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Rays deal for infield prospect, discuss Grieve with Mets

© St. Petersburg Times
published December 18, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays made a small trade to add depth to their middle infield Monday, acquiring Wilmy Caceres from the Angels for pitcher Mickey Callaway. Whether they make a bigger deal with the Mets involving Ben Grieve could be known soon.

The Mets, who need a power-hitting outfielder to complete their revamping, last week expressed interest in Grieve. The Rays probably would want left-handed starter Bruce Chen and a prospect.

The Mets are considering several options, including signing free agent Juan Gonzalez and exploring trades for Jeromy Burnitz, Gabe Kapler, Bobby Higginson and Bubba Trammell.

Trying to keep their payroll around $95-million, the Mets would prefer to deal a higher-salaried starter, such as Kevin Appier (who has a long-term deal) or Glendon Rusch (who is likely to make $3-million), which would not allow a match with the Rays.

In Caceres, the Rays got a 23-year-old who will challenge Felix Martinez for a utility infield spot and eventually could develop into a starting shortstop. He is considered a smooth defensive player who has yet to show much offensively except for speed.

Callaway, the Rays' seventh-round pick in their inaugural 1996 draft, leads the organization with 57 minor-league wins.

Also:

Pitchers Bryan Rekar and Dan Wheeler, released last week, cleared waivers and are free to sign with any team.

Players and staff will help collect food and toys 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. today at Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N Florida Ave., Tampa.

WATKINS UPDATE: Alabama businessman Donald Watkins, who has expressed interest in buying the Twins or the Rays, plans to visit fans Saturday at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

INDIANS: Ricky Gutierrez signed a three-year deal and will replace Roberto Alomar at second. ... Outfielder Matt Lawton signed a four-year, $27-million deal.

TIGERS: Former All-Star catcher Lance Parrish has been offered a job as TV analyst.

YANKEES: Outfielder Rondell White signed a $10-million, two-year deal.

-- Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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