Archive for January 19th, 2010

Jan 19

Bartlett, Howell, Garza Avoid Arbitration, Upton Does Not

BJ Upton, Jason Bartlett, JP Howell, Matt Garza Cork Gaines 10 Comments »

The Rays now have one arbitration case remaining (Upton). The other eight arbitration-eligible players will make $17.45 million in 2010. Looking back at our first off-season payroll projection, we had those players projected to make a total of $17.6 million*.

[3:28pm] Via a press release from the Rays we learn that Matt Garza reached an agreement for one-year at $3.35 million. We had Garza projected at $3.2 million.

[2:52pm] Topkin adds that the Rays reached an agreement with JP Howell for $1.8 million. We had Howell projected at $1.8 million.

[1:58pm] Mark Topkin reports that the Rays and Jason Bartlett have reached an agreement on a one-year deal, for $4.0 million, avoiding arbitration. We had Bartlett projected at $3.5 million.

Also, Topkin notes that the Rays and BJ Upton failed to reach an agreement and will submit arbitration figures today. Unless the Rays and Upton can agree on a multi-year extension, Upton’s 2010 salary will be determined by an arbitrator in February.

We will update this post when we learn whether or not Matt Garza or JP Howell can also reach an agreement.

*Kelly Shoppach was not part of the original projection. When he was acquired by the Rays, we added his projection ($2.2 million).

Jan 19

[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Powder Blue, Arbitration Deadlines And Pena’s Digits

Carlos Pena, New Uniforms, Top Prospects Cork Gaines 6 Comments »

hangoverHere is the Rays new road Spring Training/Batting Practice cap. You can see the new home ST/BP cap here.

We’re not allowed to talk about it yet, but let’s just say, we hope you like the color.

DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…

  • The deadline for the Rays to avoid arbitration is noon today. At that point, the two sides will submit their arbitration figures and the Rays will no longer negotiate, although they could still explore long-term deals before the arbitration hearing. Mark Topkin reports that the Rays did not appear close to any deals as of yesterday. [St. Pete Times]
  • Carlos Pena says his fingers have healed and he is pain-freee and already in the batting cage. [The Heater]
  • Fanfest is scheduled for February 20th at The Trop. The Rays will donate at least $50K and Carlos Pena will donate $15K to Haitian relief funds. [via Press Release]
  • Another day, another top prospects list. [Fangraphs]