Rays News and Notes: Rays Looking for Any Bat

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Andrew Friedman’s search for another bat is not limited to a first baseman. The Rays have been tied to some outfielders like Josh Willingham and Seth Smith this offseason, but many assumed they would be brought in for DH. Now that the Rays have signed Luke Scott, who will be limited to DH at the beginning of the season, they don’t really need another.

It will be interesting to see who the Rays are tied to as the offseason goes on. As I see it, the best bats on the market are first baseman. There is a chance the Rays could go for a guy like Vladimir Guerrero and hope Luke Scott will be healthy enough to play first at the beginning of the season. I would guess the bat the Rays sign will still be a first baseman, even though Friedman is broadening his search.

Rays News and Notes

• The annual Rays Fan Fest will be held on February 18th and, like usual, the event will be free. More information can be found on Raysbaseball.com.
• Marc Topkin is reporting that contract talks between Joe Maddon and the Rays are progressing. The Rays hope to have his extension signed before camp opens on February 19th.
• Long-time Rays minor leaguer Nevin Ashley was designated for assignment today to make room for Luke Scott.
• The Indians may compete with the Rays for Carlos Pena‘s services, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. We will see how serious the Indians are as time goes on, but it would be nice for this to not go anywhere. The less suitors for Pena the more likely the Rays will be able to sign him.