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. Though nothing was finalized Wednesday night, a person familiar with the negotiations indicated the Rays were close to wrapping up a one-year contract with outfielder Jonny Gomes that would pay him about $1.25 million in 2008. Signing Gomes would leave only two arbitration-eligible players without a deal - albeit the two biggest names on the list: Scott Kazmir and Carlos Pena. The Rays will continue to negotiate with their representatives up to a team-imposed Friday deadline hoping to avoid an arbitration hearing. If no deal is reached by Friday, the Rays will halt contract talks and prepare for a hearing.