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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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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Nov 28, 2011 03:48 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing back all their coaches on two-year contracts, and have made Stan Boroski their bullpen coach.

All coaches’ contracts expired after the 2011 season. While manager Joe Maddon said at the end of the season media wrapup that he expected to keep the staff intact, the Rays have yet to announce the deals.

The two-year term is interesting because Maddon has only one year remaining on his deal, and it’s unusual for coaches to have longer contracts than a manager. Both Maddon and the Rays have said they hope to eventually work out an extension.

Boroski was on the staff as assistant to the pitching coach and took over as bullpen coach during last season when Bobby Ramos, on the job since 2006, left the team in August due to illness. Ramos could end up with another position in the organization.

Returning to their posts are bench coach Dave Martinez (fifth season), pitching coach Jim Hickey (sixth season), hitting coach Derek Shelton (third season), first-base coach George Hendrick (seventh season) and third-base coach Tom Foley (11th season).

Boroski, 46, joined the Rays for the 2010 season, working with pitchers alongside Hickey and doing some of the pre-game computer work. He continued to handle those duties while filling in for Ramos last season and is expected to continue to handle both roles.

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Nov 28, 2011 03:48 PM

The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing back all their coaches on two-year contracts, and have made Stan Boroski their bullpen coach.

All coaches’ contracts expired after the 2011 season. While manager Joe Maddon said at the end of the season media wrapup that he expected to keep the staff intact, the Rays have yet to announce the deals.

The two-year term is interesting because Maddon has only one year remaining on his deal, and it’s unusual for coaches to have longer contracts than a manager. Both Maddon and the Rays have said they hope to eventually work out an extension.

Boroski was on the staff as assistant to the pitching coach and took over as bullpen coach during last season when Bobby Ramos, on the job since 2006, left the team in August due to illness. Ramos could end up with another position in the organization.

Returning to their posts are bench coach Dave Martinez (fifth season), pitching coach Jim Hickey (sixth season), hitting coach Derek Shelton (third season), first-base coach George Hendrick (seventh season) and third-base coach Tom Foley (11th season).

Boroski, 46, joined the Rays for the 2010 season, working with pitchers alongside Hickey and doing some of the pre-game computer work. He continued to handle those duties while filling in for Ramos last season and is expected to continue to handle both roles.

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By Stephen Nohlgren, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Tuesday, November 22, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays weren’t the only ones to take a hit from dwindling attendance at Tropicana Field this year.

It cost taxpayers, too.

The city will kick in an extra $115,000 to subsidize operations of Tropicana Field because attendance was 300,000 less than last year’s.

St. Petersburg collects 67 cents for every fan who goes through the turnstiles at Rays games and other Trop events. So when Rays attendance dropped 16 percent this season, the city’s cut fell to about $750,000, compared with the $900,000 projected.

But the lower attendance meant that fewer police were needed for traffic control at sparsely attended games, which offset some of the losses from lower attendance.

Ticket sales and a slice of stadium naming rights are the two major ways the city makes money at the Trop.

On the other hand, the contract with the Rays calls for the city to provide property insurance on the dome and traffic control at games. Costs usually outpace revenues $1 million to $2 million a year, creating an operating subsidy on top of St. Petersburg’s annual $6 million debt service on the Trop construction bonds.

On Monday, the City Council approved a $114,665 boost to the operating subsidy for fiscal year 2011, to account for the ticket sales drop.

Compared with other year-end budget adjustments, the Trop change was relatively minor. Use of the Coliseum and of Sunken Gardens, for example, was less than expected this year, causing their combined subsidies to rise by about the same amount as the Trop’s. The Mahaffey Theater’s operating subsidy rose by about $240,000 to cover transition costs to new management.

Attendance at Rays games has been the subject of much discussion as principal owner Stuart Sternberg angles for a new stadium. In 2010, the Rays drew 1,828,066 fans during the regular season and went to the playoffs, 22nd out of 30 teams.

In 2011, the team made the playoffs again, despite losing several productive and popular players to free agency. Attendance dropped to 1,529,188, second to last in the major leagues, behind the Oakland Athletics.

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Sunday, November 20, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays appear to have crossed one thing off their offseason checklist, as they’re reportedly close to a deal with free agent C Jose Molina.

If and when the deal becomes official, possibly this week, it’s a move that would make sense for Tampa Bay.

Molina, 36, has been a backup primarily during his 12-year career, but he fits well with the kind of catching platoon the Rays desire. He’s very strong defensively, ranking fourth among active catchers by throwing out 40 percent of attempted basestealers. He handles pitching staffs well, which is important with the Rays’ prized rotation. Molina has a wealth of experience in the American League East, having played for the Yankees and Blue Jays the past five years, and could be a valuable mentor for rookies Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos. He has won two World Series, one with Anaheim in 2002 along with Rays manager Joe Maddon, who is a big fan.

