 28, collapsed and died at his in-laws' home in Lithia on Nov. 23, during a Thanksgiving weekend visit. He died, Adams said, as a result of two relatively common problems with his heart - hypertensive heart disease and myxoid valvular disease - that are somewhat uncommon for people his age.

"There were two reasons he had abnormal electrical rhythms that led to his heart stop pumping,'' Adams said. "The combination of his age and the two diseases is somewhat unusual.''

Though a final toxicology report has not been completed, Adams said he reviewed enough of the results to determine the cause of Kennedy's death. "He did not have a drug intoxication, he died by natural disease,'' Adams said.

Kennedy had been with Oakland much of the last three seasons and A's officials told the San Francisco Chronicle they had done numerous tests on Kennedy because of a family history of heart disease, but according to team physician Dr. Allan Pont "there were no abnormalities to suggest anything wrong with his heart.''

Adams said though Kennedy had some high blood pressure readings, "he was never given the label hypertensive,'' and that an echocardiogram was normal.

Hypertensive heart disease can lead to a thickening of the heart wall and elevated blood pressure. Myxoid valvular disease can lead to incompetence of the valve on the left side of the heart, but Adams said in Kennedy's case it resulted in electrical instability.

Kennedy was an eighth-round pick in the 1998 draft by the Rays and came up through the system, making his big-league debut in 2001 and was their opening day starter in 2003. He struggled to a 3-12 record that season and the Rays traded him after the season to Colorado as part of a three-team deal that brought Mark Hendrickson to Tampa Bay.

He went on to pitch for the A's and Jays, compiling a 43-61 career record with 4.79 ERA in 222 games.

Pena waiting too

Carlos Pena called from the Dominican Republic on Monday to say he, too, is waiting to hear about the status of contract negotiations with the Rays. Pena is eligible for arbitartion so he'll be with the Rays in 2008 but the question is how much he'll make and for how long he'll sign.
Pena said several "possibilities" remain "on the table" as far as whether he signs for one season or signs a multiyear deal. Agent Scott Boras has spoken with executive VP Andrew Friedman several times but it sounds like the major negotiating is still to come.
The Rays have a policy to cease negotiations and proceed to a hearing if they don't have a deal by the deadline to exchange figures, which this year is Friday.
Pena - the team MVP and consenus AL Comeback Player of the Year - is working out in the Dominican and said he is feeling great and is eager and excited for the start of the season.
In the meantime, he is waiting to hear about his contract. Boras said in September that Pena was having a "$15-million" season, but realistically he is more likely to make somewhere between $4.5- and $7.5-million for next season.
For now, Pena is waiting to hear something.
"Hopefully soon,'' he said.

Talking baseball ...

Executive VP Andrew Friedman said last week he would "be surprised" if remaining arbitration cases with OF Jonny Gomes, LHP Scott Kazmir. 1B Carlos Pena and RHP Dan Wheeler weren't settled before the upcoming Friday (Jan. 18) date to exchange figures.
And he appears to be working hard at it.
Both Gomes and Wheeler said Sunday night they knew talks with their representatives had been ongoing through the weekend, but didn't know exactly where things stood. Kazmir and Pena didn't respond to messages.
Friedman and the players are operating under something of a deadline, given a team policy to break off negotiations - and proceed to a hearing - if there is no deal by the time figures are exchanged. The team's thinking behind that policy is to avoid settling at or near an artificial midpoint that is created by the filed figures - one by the team and one by the player. If a case proceeds, the arbitrator has to pick one of the salary figures.

They're going to Disney World - again

The Rays on Friday announced plans to shift an April 22-24 series against Toronto from Tropicana Field to Disney.
The Rays played a three-game series at Disney last May in an effort to expand their market and considered the experiment a success despite small crowds - an average of 8,972.
"We were very pleased with every aspect of last year's series at the Disney Sports Complex, particularly the experience we were able to provide for fans who were attending their first Rays games,'' team president Matt Silverman said. "This series remains a very important part of our ongoing efforts to expand our fan base throughout the state and further establish St. Petersburg as Florida's baseball capital.''
Under terms of their lease, the Rays need permission from the St. Petersburg City Council to play regular-season games elsewhere but Tropicana Field. A vote is scheduled for Jan. 24. MLB and Jays officials have already said they were okay with the new plan.

Bogar joining Rays as "quality assurance" coach; Other tidbits from organizational meetings

The Rays added former major leaguer Tim Bogar to their major league coaching staff as a "quality assurance" coach.

Bogar's duties will include coordinating spring training schedules, series preparation and serving as a liason between the scouting department and the ball club. He will watch the Rays from the stands and scout them like an opponent would, research upcoming opponents and do a lot of the advance leg work.

