The Rays Tank: Delmon Young to Phillies, 4 non-roster invites, a Farnsworth return.

Yesterday's Rays Tank explored the possibility of the Tampa Bay Rays turning to Delmon Young to fill their vacancy at designated hitter, an idea that while not exciting, could have proven reasonable at the right price. That price was apparently $750,000, as Young signed just hours later with the Philadelphia Phillies, who intend you to use Young in right-field everyday. Yes, this Delmon Young.

That leaves the Rays looking at the aging and oft-injured sluggers, Travis Hafner, Jim Thome or Luke Scott to carry the load. Our Rays could look at add another outfielder and use the position as a rotating day off from the field as the Indians plan to do. Michael Bourn is still unsigned and presents an intriguing option on a one-year pillow contract but giving up a draft pick in compensation is not ideal and the money would have to be right.

Meanwhile, the Rays did make some moves, signing four players to minor-league deals with a non-roster spring training invite. Juan Carlos Ovieda, the closer formerly known as Leo Nunez, highlights the quartet that has accumulated a combined 24-years of Major League service time. Pitchers Jamey Wright and Juan Sandoval and OF/1B Shelley Duncan round out the group.

Finally, Kyle Farnsworth has reportedly narrowed his search for a new team down to two teams, and one of those is the Rays. Farnsworth lives in Clermont and commuted to games at Tropicana Field so its possibly that location may play a factor in his decision. His return would be a welcome boost to a bullpen that is shaping up as a formidable part of the ball club.

Only 20 days left till Pitchers and Catchers!

• Rays FanFest will take place on Febraury 16th at Tropicana Field.
• The MLB Blackout policy is under attack in the courts.
• Are the Rockies having the most depressing off-season of all time?
• The Cardinals agreed to a two-year deal with reliever Jason Motte.
• Beyond the Boxscore is doing a series examining how Tommy Johns surgery can affect pitch movement, here is part 1.