Meetings wind down quietly for Rays

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published December 6, 2007

NASHVILLE - The Twins didn't trade LHP Johan Santana and the Rays didn't trade for a left-handed hitting outfielder.

And unless something happens by midday today, these winter meetings will end like so many others, featuring much more talk than action.

Executive VP Andrew Friedman said the Rays are pursuing trade and free-agent options on "simultaneous tracks," acknowledged they may have been close to a deal earlier Wednesday but that by evening nothing was "imminent," and it was 50-50 at best they'd have any news before heading home today.

So many names are being floated and suggested that it's hard to say who are their most likely options.

One realistic possibility talked about in the Opryland hotel was OF Luke Scott, who could be acquired from Houston. Others that came up and are unlikely include free agent Luis Gonzalez, a Tampa native; ex-Ray Josh Hamilton, who is being shopped by the Reds; and Laynce Nix, who was designated for assignment by Milwaukee. The Rays like Andre Ethier, but the Dodgers would want too much.

TOPS BY TOPPS: The Rays were named organization of the year by the Topps Co. based on the number of minor-leaguers earning player of the week and all-star selections. (List of winners, 7C.) ... The Rays have the first choice in today's Rule 5 draft but were considering a deal to "sell" the pick; players chosen have to stay on the big-league roster all season. They could lose reliever Evan Meek. ... INF Ben Zobrist, who lives in Nashville, stopped by and said his right oblique strain was fully healed.

MINOR MATTER: VP Pat O'Conner was unanimously elected president of St. Petersburg-based Minor League Baseball, succeeding Mike Moore, who is retiring after 16 years.

NO BONUS FOR YOU: Players won't be able to receive bonuses for winning MVP, Cy Young and rookie awards starting in 2012 under a rule change made by the Baseball Writers Association of America to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.

MISCELLANY: The Dodgers agreed late Wednesday with CF Andruw Jones on a two-year, $36-million deal. ... New Royals OF Jose Guillen is reportedly headed for a 10- to 15-game suspension related to purchases of steroids and HGH. ... RHP David Riske signed a three-year, $13-million deal with the Brewers. ... Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Delmon Young comes to Minnesota with "a clean slate." ... The Cubs are after Orioles 2B Brian Roberts. ... 3B Scott Rolen wants to be traded (Dodgers?), and Cards manager Tony La Russa lashed out at him in his media session. ...The Twins see no reason to rush into a Santana deal and will keep talking to the Red Sox and possibly Mets and M's. ... The Tigers traded 1B Chris Shelton to the Rangers for OF Freddy Guzman. ... Ex-Ray Jorge Cantu was released by the Reds.

[Last modified December 6, 2007, 01:11:09]