by Sports Xchange

BIGGEST NEEDS: The Rays are going to perform at least a partial makeover of the bullpen, looking to add at least two proven relievers to help a unit that struggled down the stretch. Their biggest priority will be to improve the quality and depth of their catching situation, given the decline of Dioner Navarro. They will at least talk to teams about moving disappointing DH Pat Burrell, as much for salary relief as the chance to use more productive hitters they already have.

ARRIVAL: RHP Jesse Chavez (trade with Pirates), RHP Ramon Ramirez (claimed off waivers from Reds).

DEPARTURE: 2B Akinori Iwamura (traded to Pirates).

FREE AGENTS: RHP Chad Bradford, RHP Jason Isringhausen, RHP Troy Percival, RHP Russ Springer, LHP Brian Shouse, C Gregg Zaun.

None of the four veteran relievers is likely to return. Zaun could be back, but the Rays will try to improve at catcher. Shouse is likely gone.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Grant Balfour, SS Jason Bartlett, RHP Jeff Bennett, LHP Randy Choate, RHP Lance Cormier, RHP Matt Garza (as a Super Two), OF Gabe Gross, LHP J.P. Howell, C Dioner Navarro, CF B.J. Upton.

The list is likely to shrink as the Rays release a few of the fringe players, such as Bennett. They are going to consider non-tendering Gross and even Navarro, who has been starters. Bartlett, in his second year of arbitration, and first-timers Upton and Garza are in line for significant raises.

IN LIMBO: DH Pat Burrell's season was such a disappointment the Rays might look to trade him, even if they have to eat some of the money -- his salary jumps to $9 million next season. Cs Dioner Navarro, Gregg Zaun and Shawn Riggans could all be on the bubble as the Rays seek to improve quality and depth at that position. RHP Andy Sonnanstine's season-long struggles have reduced him to a candidate for a long relief job in the bullpen.

MEDICAL WATCH:

1B Carlos Pena (broken left index and middle fingers) is said to be recovering well and should be 100 percent by the end of November.

RHP Chad Bradford (mild discomfort in right elbow) didn't pitch the final week of the season. He will consider retirement after an injury-shortened and frustrating season.

RHP Jason Isringhausen (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2009) expects to be ready by midseason 2010; he will be a free agent then.

RHP Troy Percival (back, shoulder) is expected to retire.