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Rays aim to lock in their kids

© St. Petersburg Times
published January 8, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- Much of the focus the past year and a half has been on cutting costs and reducing payroll. Quietly, the Rays also have been talking about investing in their future.

General manager Chuck LaMar said he expects over the next few months to sign several of the team's top young players to multiyear contracts.

Other teams, notably the Indians, have employed a similar strategy, which provides the players with financial security and the organization with a degree of cost certainty, establishing set salaries rather than relying on arbitration.

"I think it's good business for the players and I think it's good business for the club," LaMar said.

It also can be good news for the fans who may be wondering about the future of the organization, as a team is more inclined to keep the nucleus of young players intact after committing to multiyear deals.

The key is identifying the players who are likely to be key contributors and signing them to deals that, in essence, "buy out" their eligibility for arbitration or free agency in exchange for a guaranteed salary.

The Rays haven't decided which players to approach, but the initial group likely would include players already eligible for arbitration, such as Paul Wilson and Randy Winn, and those who will be next year, such as Steve Cox and Tanyon Sturtze.

Chief operating officer John McHale Jr. said the move, which the Rays have been discussing for months, fits with their strategy of operating with greater fiscal responsibility.

"We're in a position where we think it will bring us returns in the long run," McHale said. "Making a forward payroll commitment may be risky, but it's less risky if we make the right decisions."

NOTES: Top outfield prospect Josh Hamilton, who missed most of last season with injuries, said he is healthy and ready to start swinging at this week's hitting camp. ... Several teams, including the Mets, have continued talks with the Rays about potential trades, but LaMar said it is unlikely the Rays would make any deals before spring training.

Around the majors

STADIUMS ON HOLD: Mayor Michael Bloomberg said New York won't build $800-million ballparks for the Yankees and Mets this year because of a budget crisis.

HALL OF FAME: Shortstop Ozzie Smith finds out today whether he will enter on his first ballot. Catcher Gary Carter is expected to draw the most support among holdovers.

JUAN WAIT: Free-agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez still had not decided whether to sign with the Rangers or Mets.

TRADE: Arizona acquired left-handed reliever Mike Myers from Colorado for outfield prospect Jack Cust and minor-league catcher J.D. Closser.

BIDS ARE IN: The Mets, Rangers and Angels bid to obtain the rights to Japanese left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii. It was unknown how many other teams bid.

-- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.

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