by Sports Xchange

--1B Carlos Pena was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, filling the Rays' roster at 40. Pena's season ended Sept. 7 when he had two fingers broken by a pitch from Yankees LHP CC Sabathia, and he ended up sharing the AL home run title with New York's Mark Teixeira at 39. He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.

--Class AAA Durham manager Charlie Montoyo won the Mike Coolbaugh Award, given to an individual who has "shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field."

Montoyo, who led Durham to a third straight Southern Division championship, said, "I am very humbled and honored to win this award because of what he represents."

--LHP Brian Shouse filed for free agency, eliminating the possibility a deal would be worked out before he hit the open market. Shouse was ineffective and injured much of the season, and the Rays declined a $2 million option. LHP Randy Choate emerged as an effective option, and LHP J.P. Howell spent much of the season in the closer's role.

--1B Chris Richard opted for free agency after being outrighted to Class AAA Durham. He reportedly was trying out in Japan.

BY THE NUMBERS: 42 -- Percent increase in World Series TV rating with the Phillies playing the Yankees rather than the Rays.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's crazy how full circle things have come. The humble beginnings and what really happened, where we are now. It's a great story for me to tell, and it never gets old. I still find myself kind of wondering how everything worked out the way it did." -- RHP Jeff Niemann, on emerging as the team's top winner.