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).

DEPARTURES: 2B Akinori Iwamura (traded to Pirates), C Michel Hernandez (free agent, signed minor league deal with Orioles).

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

The Rays allowed all five relievers to become free agents as they seek to remake their bullpen. Talks could continue with Zaun depending on what other options the team explores at the catching position.

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

1B Chris Richard was released, and the list is likely to shrink further as the Rays release a few of the fringe players, such as Bennett, and consider non-tendering Gross and even Navarro, who has been their primary 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 may look to trade him, even if they have to eat some of the money, as his salary jumps to $9 million next season. Cs Dioner Navarro 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:

C Dioner Navarro (left elbow surgery in October 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

OF Fernando Perez (left shoulder surgery in October 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

1B Carlos Pena (broken left index and middle fingers) was 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.