Rays Among Finalists In Gregg Zaun Sweepstakes

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 4, 2009 12:30 PM EST

It's not really new news, however, Gregg Zaun confirmed that the final four teams vying for his services are: the Rays, Mariners, Brewers and Rockies (h/t rglass). A physical and contract could be in place by the days end. This is good news for the Rays in any scenario. If Zaun re-signs, we have our catcher situation solved for next season. If he signs elsewhere, then the Rays would be the beneficiary of a sandwich round pick.

Without any inside knowledge, I'm leaning towards Zaun signing elsewhere for a few reasons. One, the Rays could've easily secured Zaun's services by picking up his $2 million dollar option, but let him hit the open market where he'll likely get a tiny bit more. It would look foolish if they signed him to a deal worth more than the option when they didn't have to. If Zaun didn't have an offer of more than $2 million, he almost undoubtedly would've accepted the Rays offer of arbitration which would net him a salary of over that. There is also the possibility of a multi-year deal, but I think the Rays would be weary of signing another near 40-something for multiple seasons.

Either way, we should have some good news coming out of the situation. As always check drb's twitter @draysbay or one of our personal pages @trancel @ehahmann or @freezorilla.

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I'm guessing M's which makes all his talk of playing close to home BS

Is there a further spot from Palm Harbor than Seattle?

by sternfan1 on Dec 4, 2009 12:42 PM EST reply actions

Anchorage?

I'm a writer.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Dec 4, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

You mean money and playing time matter more to players than being near their families?

by R.J. Anderson on Dec 4, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

How much should he really expect to play?

Being the LH platoon here, he’d have got plenty of ABs

I’m guessing they offered about $1 mil

by sternfan1 on Dec 4, 2009 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

If he does go, then what? Do we stick with Shop/Navi and hope that we don't play any righties in 2010, or do we try to find another?

by Thaddeus? on Dec 4, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions

Looks like Navi is gone in any scenario

His value, if any, is tied to hitting LHP and Shoppach does that better. We would either bring in a different dance partner for Shoppach or roll the dice with an internal candidate like Riggans, Jaso or Lobaton.

www.draysbay.com

by Tommy Rancel on Dec 4, 2009 12:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions