ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—The Tampa Bay Rays have re-signed right-handed
reliever Joel Peralta to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

Peralta went 3-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 71 appearances last season, helping the
Rays make the playoffs. The 35-year-old also had a career-high six saves, four
of them in September while filling in for injured closer Kyle Farnsworth.

Over parts of seven major league seasons, Peralta also has pitched for the
Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies and Washington
Nationals.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have re-signed right-handed reliever Joel Peralta to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

Peralta went 3-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 71 appearances last season, helping the Rays make the playoffs. The 35-year-old also had a career-high six saves, four of them in September while filling in for injured closer Kyle Farnsworth.

Over parts of seven major league seasons, Peralta also has pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tampa Bay Rays Manager Joe Maddon is hosting his sixth annual Thanksmas this week.

Tuesday, Maddon was at a Salvation Army Shelter in St. Petersburg.

As he does for every Thanksmas, Maddon prepared a traditional Italian/Polish holiday feast for needy citizens.

“I’m half Italian, half Polack, my mom being the Polish side,” he said. “I used to watch my mom and my aunts cook a lot when I was a kid… so the sauce is pretty much born of what I observed. The meatballs are pretty much what I observed.”

Maddon himself purchased the food and, with the help of Rays coaches and staff, cooked and served the meals.

“To be honest with you I got a lot of respect for Joe and the things he do,” said Michael Horsley, Salvation Army client. “I think he got a love for people, he love people. He love helping people and the things he do inspire me to help others.”

That gift of giving is the real holiday message Maddon hopes to spread.

“We need to have volunteers on a more consistent basis we need to have more empathy for the plight of our brothers and sisters that are homeless,” Maddon said. “It’s not just this single dude that does not want to work, it’s families, there’s a bunch of kids.”

Earlier Tuesday, Maddon and his crew also served meals in Bradenton. Monday, they visited the Sallie House in St. Petersburg.

Maddon will serve meals at the Tampa Salvation Army, at 1603 N. Florida Avenue, on Wednesday.

Over the past five years, Maddon and the Rays have served approximately 4,000 people for Thanksmas. They also provide many with clothing and shoes.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Matt Moore has parlayed a brief, impressive
major league debut into a long-term contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The young left-hander agreed Friday to a deal that guarantees him $14
million over five years. It includes club options that could more than double
the value over eight seasons.

The budget-minded Rays have made the playoffs three of the past four years
and are counting on Moore to be part of a talented pitching rotation that will
enable them to remain competitive with the big-spending New York Yankees and
Boston Red Sox in the AL East, arguably baseball’s toughest division.

The deal announced at Tropicana Field contains club options for the 2017,
2018 and 2019 seasons that could make it worth about $39.75 million over eight
years.

“Matt was signed and developed in this organization,” Rays executive vice
president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. ” And as we’ve said many
times before, for us to have any chance of sustaining this level of success,
it’s very important for us to develop championship-caliber players and people
like Matt.”

The hard-throwing 22-year-old made his big league debut for the Rays in
mid-September, going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three appearances, including one
start.

Moore started Game 1 of Tampa Bay’s AL Division Series against Texas,
working seven shutout innings to beat the Rangers and become the youngest
pitcher to start and win a team’s first game of the postseason. He began the
2010 season at Double-A Montgomery was a combined 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA in 27
starts with Montgomery and Triple-A Durham.

Friedman said the club began discussions on a contract “right at the end of
the season and really started ramping up in the last two or three weeks.”

Moore was a little surprised the Rays approached him about a long-term deal
at this stage in his career. In 2008, the Rays took a similar approach in giving
third baseman Evan Longoria a multi-year contract before he had spent much time
in the majors.

“There’s not very much of a case to be built except for what I’ve done in
the lower levels in the minor leagues,” said Moore, who allowed three earned
runs, struck out 15 and walked three in 9 1-3 innings over three regular-season
appearances.

“I understand the potential and all that is there, and the hype,” the
left-hander added. “I had a great time when I was here last year. And like
Andrew said, they drafted me in 2007 and this is the only place I’ve known. I’m
looking forward to calling it home for the next eight years. … I feel like the
risk is being shared on both ends. I’m happy where we are.”

Barring a trade, the Rays will enter spring training with six talented young
starters, with Moore joining a rotation currently comprised of David Price,
James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann.