"I know this is a radical approach to baseball," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "But so was the bench coach when that came along, so was the DH, so was color television at some point. With all the information that's available to us and all the different things that the coaches have to do on a daily basis, I want the coaches to be able to really be able to get involved with the players as much as possible."

"We're trying to get somebody to try to get ahead of our own mistakes," Maddon said. 

Bogar -- who managed in the minor leagues the last four seasons, including the past two at the Indians' Double-A team in Akron, Ohio -- will be in uniform during spring training assisting with infield and base-running instruction.

Other nuggets out of Thursday's media session:

-- The team wrapped up three days of organizational meetings and didn't come to a conclusion on whether Evan Longoria is ready to assume the starting third-baseman duties on Opening Day. Executive VP Andrew Friedman said he'd like to go in with a set plan before spring training. Maddon said he'd like to see it play out in spring training. "We know he's going to be our third baseman," Maddon said. "It's just a matter of when."

-- Maddon said that he sees five pitchers (Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson, Andy Sonnanstine, J.P. Howell and Jeff Niemann) fighting for the two open spots in the rotation. Scott Kazmir, James Shields and Matt Garza are already in.

-- Friedman said he  would "be surprised" if the Rays didn't sign their four remaining arbitration eligible players (Scott Kazmir, Jonny Gomes, Dan Wheeler and Carlos Pena) before having to exchange figures a week from Friday. Even though teams are allowed to keep negotiating after figures are exchanged, as per team policy, if deals aren't worked out be then, Friedman said they will go to arbitration.

-- The team is still seaking a superutility player, more likely through trade than via the free-agent market, Friedman said, and perferably one who can play both all three outfield positions. With Rocco Baldelli's health unclear, the Rays currently don't have a backup centerfielder to B.J. Upton, but internal possibilities like Justin Ruggiano exist. They will also try Joel Guzman and Chris Richard in the outfield this spring.

-- The search for a left-handed reliever continues (also through the trade market), but Maddon said there are other possibilities, including moving Howell to the pen if he doesn't make the rotation.

-- Among the non-roster invitees this spring will be RHPs Wade Davis and Chris Mason, LHP Jacob McGee and SS Reid Brignac.

-- The Rays promoted Nick Paparesta to major league assistant athletic trainer. Paparesta, who was based out of the Rays' minor league complex, will join head trainer Ron Porterfield and assistant Paul Harker as the Rays third trainer at the major league level in attempt to share the workload and increase their injury prevention programs.

-- The Rays named minor league hitting coordinator Steve Livesey the organization's Player Development Man of the Year and Fred Repke the Scout of the Year.

-- The organization also promoted Mark Vinson to Minor League Rehabilitation and Athletic Training Coordinator, Jmmy Southard to Triple-A Durham trainer, Joel Smith to Double-A Montgomery trainer.

-- Former major league bench coach Bill Evers will be a professional scout, as will Joe Nigro. Kevin Elfering was named East Coast Crosschecker; named area scouts  Evan Brannon (Florida territory), Jayson Durocher (New Mexico; Arizona; Colorado; Utah; El Paso, Texas) and Brian Hickman (Midwest) and named Scott Thurston the trainer at rookie league Princeton.

Difelice coming back

An original Ray will get the chance to rejoin the team.
Catcher Mike Difelice, 38, has agreed to terms on a minor-league contract and will come to spring training to compete for a job.
"I know where they're trying to get to,'' Difelice said Sunday. "I wanted to be part of it and I still want to be.''
Difelice spent most of the last four seasons at the Triple-A level, playing only 59 major-league games. The Rays have three young catchers on their roster - Dioner Navarro, Shawn Riggans and John Jaso - and could use the veteran presence and experience Difelice would bring.

Rays sign two to minor-league deals

The Rays have signed infielder Andy Cannizaro and outfielder John Rodriguez to minor-league contracts with invitations to major league spring training.

Cannizaro will come to camp and compete for the Rays utility infilelder position, and he could have a decent shot at making the team given the fact that he's a solid defender at three infield positions with good range and a solid arm. He entered last year's spring training vying for a roster spot with the Yankees, but a back injury held him out until June and he never reached the major league level last year.

He hit .295 with two homers and 20 RBIs for the Yankees Triple-A team in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, playing in 52 games at second, shortstop and third. He owns a career .274 average in seven minor-league seasons and his .250 during a 13-game stint with the Yankees in Sept. 2006.

Rodriguez, a 30-year-old who has played 11 seasons in the Yankees, Indians and Cardinals, hit .263 with eight homers and 22 RBIs, a .375 on-base percentage with St. Louis' Triple-A team in Memphis last year until he was sidelined with a knee injury. Over 158 games in the majors with St. Louis between 2005-'06, Rodriguez hit .298 with 7 home runs, 43 RBI, 18 doubles and a .378 OBP and was on the Cardinals playoff rosters in 2005 and 2006. He will add another left-handed bat to the outfield mix.