Lee, Lugo are free-agent dilemmas

NEW YORK - The Devil Rays' plans for the 2004 infield could be much clearer by the end of the week.

Or not.

Decisions are due by Saturday on the $2.5-million option on first baseman Travis Lee and the $1.75-million option on Julio Lugo.

The Rays, who are likely to end up with a payroll of about $27-million, were pleased with Lee, who played Gold Glove defense and provided reasonable offensive production. Lee said he liked playing for the Rays, and he and his wife were said to enjoy the relative low-key lifestyle. The $2.5-million salary is pretty good, especially in the current market.

But the guess here, in part because Lee is represented by uber-agent Scott Boras, is that he'll want to explore the market, seeking a multiyear deal and/or the chance to get back to the West Coast.

The Rays, too, would like to look around, trying to figure out if that $2.5-million could land another first baseman who has more power, or be used to procure the elite hitter (obligatory Gary Sheffield reference) they crave for the middle of the order, with Aubrey Huff moving back to first.

The mutual option may be mutually declined, but that doesn't mean Lee won't be back, either. If he can't find better, or the Rays can't find better, he could be re-signed later in the offseason.

The Lugo situation seems simple enough: He hit 15 homers and was erratic but overall a plus defensively, runs well and brings an energy and intensity to the field. To get that from a shortstop seems like a good deal for $1.75-million.

The Rays, though, also still are interested in re-signing Rey Ordonez, who was playing spectacularly before injuring his left knee in May and expects to be ready by spring training.

The Rays could use more time to evaluate and negotiate with Ordonez, but the calendar doesn't allow it. The guess here is they'll exercise Lugo's option and continue to pursue Ordonez, hoping he'd take a deal with a low base salary and lots of incentives rather than risk venturing into a tough market coming off surgery.

The worst thing that could happen is they'd have both under reasonable terms. They could trade one, or they could keep both and move Lugo to second (and not re-sign Marlon Anderson) or to third (and return Damian Rolls to a super-utility role).

SHEFF'S STEW: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick has an interesting take on the Sheffield situation.

He quotes Sheffield, much like the Times did last month, saying he would be interested in playing for the Rays: "I'm not going to the Braves, I'm not going to the Yankees, if I don't get what I'm worth. Guess what? I'll play for the Devil Rays. Stay at home. I've let that be known."

Crasnick says it would be a bad idea and the Rays would be better off spreading around what money ($12-million to $15-million) they do have to spend rather than investing in one player: "It's a case of right player, right team, wrong economic model."

But there is a middle ground. Sheffield is willing to structure his contract in a workable manner and would like to sign quickly. If GM Chuck LaMar had permission from ownership to be creative, he might be able to work a deal where he can get Sheffield to defer enough money (say $5-million cash, $5-million deferred) and have enough left to add the pitchers and bench players they need.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Relaxed and rested after a trip to France, Spain and Italy, manager Lou Piniella said the revised shopping list for the offseason is "the best hitter we can get - and afford, the best reliever we can get - and afford, and the best starter we can get - and afford." ...

Top MLB officials are concerned about the Rays' proposed plans to turn the Tropicana Field press box into a party area and relocate the print media to the lower level, under the overhang on the third base side. Among other things, they say it could hurt chances to land an All-Star Game. The Baseball Writers Association of America also is concerned. ...

Dewon Brazelton is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA and earned pitcher of the week award in the Arizona Fall League. Top pick Delmon Young is 4-for-9 with two doubles. ... The Rays have a chance to re-sign pitcher Nick Bierbrodt, whom Cleveland let become a minor-league free agent.

SEEING RED: Grady Little must know the Red Sox aren't going to pick up his 2004 option because he told the Boston Globe, "I'm not sure that I want to manage that team."

Little said he was disappointed that his bosses are judging him on the controversial decision to leave Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the ALCS when "less than 24 hours before, those same people were hugging and kissing me. If that's the way they operate, I'm not sure I want to be part of it."

If let go, Little said, "I'll be another ghost, fully capable of haunting."

MISCELLANY: Ex-Rays scouting director Dan Jennings is likely to get an interview for the Seattle GM job. ... The Orioles want to talk to Yankees first-base coach Lee Mazzilli about their manager's job. ... Dan O'Brien appears headed to the Cincinnati GM post.

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