Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

Veteran Gomez stays with Rays

The shortstop will make $1-million next season.

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published December 8, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays kept a veteran in the middle of their young infield Friday by re-signing shortstop Chris Gomez to a one-year contract.

The Rays retained Gomez at something of a bargain rate -- $1-million in salary, plus the chance to earn $500,000 in incentives.

"Chris did an outstanding job for us the last several months and we're happy to get him signed and have him a part of our club for next year," general manager Chuck LaMar said.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated pitcher Travis Harper for assignment, which means they have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on him.

Harper, 25, made the team as the No. 5 starter coming out of spring training but struggled in two starts (going 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA) and was sent to Triple-A Durham for the remainder of the season. He went 12-6 with a 3.70 ERA for the Bulls.

The Rays are likely to drop one or two more players off the roster before next week's Rule V draft. Pitchers Bryan Rekar and Mickey Callaway are among the most likely candidates.

Gomez, released by San Diego in June, joined the Rays July22 and hit .302 with 36 RBIs in 58 games. His eight home runs during that span led the team.

In addition to his base salary, Gomez can earn incentives based on games played and plate appearances, topping out at 130 games and 450 appearances.

The Rays, with no advanced shortstop prospects in their system, also hold a $2-million option for 2003, with a $250,000 buyout.

Payment of the incentives will be deferred with interest for two years, as well as either the buyout or $500,000 of 2003 salary.

Gomez, 30, made $3-million last season in the final season of a three-year, $7.8-million contract; the Rays paid just a prorated share of the $200,000 minimum.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright