Here's da article,

ST. PETERSBURG - Now that the Devil Rays apparently have lost out to the Yankees in signing relief pitcher Tom Gordon, they will turn to Plan B.

 

What's Plan B? The status quo. With Gordon expected to go off the market and most other available closers asking for more than the Rays can afford, Lance Carter, who saved 26 games as a rookie in 2003, likely will return as Tampa Bay's primary closer.

 

General manager Chuck LaMar said Monday the Rays started the offseason on the lookout for an experienced reliever to supplement Carter, but the chances of acquiring one appear to be dwindling.

 

"We came into the offseason and felt we needed to improve in the three big areas: offense, defense and pitching," LaMar said. "We were happy with Lance, and we expected he would close games next season, but we thought we might need an experienced guy to go along with him. But we also needed to improve in other areas."

 

That's the rub. The Rays would love to add that experienced reliever, but if they do, they might not be able to afford a big bat who can play rightfield or be a designated hitter, and a middle infielder.

 

"I have other holes to fill (besides the bullpen)," LaMar said. "And with our budget, I need to consider where to spend."

 

The priority for the Rays now is to add some power, and they are targeting outfielder-types Juan Gonzalez, Carl Everett, Brad Fullmer, Rondell White, Reggie Sanders and Jose Cruz. The Rays would like to sign one or maybe even two.

 

If they signed a reliever such as Minnesota's Eddie Guardado or LaTroy Hawkins, both of whom are looking for deals in the three-year, $15-million range, there might not be enough money left for a hitter. So the Rays might have to pass on bullpen help.

 

Even though they were optimistic about signing Gordon, who is expected to sign a two-year, $7-million deal, losing out on him wasn't seen as devastating news. He likely is more suited for a setup role, and the Rays were thinking he would be only a part-time closer (along with Carter) when they made their offer.

 

"Lance Carter saved (26) games as a rookie, no less," LaMar said. "But even Lance would tell you it would be nice to have someone there helping him close out games. If we can find that someone who fits into our price range, we'll go after him. But we also have other needs."

 

Those needs likely will not be addressed immediately. It's unlikely the Rays will add a name player before the start of the winter meetings Dec. 12.

Hmm I wonder what happens to Jurrasic if their budget dries up. I haven't heard of any other teams interested in him.

I would love to see the Drays sign Everett before Dec. 7th cause then the Sox can offer Carl arbitration and get a pick for him, something I never expected to happen. If Carl gets like a 3 yr 15 mill offer from a team, I guarantee he turns down arbitration from the Sox. The thing is the Sox won't take that risk unless they are fairly confident he will get that kind of offer.

 

With the Drays looking to grab him (I thought they were crying poor just a few months ago) knowing they won't lose a pick cause they have a terrible pick anyway (Plus knowing them, they'd rather not have the draft pick so they don't have to give a fat signing bonus to someone) it could turn into a nice plus.

I would love to see the Drays sign Everett before Dec. 7th cause then the Sox can offer Carl arbitration and get a pick for him, something I never expected to happen.  If Carl gets like a 3 yr 15 mill offer from a team, I guarantee he turns down arbitration from the Sox.  The thing is the Sox won't take that risk unless they are fairly confident he will get that kind of offer.

 

With the Drays looking to grab him (I thought they were crying poor just a few months ago) knowing they won't lose a pick cause they have a terrible pick anyway (Plus knowing them, they'd rather not have the draft pick so they don't have to give a fat signing bonus to someone) it could turn into a nice plus.

The DRays have a terrible pick? Shouldn't they be in the top 10 at least with as bad as they were last year?

I meant terrible as in they were terrible so they have a top pick...probably should or wrote it differently.

 

Ya, I'm sure they will be in the Top 5.

I meant terrible as in they were terrible so they have a top pick...probably should or wrote it differently. 

 

Ya, I'm sure they will be in the Top 5.

AH, I gotcha. If we could get a top 5 pick for Carl Everett in addition to the picks for Flash, and our normal pick, plus potential picks for Bartolo, we could be looking at rebuilding again.

AH, I gotcha. If we could get a top 5 pick for Carl Everett in addition to the picks for Flash, and our normal pick, plus potential picks for Bartolo, we could be looking at rebuilding again.

We may not be rebuilding, but the nice part is we could still be a good team and bring in a huge influx of talent based on a good draft.

 

Two high picks for Gordon, one or two for Everett and then possibly one for Wunsch (I noticed he was a B or C) and now the Sox are in a good position with a lot of high picks. They probably won't take all studs cause you need to make sure you have most of those guys, but that is a great way to bring in a lot of talent nad really revitalize your organization without having to do any white flag deal.

 

I hope we get Bartolo back so I don't mention him in there. But we could get as many as 6 high picks if you ask me, maybe more maybe less.

We may not be rebuilding, but the nice part is we could still be a good team and bring in a huge influx of talent based on a good draft. 

 

Two high picks for Gordon, one or two for Everett and then possibly one for Wunsch (I noticed he was a B or C) and now the Sox are in a good position with a lot of high picks.  They probably won't take all studs cause you need to make sure you have most of those guys, but that is a great way to bring in a lot of talent nad really revitalize your organization without having to do any white flag deal. 

 

I hope we get Bartolo back so I don't mention him in there.  But we could get as many as 6 high picks if you ask me, maybe more maybe less.

Yeah we'll get 6 first round picks and it will just like the year the Bulls had 3 picks in the top 7. It will be the worst draft class ever.

Also potential picks come from Alomar as a A type FA, and Sullivan as B.

Also potential picks come from Alomar as a A type FA, and Sullivan as  B.

I just don't see a chance that anyone will give Aloamr that type of money where the Sox feel confident offering him arbitration. I think Sully come back to the Sox. Reds don't want him and he won't want to move again.

If the D-Rays hav a pick in the top 15, I'm pretty sure we don't get it. We'll get their second round pick instead. That's why da Cubs lost their 1st rounder to da Twinkies, cos it was below 15.

If the D-Rays hav a pick in the top 15, I'm pretty sure we don't get it. We'll get their second round pick instead. That's why da Cubs lost their 1st rounder to da Twinkies, cos it was below 15.

You are correct. If it's a top 15 pick, we would receive the D-Rays 2nd round pick. Knowing that is the case, they'll wait until after 12/7 to make any offer to Everett. They won't be so intmidated by the signing bonus a 2nd round pick would command. So, the Sox won't offer Everett arbitration and we will lose him without getting anything in return for him. Typical.