And considering that Molina made just $1.2 million last year in Toronto, he falls in Tampa Bay’s price range. Foxsports.com reported the discussed Molina deal would be for one year plus an option for 2013. The Rays declined C Kelly Shoppach‘s $3.2 million option for next season, and though both sides were open for a reunion, a signing of the right-handed hitting Molina would end that.

Like Shoppach, Molina isn’t a big offensive threat (his career high is six homers), but he’s coming off a strong season in which he hit .281 for Toronto in 55 games; Shoppach hit .176 last year. The most games Molina has started in a season is 81 (in 2008 with the Yankees), but executive VP Andrew Friedman said early last week it was more likely the Rays would go with a platoon situation anyway.

“It’s just a demanding position,” Friedman said. “Basically a 100-60/62 (split). Who knows? We might get into a situation 80-80. It depends on the players involved.”

The Rays’ other options are Lobaton, whom they like but who was hampered by a knee sprain and hit .118 in 15 games last season; Chirinos, who showed flashes but likely needs more minor-league time; and John Jaso, who took a step back last year.

The signing of Molina wouldn’t be splashy, but it could be a solid one. Recent history has shown it doesn’t hurt to have a Molina brother on your roster, as they’ve played for the past three World Series champions (Jose with the Yankees in 2009, Bengie with the Giants and Rangers in 2010 and Yadier with the Cardinals last season).

PITCHING IN: It was a big week for the Rays rotation, with RHP Jeremy Hellickson winning American League rookie of the year Monday and RHP James Shields finishing third in the AL Cy Young voting Tuesday. And though there will be speculation all offseason that the Rays will trade from their surplus of starting pitching, Friedman maintained that’s not a foregone conclusion.

“It’s something that I expect that we’ll get a lot of inquiries,” Friedman said. “It’s not something that we’re flippant about. We’re not sitting in our internal meetings and talking about how we have too much starting pitching. Obviously if someone puts something forward that’s compelling, we owe it to everyone to talk through it. But I wouldn’t necessarily count on it.”

RAYS RUMBLINGS: The Rays are still looking at options at first base and DH as well as finding a couple of relievers. … The Rays remain interested in talking with DH Johnny Damon and 1B Casey Kotchman, and potentially bringing them back: “They are very prominent in our discussions right now as we’re going through things,” Friedman said. “I expect that will continue.” … According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, ex-Rays LHP Scott Kazmir will pitch in the Dominican Winter League with the Escogido Lions.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Friday, November 18, 2011

Two more wild-card teams will be added to the major-league playoffs, and the Rays could be one of the biggest benefactors.

The Rays have always found themselves in the difficult position of trying to make the postseason while competing in the American League East against the Yankees and Red Sox — and their mammoth payrolls. It took a September comeback and a historic Boston collapse for the Rays to clinch a wild-card berth on the final day of this past season

But commissioner Bud Selig announced Thursday at the meetings in Milwaukee that owners approved adding a second wild-card team to each league, with hopes that a new playoff format can begin next season. It’s possible the expanded field might not start until 2013, when the Astros are scheduled to move from the NL Central to the AL West, a realignment that will form two 15-team leagues and lead to interleague play throughout the season. The Astros’ move was approved by owners along with the $615 million purchase of the franchise by Jim Crane.

“We believe after a lot of study and a lot of thought that the addition of two wild cards will really help us in the long run,” Selig said.

The altered playoff structure is subject to an agreement on a new labor contract with the players’ association, which is expected before the current deal expires Dec. 11.

The idea of adding another playoff team to each league had been discussed the past two years. Selig said details and scheduling haven’t been sorted out for the new format, but it’s likely that the two wild-card teams in each league would play each other in a one-game playoff, with the winner moving on to the division series.

That means the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays could all make the playoffs in the same season.

“With the fact of how competitive our division is, I like the fact that we add another element to it,” Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton said. “It should make October even more interesting.”

The Rays have made the playoffs three of the past four seasons, including winning two AL East titles. But with their payroll at least one-quarter the size of Boston and New York, whom the Rays play 18 times each per season, it continues to be a challenging task.

“We are in favor of any change that might help improve competitive balance,” Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. “And this at least does something to further that.”

In other Rays news, the team appears close to signing veteran free agent catcher Jose Molina. FoxSports.com reported that the sides are nearing a one-year deal with an option for 2013. The Rays declined comment. Molina, 36, has been primarily a backup during his 12-year big-league career, but he would provide strong defense and experience. He hit .281 in only 55 games for the Blue Jays last season and has thrown out 40 percent of attempted base-stealers in his career.

