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.

Comments

[Sam]

Special K can help lead/show Rays the ways to the promised land. Kazmir for mayor.

Also agreed, Rays Enthusiast & Rays&Bucs Fans.

I'm so ready for this season to start & I'm hoping for bigger and better things from the team in 08'.

GO RAYS!

[Charlie Troeger]

He wants to leave badly. It will take a ton of dough that cheapskate Stu is unwilling to pony up.

[rays&bucsfan]

agreed, rays enthusiast. he's expressed discontent with the team lately (and rightly so, although kudos to management for adding more pieces to the puzzle). now's the time to pay him well and lock him up. this franchise is turning it around (i hope).

[Rays Enthusiast]

Kazmir should be signed to a long term deal, even if it means overpaying. Overpaying now will seem like a bargain in two years.