Update: The Heater confirms my earlier update, Gabe Kapler has signed with the Rays.
Kapler said he chose the Rays because of the chance to win, and liked the idea of being in the Tampa Bay area. "There's a great opportunity for me to perform in Tampa and I expect to take advantage of that opportunity,'' Kapler said.
He said the torn muscle in his right shoulder that limited him at the end of last season is healed and he is better shape going into this season than he was last year. "Going forward I expect to build on what I did last year and be better than I was last year,'' Kapler said.
Among other comments on a brief conference call, he said his "No. 1 goal at this point is to prove to my teammates that I am a great teammate,'' he puts a lot of emphasis on mental training, he continues to work out extensively, and he "loves" to eat healthy - "I'm fascinated by nutrition.''
I heard from a source today that Gabe Kapler has indeed met with the Rays and could be close on a contract. A deal could be announced soon.
Kapler hit .301/.340/.498 in 96 games with the Brewers last year. Overall he is a .273/.331/.425 hitter in nine seasons. He would serve as the right handed batter in an all "Gabe" right field platoon with fellow former Brewer, Gabe Gross. Kapler would get most of the AB vs LHP to which he has hit .294/.344/.484 for his career. He would also be a backup to B.J. Upton, who is rehabbing a surgerically repaired shoulder, in center field.