With Gordon lost, Rays seek a bat

ST. PETERSBURG - Now that the Devil Rays apparently have lost out to the Yankees in signing relief pitcher Tom Gordon, they will turn to Plan B.

What's Plan B? The status quo. With Gordon expected to go off the market and most other available closers asking for more than the Rays can afford, Lance Carter, who saved 26 games as a rookie in 2003, likely will return as Tampa Bay's primary closer.

General manager Chuck LaMar said Monday the Rays started the offseason on the lookout for an experienced reliever to supplement Carter, but the chances of acquiring one appear to be dwindling.

"We came into the offseason and felt we needed to improve in the three big areas: offense, defense and pitching," LaMar said. "We were happy with Lance, and we expected he would close games next season, but we thought we might need an experienced guy to go along with him. But we also needed to improve in other areas."

That's the rub. The Rays would love to add that experienced reliever, but if they do, they might not be able to afford a big bat who can play rightfield or be a designated hitter, and a middle infielder.

"I have other holes to fill (besides the bullpen)," LaMar said. "And with our budget, I need to consider where to spend."

The priority for the Rays now is to add some power, and they are targeting outfielder-types Juan Gonzalez, Carl Everett, Brad Fullmer, Rondell White, Reggie Sanders and Jose Cruz. The Rays would like to sign one or maybe even two.

If they signed a reliever such as Minnesota's Eddie Guardado or LaTroy Hawkins, both of whom are looking for deals in the three-year, $15-million range, there might not be enough money left for a hitter. So the Rays might have to pass on bullpen help.

Even though they were optimistic about signing Gordon, who is expected to sign a two-year, $7-million deal, losing out on him wasn't seen as devastating news. He likely is more suited for a setup role, and the Rays were thinking he would be only a part-time closer (along with Carter) when they made their offer.

"Lance Carter saved (26) games as a rookie, no less," LaMar said. "But even Lance would tell you it would be nice to have someone there helping him close out games. If we can find that someone who fits into our price range, we'll go after him. But we also have other needs."

Those needs likely will not be addressed immediately. It's unlikely the Rays will add a name player before the start of the winter meetings Dec. 12.

PHOENIX - The Diamondbacks got right-handed power-hitting first baseman Richie Sexson from Milwaukee in a nine-player deal that sent infielder Craig Counsell and second baseman Junior Spivey to the Brewers.

First baseman Lyle Overbay, catcher Chad Moeller and left-handers Jorge De La Rosa and Chris Capuano were dealt to Milwaukee. Arizona also received left-hander Shane Nance and a player to be named.

EXPOS MOVE: Major League Baseball, which runs the Expos as it tries to find a buyer, told Mexican promoters it was interested in Monterrey as a possible long-term destination beginning in 2005 and would like to send members of its relocation committee to tour the city and its facilities. Monterrey would join Washington, Virginia and Portland, Ore., as candidates to be the Expos' full-time home.

GALARRAGA'S FUTURE: First baseman Andres Galarraga, 42, hopes to return to the Giants for a shot at 400 career home runs. He has 398.

MARLINS: Free-agent second baseman Luis Castillo decided to stay with the World Series champions, reaching agreement on a three-year deal worth $16-million.

YANKEES: Outfielder Gary Sheffield met with owner George Steinbrenner, and New York finalized contracts with third baseman Aaron Boone and infielder Enrique Wilson and reached an agreement with Tom Gordon on a two-year contract worth $7.25-million.

- Information from Times wires was used in this report.