Astros sale spurs league realignment

HOUSTON — Owners unanimously approved the long-delayed sale of the Astros from Drayton McLane to Crane, a transaction that requires the team to move from the NL Central to the AL West in 2013.

As part of the Astros’ agreement to switch leagues, the sale price was cut from $680 million to $615 million, the Associated Press reported. The deal is expected to be completed Tuesday.

“We’re focused on bringing a winner back to Houston,” said Crane, who added that staff changes will be made after Thanksgiving.

It’s baseball’s first realignment since the Milwaukee Brewers went to the NL after the 1997 season.

With an odd number of teams in each league, there will be interleague play from April through September. Since interleague games began in 1997, they had been concentrated around May and late June.

Sveum to pilot Cubs

The Cubs hired Dale Sveum as their new manager, hoping the Brewers hitting coach can help turn around the long-suffering franchise.

Sveum will be introduced at a news conference today at Wrigley Field, the team announced.

Sveum replaces Mike Quade, who was fired by Theo Epstein, the new president of baseball operations. The Cubs finished 71-91 after a disappointing season that extended their title drought to 103 seasons.

Sveum, who turns 48 Wednesday, has little experience as a manager, other than an interim stint with the Brewers late in 2008 after Ned Yost was fired. Sveum was chosen for the job over Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. and Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona pulled himself out of contention.

Phillies: Catcher Brian Schneider, the 34-year-old backup to Carlos Ruiz, re-signed with the club, getting a one-year, $800,000 deal in which he can earn an additional $200,000 in performance bonuses.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Nov 15, 2011 02:26 PM

Tampa Bay Rays righthander James Shields finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting, announced Tuesday afternoon by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Tigers righthander Justin Verlander was the unanimous choice by all 28 voters, with Angels righthander Jered Weaver taking second.

“I was excited,” Shields said. “Just to be a part of that kind of talented group of guys that were up there with me, just to be named in the same (class) as those guys. It’s definitely an honor. Obviously every pitcher wants to win the Cy Young. BUt with the kind of year Verlander had, it was a no-doubter obviously. I think it was unanimous throughout the whole world he’d win.”

Shields had a remarkable bounce back season in which he racked up a career-high 16 wins and threw a major-league most 11 complete games. He had five second place votes and nine third place votes for 66 points, narrowly edging out Yankees ace CC Sabathia (63), who finished fourth. Tigers closer Jose Valverde took fifth.

With the top-five finish, Shields’ 2012 option increased $500,000 to $8 million.

Shields gave a lot of credit to pitching coach Jim Hickey for helping him refine his mechanics and stay consistent in his delivery, and was appreciative of his teammates and fans.

“The season that I had is a season that I’m capable of having in the future, and hopefully I can just try to build on it,” Shields said. “I don’t think I’m going to predict 11 complete games next year, but hopefully I can get a couple. I’m definitely a realist, I think the year I had was definitely a phenomenal year when I look back on it. The sky is the limit. You always want to try to beat the season before next year, I’m going to try my best to repeat what I did.”

Shields’ third-place finish comes one year after lefthander David Price took second in the 2010 Cy Young. Righthander Jeremy Hellickson won the AL Rookie of the Year Award Monday.

“It shows what kind of staff we have on the Rays,” Shields said. “To have guys like that on our stuff, not one guy but five guys that could potentially have those kind of awards and those kind of years.

Even Verlander was impressed with what Shields was able to do this season.

“I thought it was incredible – 11 complete games? That’s just amazing,” Verlander said. “Me and some of the other starting pitchers on our team, we’d comment every time, ‘Oh my gosh, he threw another one.’

AL Cy Young Voting:

Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (196 points)

Angels RHP Jered Weaver (97 points)

Rays RHP James Shields (66 points)

Yankees LHP CC Sabathia (63 points)

Tigers RHP Jose Valverde (28 points)

Times staff writer Joe Smith’s Cy Young Ballot

1. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander

2. Rays RHP James Shields

3. Angels RHP Jered Weaver

4. Yankees LHP CC Sabathia

5. Rangers LF C.J. Wilson

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

Posted: Nov 14, 2011 05:14 PM

Shields awaits Cy Young vote

Rays right-hander James Shields is set for a top-five finish when the American League Cy Young Award is announced today at 2 p.m. by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is a lock to win the award after his 24-win season, but Shields could land in the top three after a bounce-back season in which he racked up a career-high 16 wins and a major-league best 11 complete games. If Shields is in the top five, his option for 2012 increases to $8 million. Angels right-hander Jered Weaver and Yankees lefty CC Sabathia will also be among the finalists.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Monday, November 14, 2011

Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson is one of the top candidates for the American League rookie of the year award to be announced today at 2 p.m. by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

The right-hander, who went 13-10 with a 2.95 ERA, had a .210 opponent’s average and 20 quality starts, tops among rookies. His competition: Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo (29 homers, 87 RBI), Mariners pitcher Michael Pineda (9-10, 3.74 ERA) and Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova (16-4, 3.70).

