Rays unlikely to deal at meetings

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said Tuesday that discussions with other teams about personnel will continue, but nothing is likely to materialize before the GMs meetings conclude Thursday in Arizona.

"I don't think there will be anything finalized at these meetings," LaMar said. "Most of the teams' discussion centers around our young players, and most of our discussion centers around our arbitration-eligible players. So that's where we stand."

Starting pitchers Tanyon Sturtze, Paul Wilson and Ryan Rupe, closer Esteban Yan and first baseman Steve Cox are arbitration eligible.

Among the topics discussed in a morning meeting Tuesday was the possible implementation of a minimum age requirement for bat boys. That became an issue after an incident involving Giants 3-year-old bat boy Darren Baker during a World Series game.

A decision is not expected until next month.

"We do have to be extremely careful about having young people on the field," LaMar said. "I think everyone in the room is concerned with the potential injury of those young kids. We want to make sure we don't deprive someone of the opportunity to be up close and personal with major-league players, yet we want to protect them from possible injuries."

RAYS SPRING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED: Lou Piniella's first spring training game as Rays manager will be an exhibition against Eckerd College on Feb. 28 at Florida Power Park.

The exhibition is part of a 30-game spring training schedule announced Tuesday.

Highlights of the Rays' 15 home games include two games against the American League East champion Yankees (March 9, 26) and one each against the AL Central champion Twins (March 14) and National League East champion Braves (March 18).

All but four home games will start at 1:05 p.m. Games against the Braves on March 18, Phillies on March 24, Yankees on March 26 and Blue Jays on March 28 start at 7:05 p.m.

Of the Rays' 15 road games, two will be on the east coast of Florida against the Mets (March 20 at Port St. Lucie) and Orioles (March 21 at Fort Lauderdale).

Ticket prices remain unchanged from last season. Reserved tickets are $15 (field boxes), $12 (loge boxes) and $9 (grandstand). General admission and berm seating are $4 and will be sold only on game days.

Spring training season tickets can be purchased now by calling (727) 825-3250 or 1-888-FAN-RAYS. Individual game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Jan. 18 and can be purchased by calling (727) 898-RAYS or (813) 282-RAYS and at the Tropicana Field box office, the Rays Dugout store at WestShore Plaza and through Ticketmaster.

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT: Two Rays prospects earned George M. Trautman Awards from the Topps Co. as players of the year in their leagues.

Outfielder Rocco Baldelli, who spent about a half-season at Class A Bakersfield, won California League honors, and Princeton outfielder Wes Bankston won in the short-season Appalachian League.

CUBS, BAKER'S AGENT MEET: Dusty Baker's agent began preliminary contract talks with the Cubs, hoping to reach a deal and bring the three-time NL Manager of the Year to Chicago.

"We really talked in general terms. We're beginning to frame up each other's priorities," agent Jeff Moorad said after a breakfast meeting with Cubs president Andy MacPhail and general manager Jim Hendry in Phoenix.

JAPAN SERIES: Another home run by Barry Bonds couldn't prevent major-league All-Stars from losing to their Japanese counterparts for the third straight day.

Hours after winning his record fifth National League MVP award, Bonds homered in the fifth inning of an 8-6 loss.

"This is my last time here," said Bonds, 38, on his fourth tour to Japan. "I love this country and have always enjoyed coming here. So it was great to win the MVP award while I was here."

ANGELS: Third baseman and World Series MVP Troy Glaus and outfielder Tim Salmon had surgery but are expected to be ready for spring training. Glaus had a nerve removed from his right foot between his third and fourth toe, and Salmon had loose bodies removed from his left knee.

MARINERS: Edgar Martinez is guaranteed $4-million under his new contract and can make an additional $4-million if he has 650 plate appearances.

BRAVES: Broadcasters Skip Caray, Pete Van Wieren, Don Sutton and Joe Simpson signed four-year deals with Turner Sports.

MARINERS: Seattle ended meetings with finalists for its managerial opening, and a decision on Piniella's successor could come this week. Buddy Bell and Bob Melvin met with team chairman Howard Lincoln, president Chuck Armstrong and general manager Pat Gillick one day after Jim Riggleman and Sam Perlozzo were re-interviewed. Edgar Martinez is guaranteed $4-million under his new contract and can make an additional $4-million if he has 650 plate appearances.

PHILLIES: The team started off the free-agent season by making offers to first baseman Jim Thome, left-hander Tom Glavine and third baseman David Bell. The three offers are believed to be worth more than $100-million.

TWINS: Minnesota was selected 2002 organization of the year by Baseball America. The magazine cited the team's breakthrough season, general manager Terry Ryan, farm director Jim Rantz and scouting director Mike Radcliff.

YANKEES: Team president Randy Levine and general manager Brian Cashman are scheduled to travel to Japan on Thursday to announce a working agreement between the team and the Yomiuri Giants. The Giants are the former team of Hideki Matsui, a free agent outfielder coveted by New York.

-- Information from Times wires was used in this report.