Gregg Zaun filed for free agency Wednesday, which was to be expected considering the Rays did not exercise his $2 million option for 2010 on Monday.

However, the Rays say they still have interest in Zaun, they just want to remain flexible -- or liquid -- early in the offseason.

Catching was not a strong area for the Rays in 2009. Navarro took a step backwards and Zaun came aboard and actually seemed to be the missing piece.

Reading between the lines on this one, I can see the Rays looking around for catching help during the offseason and if they don't find a major upgrade at the position I believe they will try and re-sign Zaun.

Addressing the catching, at least in my opinion, seems as if it will be the Rays' top priority. Unfortunately for the Rays, there aren't a lot of available upgrades out there.

-- Bill Chastain

Nice to see Evan Longoria get recognized for his defensive work at third base with a Gold Glove.

Not only does Longoria have sure hands, he might be the best I've seen at charging bunts and throwing runners out at first. I can't tell you how many times I've expressed that sentiment to the person sitting next to me in the press box after watching him make such a play.

I think this will be the first of many Gold Glove Awards for the Rays talented third baseman, who continues to make the game look so easy.

--Bill Chastain 

Gabe Kapler will be back with the Rays next season after signing a one-year deal worth $1.05 million.

The Rays initially were attracted to Kapler because of his work against left-handed pitching and he came through in 2009 by hitting .276 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs against left-handed pitching.

In 99 games with the Rays the veteran hit .238 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs.

--Bill Chastain

An interesting side note today will be whether Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira can hit a home run.

Carlos Pena, who was sidelined in early September due to broken fingers, is tied with Teixeira for the American League home run lead at 39.

Should be fun to watch.

--Bill Chastain

Looking at what's left of the season, the Rays need to win three games to finish with the second winning record in club history (also 97-65 in 2008).

In addition, they need to win four games to become the eighth team all-time to win 180 games over two seasons after losing 180 games the previous two seasons.

Chances of the Rays accomplishing the above mentioned are good given the fact the Rays have played .240 percentage points better at home (47-27) than on the road (32-49), which represents the greatest home-road differential in the Major Leagues.


--Bill Chastain

If David Price wins for the Rays today he will move to 10-7 on the season to give the Rays two rookies with 10 plus wins and winning records.

Since 1980, just three sets of American League rookie teammates have finished above .500 with 10-plus wins. That group includes Freddy Garcia (17-9) and John Halama (11-10) for Seattle in 1999; Mike Timlin (11-6) and Juan Guzman (10-3) for Toronto in 1991; and Britt Burns (15-13) and Rich Dotson (12-10) for Chicago in 1980.

--Bill Chastain

Rays manager Joe Maddon just announced that J.P. Howell will not pitch any more this season.

Howell, who has been the team's closer all season, will end the season at 7-5 with a 2.84 ERA and 17 saves.

The left-hander is not injured, but Maddon said shutting him down is "the right thing to do" based on the fact Howell had a long season in 2008, a short off season, he pitched in the World Baseball Classic, and became the closer, which added to the intensity of his appearances.
--Bill Chastain

Ben Zobrist's RBI double in the first gave him 74 for the season, pulling him into a tie with Mark DeRosa (Texas 2006) for the most in one season since 1954 by a player who started at six positions.

Flashback two years and it's really hard to think this is the same player. But Zobrist has done an amazing job of becoming an offensive force for the Rays.

--Bill Chastain

Reid Brignac has put his game on display tonight with Jason Bartlett filling the DH role.

Not only is Brignac 4-for-4 with two doubles and his first career home run, he also made a stellar play in the field to rob Melvin Mora of a base hit.

Though Brignac has primarily been a shortstop, don't be surprised to see him come to camp in the spring with a shot to become the everyday second baseman. He also has a good chance to become the Rays' utility infielder since he can play shortstop and it appears Zobrist could be the everyday right-fielder in 2010.

--Bill Chastain

Though it's not raining right now, word is to expect more of the wet stuff for tonight's Rays-Red Sox game at Fenway Park.

If there's much of a delay the situation could get ridiculous given the fact the two teams play a Sunday double-header that begins at noon.

There are only so many hours in a day. Should be interesting.

--Bill Chastain