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B.J. Upton, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett Among Rays' Tendered Contracts

Now that decision Saturday is finished, the Rays roster has gotten a bit clearer in some areas, yet remains unsettled in others. Not surprising, but B.J. Upton, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, J.P. Howell, Grant Balfour and Kelly Shoppach were all tendered contracts for the 2010 season. Barring an unforeseen event, all should be back with the Rays. The remaining questions are: who will sign before the mid-January deadline? And will any have a hearing like Dioner Navarro did last season?

Star-divide

Speaking of Navarro, a non-tender candidate in his own right, he was not only tendered a contract, but re-signed before the midnight deadline to a one-year deal with $2.1 million dollars avoiding arbitration altogether. The $2.1 million dollar salary is an exact replica of the salary Navarro received in 2009 after an arbitration panel denied his request for $2.5 million. It's not secret Navarro was just awful in 2009, but some of that awfulness can be explained by bad luck.

Even with regression, it seems that Navarro and the other catcher on the roster, Shoppach, are not ideal platoon partners with each player owning a similar platoon split. The Rays could stay status-quo on the position, or could continue to shop Navarro as was reported before Saturday's deadline. The going rate on an average catcher this year seems to be $3 million annually; Navarro could be a cheaper, alternative to some on  the open market. If not, they Rays will have about ~$5 million dollars tied up at the catcher position with no clear cut answer to who is the starter.

Gabe Gross's non-tender is not a surprise. His name was never mentioned by Joe Maddon or Andrew Friedman as part of the 2010 plans, and Matt Joyce will never be more ready than he is now. Maybe the Rays will sign Ryan Langerhans for R.J. to obsess over.

R.J. covered the one-year deals of Randy Choate and Lance Cormier that will pay the bullpen duo a combined $1.9 million dollars in 2010. Choate will head in to spring training as the lead LOOGY in the clubhouse, while Cormier will nearly double his 2009 salary ($650k) and earn $1.2 million dollars. With Andy Sonnanstine and Mitch Talbot in the mix for bullpen spots, the raise for Cormier could mean an expanded role; one more similar to fellow ground baller, Chad Bradford instead of just  mop-up man.

Among players non-tendered by other teams, I think Matt Capps makes the most sense for the Rays. The Rays had reported interest in him before the deadline, and it's easy to see why. Capps is still young at age 26, and was well above average in 2007 and 2008. It's strange that the Huntington/Fox front office would cut him loose based on one bad season in which some regression seems to be in order. If the Rays can some how dig into their new, seemingly bottom-less, purse one more time this offseason, Capps would seem like a decent investment since his new team would also hold his rights for 2011.

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Could always rehab him and see what happens.

Durham’s rotation should have at least a spot or two available

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by Tommy Rancel on Dec 13, 2009 8:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

What a disappointment

That navi was given a contract. I hope he becomes the full time backup or is traded.

by pcbredemeier on Dec 13, 2009 7:57 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

Shoppach

Derek Shelton must have given his endorsement before Shoppach was brought on board. I would expect him to produce at 2008 level or better in 2010. That means he should hit RHP at acceptable levels. His BAbip is just sick so a little more contact should produce favorable results. Looking forward to what he can do in a full season as a starter

How can you have any pudding if you havn`t eaten your meat? I`m still waiting...

by Barnese and Bailey Circus on Dec 13, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions  

After a good night sleep

IF a team were have to traded for navi, they would have either had to come to terms with him or offer arb. By locking in a contract almost assuredly below his arb value, they increased his trade value.It may be a solid move after all.

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by FreeZorilla on Dec 13, 2009 9:15 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

I just don't see it.

I won’t harp on 2009 much more, we know he was bad and it could be argued that he was the worst player in baseball last year. I WILL harp on 2007 however, where he was also god awful. Everyone expects some regression back to 2008 (my guess is including the Rays, which would reinforce your point), but we can’t dismiss the distinct, and more then remote possibility, that Navarro’s suckage is the norm, not the exception.

The only benefit this trade has is that Navarro plays much better in 2010 then he did in 2009, so that he can be traded for younger talent; I wouldn’t think that anybody would have signed him to a 2.1M contract if he hit free agency; despite the all-star year, his time in the majors makes me think that kind of money is far too high.

I really don’t like this move. It’s one thing to go for broke and sign a reliever to a large contract when the player can contribute; it’s another all together to throw away 2.1M on a player who in his 3 years in the majors, was below replacement level in 2 of those.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Dec 13, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

I ran a 5-4-3-2 regression on Navarro

Got a .292 wOBA — league average for catchers was .322 last year. Here’s the dataset:

Year…..BB%…..K%…..ISO…..BABIP…..wOBA
2007…..7.8…..17.3…..0.129…..0.253…..0.28
2008…..7.4…..11.5…..0.112…..0.321…..0.33
2009…..4.6…..13.6…..0.104…..0.233…..0.258

I’m concerned that he thinks 2008 is something he can replicate. It’s not. That was a lot of luck, he can’t stop trying to walk or otherwise he’s going to be completely useless. He’s not a good hitter, he’s a slap hitter with the ability to foul pitches off, those guys need to take as many bad pitches as possible.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 13, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

This only works if someone actually tells him that his biggest problem last year was not taking walks.

I somehow get the feeling that this wasn’t what Maddon was telling him.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Dec 13, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Actually, after doing a little poking around, Navi probably could have landed a better then 2.1M deal in free agency.

I still don’t like the move though, too much overlap between him and Soppach.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Dec 13, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions  

18% infield pop-up is horrible

You can take that as a luck thing, but those usually occur when you’re completely over-matched. I would expect that to come down a little, but it won’t really get into an acceptable level.

