BOSTON - There are going to be some big names, such as Adrian Beltre, Carlos Delgado, J.D. Drew, Troy Glaus and perhaps Mike Lowell. There are going to be some interesting names, such as Barry Larkin, Rafael Palmeiro, Juan Gonzalez and maybe Jose Guillen.
Over the next month or so, there are going to be all kinds of names flying around as the Devil Rays talk about what they would like to do to get better and, more sobering, what they actually can afford to do.
The opportunity to improve will be there, whether through free agency or a dollars-driven trade market, where names such as Cliff Floyd, Mike Piazza, Ken Griffey and even Sammy Sosa will circulate. The onus will be on GM Chuck LaMar to be creative and smart, to spend what limited money he has wisely and to make big-picture moves.
(For example: Are the Rays better off signing a mid-range third baseman such as Joe Randa and starter such as Aaron Sele, or playing B.J. Upton at third and spending the money for a frontline starter such as Brad Radke?)
All things considered, here are five names who could be realistic possibilities to be added to the 2005 lineup:
Tony Batista, 3B. With Glaus, Beltre and possibly Lowell on the third-base market, Batista, (supposedly) 30, might be available to the Rays. His defense might make him a DH, but his power is a definite plus - 32 homers and 110 RBIs this season for the Expos, an average of 31 and 100 the last six.
Danny Bautista, OF. The Rays had interest at the trade deadline in Bautista, 32. He had 11 homers and 65 RBIs for Arizona this season, but that's about the best he's done.
Corey Koskie, 3B. Like Batista, Koskie may fall to the second tier of third basemen. He had 25 homers and 71 RBIs in an injury-shortened season for the Twins, and has averaged 20 homers and 78 RBIs the last four.
Ruben Sierra, DH. Sierra was so sure he was leaving the Yankees for Tampa Bay last season he asked some ex-Rays where he should live. He's 39, but it's hard to quibble with the switch-hitter's production - 17 homers and 64 RBIs in limited duty.
Todd Walker, infielder. The Rays had some interest last year, but he ended up with the Cubs and hit .274 with 15 homers and 50 RBIs in limited duty. He has averaged 14 homers and 69 RBIs over the last four seasons and could play second base, fill in elsewhere, and DH at times.
And here are five others: Royce Clayton, Jose Hernandez, Brian Jordan, Randa, Pokey Reese.
RAYS RUMBLINGS: Talks continue on a radio rights package for next season. ... In Baseball America's season-end rankings, Upton was rated the top prospect in the Triple-A International League and Delmon Young No. 1 in the Class A South Atlantic. Others in the top 20: shortstop Reid Brignac fourth in the rookie-level Appalachian, outfielder Elijah Dukes sixth and pitcher Jason Hammel 17th in the advanced A California, infielder Jorge Cantu 13th in the International, pitcher Jon Barratt 20th in the short-season A N.Y.-Penn. ... Fox Sports Net's Rays postseason special debuts at 7 p.m. Friday .
JUST MANAGING: Angels bench coach Joe Maddon appears the favorite for the Seattle job, but there is some talk ownership will insist on experience after first-timer Bob Melvin flopped, which could open a door for Don Baylor. Rays hitting coach Lee Elia's name has been in the Seattle papers. ... Melvin will get considered in Arizona, but word is that it is Wally Backman's job to lose. Mark Grace also interviewed. ... The Phillies, so far, aren't showing much imagination, interviewing Baylor, Charlie Manuel and Grady Little. Jim Fregosi is a much more intriguing option, as he is with the Mets. Bobby Valentine is a possibility in New York too, though new Mets GM Omar Minaya is said to be very high on Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo.
MISCELLANY: Fired Phillies manager Larry Bowa, who may become Florida's bench coach, said he thought GM Ed Wade would be dismissed too. ... Melvin said part of his problem in Seattle was replacing Lou Piniella: "Lou has giant shoes and it was going to be tough for whoever came in here. I might have been the buffer for the next guy." ... Marlins owner Jeff Loria on the decision to retain cigar-puffing manager Jack McKeon, 73: "The only thing I can't figure out is how I'm going to survive all the smoke again."
Information from other news organizations was used in the report.