Friedman said the team has no plans to begin next season with a six-man
rotation, but did not speculate on how the situation will play out, including
whether one member of last season’s rotation could wind up in the bullpen.

“This contract doesn’t specifically answer that question,” Friedman said.
“We’re fortunate in that we have more than five pitchers who are more than
capable of pitching in the American League East. There’s a lot more of the
winter to go. My guess is it’ll take until we get into spring to really answer
those questions.”

In the meantime, the Rays are excited to have Moore locked up long-term.

“We’ve already seen glimpses of his talent, but more than that he’s shown
he has the mettle to compete in the American League East,” Friedman said.
“It’s a difficult environment. … He’s gotten a lot of experience quickly, but
we’re all excited to see what Matt can do over the long term.”

The budget-minded Rays have made the playoffs three of the past four years and are counting on Moore to be part of a talented pitching rotation that will enable them to remain competitive with the big-spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East, arguably baseball’s toughest division.

The deal announced at Tropicana Field contains club options for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons that could make it worth about $39.75 million over eight years.

“Matt was signed and developed in this organization,” Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “ And as we’ve said many times before, for us to have any chance of sustaining this level of success, it’s very important for us to develop championship-caliber players and people like Matt.”

The hard-throwing 22-year-old made his big league debut for the Rays in mid-September, going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three appearances, including one start.

Moore started Game 1 of Tampa Bay’s AL Division Series against Texas, working seven shutout innings to beat the Rangers and become the youngest pitcher to start and win a team’s first game of the postseason. He began the 2010 season at Double-A Montgomery was a combined 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA in 27 starts with Montgomery and Triple-A Durham.

Friedman said the club began discussions on a contract “right at the end of the season and really started ramping up in the last two or three weeks.”

Moore was a little surprised the Rays approached him about a long-term deal at this stage in his career. In 2008, the Rays took a similar approach in giving third baseman Evan Longoria a multi-year contract before he had spent much time in the majors.

“There’s not very much of a case to be built except for what I’ve done in the lower levels in the minor leagues,” said Moore, who allowed three earned runs, struck out 15 and walked three in 9 1-3 innings over three regular-season appearances.

“I understand the potential and all that is there, and the hype,” the left-hander added. “I had a great time when I was here last year. And like Andrew said, they drafted me in 2007 and this is the only place I’ve known. I’m looking forward to calling it home for the next eight years. … I feel like the risk is being shared on both ends. I’m happy where we are.”

Barring a trade, the Rays will enter spring training with six talented young starters, with Moore joining a rotation currently comprised of David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann.

Friedman said the team has no plans to begin next season with a six-man rotation, but did not speculate on how the situation will play out, including whether one member of last season’s rotation could wind up in the bullpen.

“This contract doesn’t specifically answer that question,” Friedman said. “We’re fortunate in that we have more than five pitchers who are more than capable of pitching in the American League East. There’s a lot more of the winter to go. My guess is it’ll take until we get into spring to really answer those questions.”

In the meantime, the Rays are excited to have Moore locked up long-term.

“We’ve already seen glimpses of his talent, but more than that he’s shown he has the mettle to compete in the American League East,” Friedman said. “It’s a difficult environment. … He’s gotten a lot of experience quickly, but we’re all excited to see what Matt can do over the long term.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Tampa Bay Rays moved to lock up one of their prized young pitchers Friday, agreeing to terms on a long-term contract with lefty Matt Moore that could be worth nearly $40 million over the next eight years, the St. Petersburg Times reported.

The 22-year-old Moore is regarded as one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball. He made his major league debut in September and pitched seven scoreless innings to defeat the Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS.

The contract will reportedly guarantee Moore $14 million over the next five seasons. If the Rays exercise options in the following three years, the value of the deal would be $39.75 million.

According to ESPN, the contract would be the largest in baseball history for a player with less than two years of service time. Moore was drafted out of high school in the eighth round in 2007.

The financially savvy Rays have signed several young players to long-term deals to avoid losing them later to big-market clubs in free agency. In recent years, the team has made similar moves with Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, James Shields and Wade Davis.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Thursday, December 8, 2011

DALLAS — The winter meetings may end up being all talk for the Rays. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Executive VP Andrew Friedman seems likely to head home today without making any deals — ending a four-year streak — but with progress toward future moves.