I'm a writer.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Dec 13, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions  

We should rename the IF FB the

Navi line drive

the ghost of stokes, camp, lugo strikes TB-sept 2009

by CubFanRaysaddict on Dec 13, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

You hit it on the head

with this comment about Navi..2008 was the exception…what a waste of 2.1 on a small budget. As much as we all like AF, we can only hope he got this one right somehow. They either have something in the works, or are hoping for better production and figure if he’s bad again, they dump him, if he’s good they kept a younger catcher than Zaun, that they can keep again or trade. Still wish they had kept Zaun for the same money, time will tell. Still proud of the FO for their willingness to finally go for a legit closer. With CC, PENA money off the books next year, if Soriano produces maybe even they re-sign him.

Rays/Lightning/USF Bulls/Steelers

by SportsRoadhouse on Dec 13, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions  

CC, Pena, Burrell, Soriano, and Wheeler all come off the books next year.

My guess is this team doesn’t try to resign any of them and starts the process all over again.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Dec 13, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Jose Arrendondo is someone I'd be interested in

Granted, he wouldn’t be available until 2011, but we have the minor league depth to be able to stash him away for a year. And if he could get back to where he was in 2008, look out!

by PhillyRays on Dec 13, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions  

Langerhans?

After how badly he ruined JP?

Mira Sorvino...Paul Walker...T-Pain...Fall 2010...HEADSTONE MAFIA, A LOVE STORY OF REVENGE. "5/5 stars!!!" - DRB User "Andy Hellicksonstine"

by PlayOnWords on Dec 13, 2009 9:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

I just can't see AF spending 5+ mil in a catching platoon.

Navi was signed with the intention of trading him in mind. That could explain why he signed so quickly instead of going to arb.

by PhillyRays on Dec 13, 2009 9:21 AM EST reply actions  

That could explain why he signed so quickly instead of going to arb.

Navi was not getting a choice. Navi and his agent were the first to act. The Rays are obligated to tender a contract no more than 20% less than what the player earned last year. They were not going to tender that and allow the player to go to arbitration. Navarro eiteher struck first or the Rays made an unofficial offer of take it or leave it.

by bobbyray1 on Dec 13, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions  

Maybe we're not looking for a platoon, but a more traditional time-share

Obviously, having guys that cover each others’ strengths is ideal, but what tandems in the country are ideal? Navi gives us a guy that has been bad, but he’s been bad at the Major League level, versus guys in Durham that have many OK in the minors. Maddon can play the hot hand and if a guy goes on the 15 Day, then we don’t have to make a move out of desperation.

I'm a writer.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Dec 13, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions  

They should just trade for Antero Niittymaki

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Dec 13, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions  

If Talbot doesn't go to Cleveland by Dec. 20th I see no more bullpen moves.

Rays have 6 locks for the bullpen. If Mitch stays and with no options left he and Sonnanstine should battle for the long man in the bullpen in ST. If Mitch goes that changes thing a bit as the front office might want to give Sonny a challenge and I’m not talking Thayer. More minor league deals are sure to come regardless.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 9:46 AM EST reply actions  

1.2 for Corms could speak to a diff role

if Talbot is at all Mlb ready it makes sense to use him in pen since sonny has options and could be the emergency starter

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Dec 13, 2009 10:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

We'll find out soon enough.

Either way, I’d be surprised if they didn’t sign at least one more reliever. Whether it’s someone like Capps or simply someone who slips through the cracks until late-January.

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 13, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions  

I like Cormier

I trust Lance later in the ballgame than Wheeler

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 10:44 AM EST reply actions  

Remember Andrew talked about McGee as a back of the bullpen guy

I can’t wait to see Jake in ST. McGee might turn some heads in March. What a shot to the bullpen Jake could be even if it’s later in the season. Maybe Jake becomes the 2010 version of the 2008 Balfour.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 10:48 AM EST reply actions  

Very good point--as opposed to previous seasons

we may have some home grown pen help on the horizon

by sternfan1 on Dec 13, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions  

Hopefully at C too

The Rays mix in their very good spects. However they seem hesitant to use homegrown players with avg to slightly above avg upside. There is some value there.

Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla

by FreeZorilla on Dec 13, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

If the Rays were where they were in '07

i’d guess you’d see more chances, but they and all of us feel this team is in a poition to win it all, so less prospect, more vets to see action

by sternfan1 on Dec 13, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions  

Unless Jennings makes it impossible for the Rays to keep him at Durham.

I do see them sticking with what they have now. Joyce is still a question mark but with Jennings being a right handed bat I’d say Joyce’s job is safe unless he really flops.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions  

I just don't think Jennings will be a platoon player

He will be a everyday player when he gets his chance

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 13, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Aussie gets 2 mil

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 13, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions  

very tiny raise

so far so good but the big contracts are still coming

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 13, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Bartlett, Upton, Garza and Howell the ones left

Outside any get multi year deals those four should total 12 million. I figure the 2010 Rays payroll around 71 or 72 million or so with Navi included.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions  

Barty is a scary one

Maybe Garza being in his arb1 year, he wont be too expensive and as much as we (well most of us) love B.J, he doesn’t have much leverage in asking for big money

Fire and Ice: Rafael Soriano and J.P Howell.......with their side kick Grant the aussie Balfour!

by joeybw on Dec 13, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions  

I forgot Shoppach

He’ll get around 2.5 million. The payroll still should be 71-72 million.

by rickrays on Dec 13, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions  

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