Rays Contact Nelson, Proctor

Also, the Rays found some potential relief candidates among the other 35 players not tendered contracts.

They already had reached out Saturday to agents for right-handers Joe Nelson, who was 3-1 with a 2.00 ERA in 59 games for the Marlins, and Scott Proctor, who was 2-0 with a 6.05 ERA in 41 games for the Dodgers. Seven teams contacted Proctor's agent by 9 a.m. Saturday.

St. Petersburg Times

Nelson had a pretty good 2008 with the Marlins. In the past he's had some flyball tendencies, which is concerning, although Nelson also gets swinging strikes. He throws a high-80's fastball and a change-up. Nelson's stuff is notable for his "vulcan" grip.  Nelson was worth about 0.8 WAR last season. Not too shabby, plus he's pretty good versus lefties.

Proctor has yet to regain his 2006 form, and saw his FIP increase while his velocity drop. That's usually not a good combination. Proctor still got a decent amount of swinging strikes, but last season was below a replacement level reliever. Proctor throws a low-90's fastball, slider, curve, and a limited change.

Like Jason Childers, a minor league deal with an invite to spring training would be excellent.