“We’ve in the last 24 hours had a number of productive conversations, some that have kind of been offshoots of talks that we had had in the preceding days,” Friedman said Wednesday.

“Trades are so difficult to characterize, but I do feel there is decent momentum on a couple of fronts that have a chance to materialize. Whether that’s in a day or in a month, that’s tough to say. But there are certain spots where ideally we’d be more aggressive and (that we could) take care of so we could take care of other areas. It doesn’t always work out that way.”

The Rays are looking to fill vacancies at first base and DH and to improve their offense, and they have starters to deal, presumably preferring to part with Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann.

The Rays have talked to a number of teams — the Reds “several times,” Cincinnati GM Walt Jocketty said — but nothing had developed. The Reds (1B Yonder Alonso) and Marlins (1B Gaby Sanchez) seem good matches, though the Rays likely would prefer a left-handed hitter at first base.

Bringing back Carlos Peña could work, though agent Scott Boras said he has received multiple inquiries and expects Peña, who made $10 million with the Cubs in 2011, to get multiyear offers.

The Rays continued to have interest in free-agent OF/DH Josh Willingham, a right-handed hitter who declined arbitration from Oakland. Boras said there is mutual interest in having DH Johnny Damon return.

Also:

• The Rays have an open roster spot but appear unlikely to make a selection in today’s Rule 5 draft of minor-leaguers. .

• Andres Reiner, the game’s foremost expert on scouting and player development in Venezuela, retired at age 76. The Rays’ academy in Venezuela is dedicated to him. “He is a true visionary and has left a tremendous legacy for our game,” senior VP Gerry Hunsicker said.

MARLINS MANIA: The Marlins missed out on free-agent 1B Albert Pujols (who seems likely to stay in St. Louis but also was talking to the Angels) but continued their spending spree by signing LHP Mark Buehrle, who got $58 million over four years to follow manager Ozzie Guillen from the White Sox. And they were still pursuing LHP C.J. Wilson, who is also considering an offer from the Angels. That was after the Marlins introduced SS Jose Reyes, saying he was their top offseason target, and insisted Hanley Ramirez would accept a move to third base.

ELSEWHERE: The Padres acquired closer Huston Street from Colorado. … Ex-Rays RHP Dan Wheeler declined arbitration from Boston and remained a free agent. … The Angels signed RHP LaTroy Hawkins, and the Tigers were close with RHP Octavio Dotel. … SS Jimmy Rollins appeared headed back to the Phillies. … Boston’s David Ortiz (voted the game’s top DH), Toronto’s Kelly Johnson and Milwaukee’s Francisco Rodriguez accepted arbitration. Rodriguez is likely to be traded. … The Yankees won the bidding for Japanese INF Hiroyuki Nakajima.

MISCELLANY: Fox analyst Tim McCarver received the Hall of Fame Frick award. … Ex-Ray Scott Kazmir, released by the Angels, made a tough Dominican Republic debut, throwing 27 pitches and getting one out.

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DALLAS — The Rays are working on multiple scenarios via trades and free-agent signings to bolster their offense and fill holes at first base and DH.

But in the unlikely event none were to come to fruition this offseason — with nothing close as of Tuesday night, anyway — they have at least an interesting backup plan, with the signing of Juan Miranda to a minor-league contract with a spring training invite.

“Extreme power,” Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said.

Miranda, a 28-year-old from Cuba, has spent most of his five pro seasons at Triple A but has big-league time with the Yankees (2008-10) and Diamondbacks (2011). He hit 67 homers in 457 minor-league games (with a .277 average) and 11 in 111 big-league games (with a .226 average), though seven in 65 for Arizona in 2011.

“He’s got some real carrying strengths that we feel like give him a chance to be a productive major-league player; obviously the standard at that position is higher than other positions,” Friedman said. “(He) will either compete for a job depending on how the rest of the winter shakes out or be very high on the depth charge in the event of injury.”

The Rays also signed INF Matt Mangini, who had some big-league time with Seattle in 2010; and RHPs Jhonny Nunez (White Sox, ’09) and Ricky Orta (returning from injury).

Friedman had a busy second day at the winter meetings and said they were “talking to a number of offensive players.” But with nothing imminent, it would appear Monday’s pursuit of free-agent OF/DH Josh Willingham had at least stalled and that the Rays were not sitting on any trade offers they were ready to accept without further talks.

