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Tampa Bay Rays Notes, Quotes

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Updated Dec 11, 2009 6:01 AM ET
     
 
--RHP Rafael Soriano's arrival could have a ripple effect: LHP J.P. Howell and RHPs Dan Wheeler and Grant Balfour should be more effective being used earlier in games. Howell handled the closer's role for much of last season but faltered over the final two months.

--OF Milton Bradley remains a prime topic of conversation and a legitimate trade target in a deal for disappointing DH Pat Burrell. But it appears the Rays are willing to sit back and wait for the Cubs to meet their terms, which include a significant reduction in their obligation for Bradley's 2011 salary. Both Bradley and Burrell make $9 million in 2010, but Bradley is signed for another year.

--C Dioner Navarro's name came up in connection with several other teams, as the Rays head to the Dec. 12 deadline to tender contracts deciding how to best address their catching situation. Both Navarro and Kelly Shoppach are arbitration-eligible and profile similarly statistically.

--SS Reid Brignac is one of the game's top shortstop prospects, but he will get a chance in spring training to compete for the second-base job. The Rays are going into camp considering a number of possibilities at second and in right field, and they are related because Ben Zobrist is a candidate at both spots. Also at second are Sean Rodriguez and Brigac; also in right are veteran Gabe Kapler and Matt Joyce.

--Charlie Montoyo, the Rays' Triple-A manager, was honored as Baseball America's manager of the year. Montoyo, while dealing with health issues involving his infant son, led the Bulls to the International League championship.

BY THE NUMBERS: .153 -- Batting average allowed by new closer Rafael Soriano with runners on base, fourth best in the majors.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You don't want to see him out there in the ninth inning. He's pretty automatic. He's real good. He's got command, he's got an out pitch. That's a good pickup by Tampa." -- Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, on new Rays closer Rafael Soriano.
Tagged: Rays

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