By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published January 29, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays resolved their two biggest arbitration cases Friday by settling with shortstop Julio Lugo and catcher Toby Hall, in the process picking up a bit of cost certainty for 2006.
"We're glad to get Lugo and Toby done," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "They've both been an integral part of our team in the past and will play major roles in our success this season. We think they're fair contracts for the players and the organization."
The Rays gave Lugo a $3.25-million salary for this season and got a $4.95-million option for next season, when he would again be eligible for arbitration and a potentially hefty increase. If B.J. Upton is ready to take over at shortstop, Lugo could be a more attractive trade commodity with his salary already fixed. If the Rays decide not to exercise their option, Lugo gets a $100,000 buyout.
Lugo, 29, made $2.2-million last season while hitting .275 with seven homers, 75 RBIs and a team-high 41 doubles (sixth most in the American League). Lugo filed for $3.8-million, and the Rays offered $3.1-million.
The Rays also settled just below the midpoint with Hall, who still got a huge raise from $335,000 to $1.95-million after hitting .255 with eight homers and a career-high 60 RBIs. He has a chance to earn $50,000 through incentives.
Hall, 29, filed for $2.25-million in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The Rays offered $1.7-million.
The settlements leave the Rays with four potential arbitration cases, all involving relievers.
Three would seem likely to settle: Trever Miller, who made $750,000 last season, filed for $1.375-million and the Rays offered $850,000; Jesus Colome, who made $320,000, filed for $825,000 and was offered $550,000; Travis Harper, who made $332,500, filed for $840,000 and was offered $650,000.
The fourth may be more difficult. Jorge Sosa, who made $327,500 and spent part of the season in the minors, filed for $925,000, and the Rays offered $550,000.
Pitcher John Webb cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Durham. Webb was designated for assignment this week when Jeff Niemann was added to the 40-man roster. The Rays also agreed to terms with pitcher Brian Stokes on a one-year deal.
REDS: Infielder Anderson Machado had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee.
TIGERS: Craig Monroe will enter a diversion program, settling a charge of shoplifting a $29 belt from a Port Charlotte Burdines.
Information from Times wires was used in this report.
