October 15, 200322 yr Devil Rays make moves, ticket plans From Tampa's #1 Sports radio station 620 WDAE THE SPORTS ANIMAL The Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Tuesday announced its season ticket plans, which for the first time include partial ticket packages. Also there is a price freeze on renewals for those who put down a deposit by Nov. 14. Full season ticket holders who renew will receive the Rays mini-bobblehead series featuring Rocco Bladelli, Aubrey Huff and Carl Crawford. The team announced another change. Fans who have tickets for the popular Beach section in the upper deck of left field, now have access to the entire Tropicana Field facility. That is unlike the last two seasons, where fans in The Beach area were stuck there, limiting their access to concessions and such. Also on Tuesday the team made several alterations to the 40-man roster, outrighting catcher Javier Valentin and infield Jason Smith to AAA Durham. Both can opt for free agency as would be expected. Meanwhile right-handed pitcher Carlos Reyes has indeed elected to become a free agent. Valentin was acquired in spring training to serve as Toby Hall's backup; he batted .222 in 49 games. The 34-year-old Reyes was a good comeback story but could not approach his Durham success (10-3, 2.86 ERA) in 10 appearances with the Rays (0-3, 5.22). And Smith pretty much sucks. Tampa Bay also named Stan Williams as Major League Advance Scout. Bart Johnson, the advance scout last year, will assume duties of major league scout. Williams, 67, will enter his 46th season at the major league level as player, coach or scout. He spent the last six seasons with the Mariners, the last four as advance scout. Though he was unable to name names, and the team is unable to make signings until two weeks after the World Series concludes, Devil Rays General Manager Chuck LaMar addressed the team's off-season strategy in a press conference the Monday after the season concluded. As if on cue with LaMar stressing the Rays need a right-handed power hitter, Gary Sheffield says he'd love to play in his home area. In an exclusive with the St. Pete Times, the 34-year-old Sheffield said he's all for coming to Tampa Bay after his season ends with the Atlanta Braves. Sheffield will probably ask for a yearly salary of 8-10 million dollars, adding there would be no "hometown discount" however he would consider deferring money to help Tampa Bay add other players. "It's a strong possibility," Sheffield said. "Everyone always knows my No. 1 priority is playing close to home." Sheffield is hitting .330 with 39 homers and 132 RBI in Atlanta this season. The Times article also quotes Roberto Hernandez, Sheffield's current teammate and former Rays closer. "He said he wouldn't mind going home. If we win this World Series, he'll have two rings." LaMar portrayed the franchise as being aggressive in its pursuit of certain targets, though again he could not reveal who exactly they are. According to LaMar the Rays will have a budget of from 25-30 million dollars, up from the mere $8 million collectively that this year's finished product was being paid. Also he comfirmed manager Lou Piniella's stated top priority of getting a right-handed power hitter, and also seriously strengthening the bullpen. Sheffy's coming back to Florida, but with the Devil rays this time!
October 16, 200322 yr Oh yeah i had heard in best damn sports show(i think)that sheffield was probably going to d-rays.
October 19, 200322 yr I still hope to one day see a Rays vs. Marlins World Series. No, because I'll be confusef who to root for. :unsure :
October 19, 200322 yr "And Smith pretty much sucks." WOW never heard anyone say that in a newspaper article. lol
October 19, 200322 yr "And Smith pretty much sucks." WOW never heard anyone say that in a newspaper article. lol I'd say that's pretty blunt LOL
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