The Rays are reportedly working to sign James Shields to a long-term deal following his breakthrough 2007 season.
The St. Petersburg Times speculates that Shields could get as many as six or seven years, though we find that hard to believe, unless option seasons are being counted. Shields is a better bet than most to stay healthy, but there's no need to give such a long deal to a pitcher already under control for five more years.
Rays agreed to terms with first baseman Carlos Pena on a three-year, $24.125 million contract.
Pena will donate $225,000 to the Rays Baseball Foundation as part of the deal, which covers him through age 32. It's an acceptable risk for Tampa Bay. Pena is highly unlikely to ever match his 2007 numbers, but he was decent enough to start in the majors even when he was stuck in Triple-A with the Tigers and Yankees.
Rays acquired infielders Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine from the Braves for LHP Jeff Ridgway.
He comes with question marks, but Aybar hit .292/.387/.416 in 329 major league at-bats during his age 22 and 23 seasons for the Dodgers and Braves. The Braves soured on him after last season's substance-abuse problems, but it's still surprising that this is the best they could do for him. Now the Rays have some actual competition for Evan Longoria at third base. Longoria still deserves a chance to win the job, but Aybar should be a nice fallback if he shows the proper level of commitment.
Rays signed outfielder John Rodriguez and infielder Andy Canniazaro to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training.
Rodriguez, who hit .298/.378/.434 in 332 at-bats for the Cards between 2005 and 2006, is an excellent pickup. He could be needed early on with the Rays set to rely on Rocco Baldelli and Cliff Floyd to fill spots. Cannizaro was up briefly with the Yankees in Sept. 2006. The 29-year-old hit .295/.378/.404 in 166 at-bats in Triple-A last season. He'll compete for a utility role.