Here are some Hot Stove odds and ends… Marc Topkin reports that the Rays have shown interest in Marlins shortstop Yunel Escobar, who caused a bit of stir this past season by writing a gay slur on his eyeblack during a game. [TampaBay.com] In the same report, Topkin says the [...]
Outfielder Ben Francisco was not tendered a contract by the Rays, making him a free agent. Of the Rays eligible for arbitration, Francisco was the only player non-tendered. Other players eligible for arbitration include David Price, Jeff Niemann, Ryan Roberts, Matt Joyce, Sean Rodriguez, and Sam Fuld. This move, along [...]
According to Marc Topkin, the Rays have acquired Ben Francisco, form the Houston Astros for a player to be named later. The Rays will have to place somebody on waivers to make room on the 40-man roster. Francisco, an outfielder, hit .244 with 2 home runs and a .292 OBP [...]