The Reds and Royals appear to be good trade matches, as well as the Marlins, who if they sign Albert Pujols would seem likely to move All-Star 1B Gaby Sanchez, with RHP Wade Davis a potential target.

There was another round of chatter about the Nationals’ longstanding — and unsuccessful — quest for Rays CF B.J. Upton, but no progress. While Friedman wouldn’t comment, Washington GM Mike Rizzo told reporters, “I don’t think anything has changed.”

Also, the Rays will be among the teams scouting free-agent reliever Joel Zumaya at his workout next week; are not the mystery team that bid on Japanese free agent INF Hiroyuki Nakajima; were not among the teams that job-seeking free agent Manny Ramirez supposedly personally called; won’t likely re-sign free-agent RHP Juan Cruz; and don’t plan many changes to their minor-league coaching staffs.

RED ALERT: Pujols had reported offers for $200-plus million over 10 years from at least the Marlins and Cardinals and was said to be nearing a decision. … DH David Ortiz is reportedly set to rejoin the Red Sox by agreeing to accept arbitration (and a raise from $12.5 million) by tonight’s deadline. … The Jays added a closer by acquiring RHP Sergio Santos (30 saves, 3.55 ERA) from the White Sox for RHP prospect Nestor Molina. … The Twins traded RHP Kevin Slowey to Colorado for a player to be named. … RHPs Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco agreed to terms with the Mets, who also traded OF Angel Pagan to the Giants for OF Andres Torres and RHP Ramon Ramirez.

MISCELLANY: The BBWAA voted to televise the announcement of its major awards for the first time, starting in 2012 on the MLB Network. … Toronto Sun writer Bob Elliott was elected to the Hall of Fame.

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Tuesday, December 6, 2011

DALLAS — The Rays had a busy first day at the winter meetings, talking trade with several teams and negotiating with free agents including outfielder/DH Josh Willingham.

While no deals were considered imminent, it did appear by Monday night that their top two decision-makers would be sticking around.

Manager Joe Maddon said talks on an extension to his contract, which runs only through the 2012 season, have begun and he was “very confident” a new deal would be struck. “I’m sure it’s going to be all worked out in due time,” Maddon said.

And executive vice president Andrew Friedman eliminated any possibility — albeit extremely slim anyway — that he would leave for a job with his hometown Astros.

“Andrew chose not to be a part of the Astros’ process,” team president Matt Silverman said in a statement. “It is in no way a reflection on the Houston organization.”

The Rays’ top offseason goal is improving their offense, with Willingham, a free agent with a solid record of success, emerging Monday as a possibility.

Willingham, a right-handed hitter who turns 33 in February, hit a career-high 29 homers for Oakland last year, with a .246 average, .332 on-base percentage and .477 slugging percentage. He can play left and right, but the Rays likely would use him primarily as a DH, a significant power upgrade over free agent Johnny Damon, who hit 16 homers.

But the number of other teams interested — reportedly at least three others — and the amount they’d be willing to spend may dictate the direction of the talks. Willingham made $6 million last season, with his agent reportedly seeking a three-year deal.

Another option is trading with one of the numerous teams that have expressed interest in their stable of starting pitchers, primarily James Shields and Wade Davis. The Royals, Marlins and Reds — who all have young hitters — are among those in the conversations.

Overall, Friedman said of the first day: “It’s been busy.” As for the possibilities of a deal? “It’s something that kind of vacillates by the minute. There were times (Monday) where I was pretty optimistic about certain things and then different times where I was a lot more pessimistic.”

Maddon has been optimistic about staying with the Rays past the coming season, but Monday was the first indication there have been discussions.

Maddon, who just won his second AL manager of the year award, would seem to be in line to at least double his current salary of about $1.3 million, which is in the bottom third of current managers.

“We’ve been talking a little bit in general, it’s just basic stuff,” Maddon said. “I’m a Ray. I have a lot of faith in being a Ray as I continue along. I’ve talked about that this for me is the best place to work in major-league baseball. Of course, everybody is looking for security, we all want security.

“For me it’s just about having an open conversation. We never would negotiate in public, anything like that. It’s just about an ongoing conversation right now, and we’ll see how it all or when it plays out. But I’m not worried about anything.”

Friedman, per policy, wouldn’t discuss the status of negotiations, but said, “My expectation is to work with Joe for a long time.”

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

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