No long term deal for Pena this winter, at least that's what Boras says:
For those Rule 5 draftniks, doesn't look like the Rays will be making that number one pick today - at least not to keep:
Meanwhile the Rays don't want to take the Marlins style, and this from Topkin:
One realistic possibility talked about in the Opryland hotel was OF Luke Scott, who could be acquired from Houston. Others that came up and are unlikely include free agent Luis Gonzalez, a Tampa native; ex-Ray Josh Hamilton, who is being shopped by the Reds; and Laynce Nix, who was designated for assignment by Milwaukee. The Rays like Andre Ethier, but the Dodgers would want too much.
If you haven't done so already, you can add Cliff Floyd's name to the mix, according to MLBTR.
Adam Rubin reports that the Rays are eyeing Cliff Floyd, a name we've seen linked to them before.
So much to all of the rumors, the Rays decide not to select Barton but instead go with RHP Tim Lahey, according to Lancaster.
The Rays selected RHP Tim Lahey with the first pick of the Rule 5 draft. Lahey, a 24-year-old Princeton University product, spent most of last year with the Twins’ Double-A affiliate, going 8-4 with a 3.45 ERA on 50 relief appearances. It’s not clear if the Rays intend to keep Lahey or were picking him in a prearranged deal with another team. Rays right-hander Evan Meek was the second selection in the draft, by the Pirates.
You can take a look at Lahey's stats here.
You can take a look at Meek's stats here.
We are still waiting on word of whether or not either of these players will be dealt. Although we didn't pick up the aerospace engineer in Barton, Lahey did graduate with a ivy school degree from Princeton. Lahey put up solid numbers last year in AA, but would need a very impressive spring training if he plans on sticking with the team.
Update: Lahey has been sold to the Cubbies for $150,000. This seems to make me think there might have been a bidding war, as last year the #1 pick was sold for only $100,000. The Rays chose 3 players in the AAA draft according to Lancaster.
The Rays made three selections in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft, taking OF Rashad Eldridge from the Twins in the first round, RHP Julio Puentes from the Astros in the second and RHP Jose Angel Mejias from the Mets in the third.
Rashad Eldridge stats
Julio Puentes stats
Jose Angel Mejias stats
ESPN has confirmed interest in Michael Barrett, according to Peter Gammons.
Tampa Bay is working to get catcher Michael Barrett. He would get sent there to play rather than accept arbitration with Padres.
It looks like we are out of the Ron Mahay sweepstakes, which may not be the worst thing. A 3-year deal for a 36-year old reliever may not be the best idea for a already surprising old bullpen. This also comes from Peter Gammons. Thanks ttnorm for pointing out that one.
Left-handed reliever Ron Mahay has narrowed his choices down to the Royals and Yankees.
MLBTR: