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Rays, Pena Finalize Three-Year, $24.1M Deal

Jan 26, 2008 7:55 AM EST

The Associated Press has reported that the Tampa Bay Rays and Carlos Pena have finalized their three-year deal worth more than $24 million.

Pena, who was named the American League comeback player of the year in 2007, made just $1.2 million last season.

Via RealGM Staff Report

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Rays, Shields Agree To Seven-Year Contract

Jan 23, 2008 4:06 PM EST

The Tampa Bay Rays and pitcher James Shields have agreed on a seven-year contract.

The first four years of the agreement are guaranteed with the team holding options for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons, covering Shields' final arbitration year and first two years of free agency. It is potentially the longest contract in club history with a maximum value of approximately $44 million.

?This signing is yet another indication of our deep commitment to building and maintaining the young nucleus of the Tampa Bay Rays,? said Rays Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. ?It also shows James' desire to be a key part of that nucleus for many years to come. Not only has he developed into one of the most consistent young starting pitchers in the American League, but his work ethic and competitiveness are exemplary. We look forward to him continuing to grow as one of the leaders of our team and as a key player in our future success.?

Via RealGM Staff Report

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Rays Close To Deal With Starter Shields

Jan 23, 2008 9:07 AM EST

The Tampa Bay Rays and pitcher James Shields are close to coming to terms on a long-term contract, the Associated Press reported late Tuesday night.

The team has scheduled a major announcement for Wednesday afternoon, and many believe this deal could be the reason.

Via RealGM Staff Report

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Rays Jan 2008 Archive

  • Rays Looking To Sign Shields Long-Term

    MLB.com | Jan 20, 2008

    According to reports in the St.

  • Rays Sign Their Staff Ace To One-Year Deal

    yahoo.com | Jan 18, 2008

    Scott Kazmir received an early birthday present.

  • Grading The Deal: Pena Avoids Arbitration

    Christopher Reina/RealGM | Jan 18, 2008

    Carlos Pena had the 18th highest season FIC total where he played to a $14 million salary and a Reina Value of 1,650%. He has been rewarded with a three-year, $24 million contract.

  • Pena Agrees To Big Deal With Tampa Bay

    SI.com | Jan 18, 2008

    Carlos Pena and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided arbitration, reached a preliminary agreement on a three-year contract worth $24,125,000.

  • Rays Acquire Aybar From Atlanta

    RealGM Staff Report | Jan 17, 2008

    The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-player trade today as the Braves acquired left-handed pitcher Jeff Ridgway from the Rays in exchange for infielder Willy Aybar and minor-league infielder Chase Fontaine.

  • Tampa Bay Agrees To Terms With Gomes

    RealGM Staff Report | Jan 17, 2008

    The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to terms with outfielder Jonny Gomes on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

  • Rays And Braves Talk Aybar Trade

    Tampa Tribune | Jan 17, 2008

    Tampa Bay has had talks with the Atlanta Braves about a trade involving 24-year-old infielder Willy Aybar, a switch-hitter with a checkered past.

  • Rays Close To Deal With OF Gomes

    Tampa Tribune | Jan 17, 2008

    As the Rays continue their efforts to sign the last of their arbitration-eligible players, their pursuit of a utility player capable of playing third base may be heating up.

  • Rays, Wheeler Agree To One-Year Deal

    AP | Jan 15, 2008

    Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler and the Tampa Bay Rays avoided arbitration, agreeing Tuesday to a $2,875,000, one-year contract.

  • Rays Payroll Rises 70% From Last Season

    St. Petersburg Times | Jan 14, 2008

    The payroll most likely will exceed $40-million, a significant increase nearly 70 percent from last season's opening day $24-million.

  • Rays Seeking Permission To Play Series At Disney

    ESPN | Jan 12, 2008

    The Tampa Bay Rays want to go back to Walt Disney World.

  • Report: Rays Won't Seek State Aid

    MLB.com | Jan 8, 2008

    According to a report in Tuesday's St.

  • Tampa Bay Signs Mike DiFelice

    RealGM Staff Report | Jan 7, 2008

    The Rays have signed veteran catcher and original Ray Mike DiFelice to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.