CARDS PICK MANAGER: The Cardinals said they will announce the hiring of Mike Matheny as manager during a news conference today.

Matheny, a former St. Louis, catcher replaces Tony La Russa, who retired after leading the team to the World Series title.

Matheny, 40, was a minor-league instructor with the Cardinals and has no managing experience. He played for St. Louis from 2000-04 and won three Gold Gloves, plus another with the Giants. He was one of six men interviewed to replace La Russa.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Wednesday, November 9, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays announced their ticket prices for the 2012 season, with 90 percent of them remaining the same or decreasing.

Despite Tampa Bay making its third playoff appearance in the past four years, its total home attendance dropped in 2011 (1,529,188) to its lowest since 2007 (1,389,031), when the then-Devil Rays were the worst team in baseball.

The Rays’ average attendance (18,878) was 29th in the majors, topping only the Athletics. Tampa Bay, which was ranked second in affordability by ESPN among teams in all four major sports, will continue to allow fans to bring in food and select beverages and feature a free-parking policy for carpoolers of four or more in team-controlled lots.

“Our onfield accomplishments over the past four seasons have provided some memorable moments for our fans. Just as important to us is that our ticket prices have remained among the most affordable in all of professional sports,” Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement. “Our ticket options for 2012 will again be aimed at making the ballpark experience affordable for families.”

There will still be the four categories for ticket prices — Diamond ($19-$175), Platinum ($17-$155), Gold ($12-$125) and Silver ($9-$115). Diamond consists of weekend games against the Red Sox, Yankees and Braves. Platinum includes Monday-Thursday games with the Red Sox and Yankees. Gold games include the remaining Friday, Saturday and Sunday games, as well as an interleague series vs. the Mets (June 12-14). Silver games include the remaining weekday games in which both upper box and upper reserved seats will be $9.

The Rays say there will be postgame concerts after selected Saturday games and “Family Fun Days” again Sundays.

Among the changes will be game times for weekday games, which will be — for the most part — 7:10 p.m. for Monday-Friday (with 12 exceptions). Saturday game times have yet to be announced; Sundays remain at 1:40 p.m. The Rays said lower box and outfield seats will increase $1 and $2 for some games.

Around the majors

DUQUETTE READY: Dan Duquette, Baltimore’s new executive vice president of baseball operations, is confident he can make a team that has finished in last place for four straight years relevant again in the AL East.

“That’s the challenge of the job, right? The way that we’re going to be competitive is we’re going to bring in some good players and build our team from the ground up,” Duquette said at his introductory news conference.

In other Orioles news, reliever Alfredo Simon was acquitted of an involuntary manslaughter charge in his native Dominican Republic.

Manager openings: Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona interviewed with the Cardinals. Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux is slated to interview with the Cubs today, and Boston plans to interview Sandy Alomar Jr., Torey Lovullo and Gene Lamont this week.

EXEC RECOVERING: Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall had surgery to remove his prostate, and doctors found that his cancer had not spread to other areas.

BREWERS: The team is bringing back manager Ron Roenicke’s entire coaching staff.

PHILLIES: Right-handed reliever Ryan Madson is in talks for a four-year, $44 million deal.

Information from Times wires was used in this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Dave Eiland liked working again for his hometown Rays as a scout and minor-league instructor. But what he really wanted was to be a major-league pitching coach again, and he got that opportunity with the Royals, agreeing to a two-year deal announced Tuesday.

“I’m very happy; it’s what I do,” Eiland said. “I wouldn’t have left Tampa Bay for any pitching coach job. It had to be the right fit, and Kansas City felt like a very good fit.”

Eiland, 45, grew up in Zephyrhills and pitched parts of 10 seasons in the majors, the last three with the Rays. He then went into coaching, working his way up to be the Yankees pitching coach in 2008-10. He spent last season as a special assistant with the Rays and would have returned if he hadn’t gotten a big-league job.

“In 25 years in the game, those were some of the smartest, brightest, sharpest baseball people I’ve been around,” Eiland said. “It’s really hard to leave.”

Also, director of baseball operations Dan Feinstein left the Rays to return to the A’s as director of professional scouting and baseball development. Feinstein, a native of Lafayette, Calif., worked for Oakland from 1994-2004. With the Rays, he assisted executive VP Andrew Friedman with contracts, arbitration, trades, rules and budgets.

[Last modified: Oct 25, 2011 07:59 PM]

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