This offseason was going to be filled with several questions for the Rays. First on the list was going to see what player options they were going to pick up. Today, the team announced they will pick up three player options for 2013 while declining one.
The Rays picked up options on catcher Jose Molina and pitchers James Shields and Fernando Rodney. Tampa Bay declined the option on designated hitter Luke Scott.
Scott unfortunately did not deliver for the Rays as they had hoped. The veteran struggled from the plate .229 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI. He played in an injury-plagued season that saw him in 96 games, second fewest since 2005.
A.L. Comeback Player of the Year Fernando Rodney’ 2013 options is worth $2.5 million. Rodney finished the 2012 season with 48 saves, 76 strikeouts, and a 0.60 ERA.
James Shields was a big contributor to the starting rotation. He recorded a 3.52 ERA in 2012. He went 15-10 with 223 strikeouts and 58 walks in 227.2 innings pitched.
But the news on Shields was quickly associated with rumors. Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have James Shields on top of their list of targets this offseason.
This is not the first time Shields has been linked to possible trade scenarios. Tampa Bay has made no secrets about their intentions on keeping as many pitchers as possible. But with the potential of another struggling offensive lineup for 2013, it would be interesting to see if the Rays make a move, if any.
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