Andrew Friedman will not be the new general manager of the Houston Astros.

Rays team president Matt Silverman just released the following statement:

“Andrew chose not to be a part of the Astros’ process. It is in no way a reflection on the Houston organization.”

– Bill Chastain

While most figured that Andrew Friedman would be staying put in his position as the Rays executive vice president of baseball operations, the tight-lipped Rays executive has not denied reports that he might be headed to Houston to take the reigns of his hometown team, the Astros.  However, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times tweeted that Friedman “has already decided against taking the Astros GM job”.

–Bill Chastain

Baseball’s Winter Meetings get into full swing this morning and here are some of the latest tidbits involving the Rays:

First, retired slugger Manny Ramirez is said to be considering a comeback — which would first involve him serving a 50-game suspension.  The Rays were the last team he played for, but I don’t expect the Rays to have any interest this time around.

According to Fox Sports, the Nationals are targeting B.J. Upton, who is likely to make as much as $7 million in 2012 through arbitration.  Based on what Andrew Friedman has said — the team is looking to add offense — I don’t expect the Rays to be actively shopping their center fielder.  The Nationals are also said to be interested in Peter Bourjes of the Angels.

And rumor has it that the Orioles are interested in signing Johnny Damon.  While that might happen, a big part of me still believes he’ll be back with the Rays this season.

–Bill Chastain

Tampa Bay has signed left-hander Grayson Garvin out of Vanderbilt.

Garvin, who was the No. 59 pick of the Draft, signed for a $370,000 bonus.

– Bill Chastain

B.J. Upton is in the Rays’ lineup for Sunday’s game against the Mariners.

The Rays center-fielder has just over two hours to see if he’ll remain a member of the Rays. Teams still reported to be interested in obtaining Upton include the Nationals, Reds, and Indians.

–Bill Chastain

According to a tweet by John Paul Morosi of Fox Sports, the Tigers are interested in Rays reliever Joel Peralta.

Peralta leads the American League with 52 appearances and the Rays control him through 2012, though he is arbitration eligible.

The report did not speculate what the Rays might get in return for the right-hander.

–Bill Chastain

The Rays have traded veteran infielder Felipe Lopez to the Brewers for cash considerations.

Lopez , 31, hit .216 in 36 games  during two stints for the Rays this season.

The Rays designated Lopez for assignment on June 12 and retained him after he agreed to return to Triple-A Durham, where he has played since. Lopez hit .305 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs for the Bulls this season.

–Bill Chastain

Evan Longoria will not start tonight against the Angels. The Rays All-Star third baseman continues to run a temperature from a virus he caught, as did many others on the team.

According to Joe Maddon, the big concern when somebody runs a fever is dehydration, which can lead to pulled muscles.

–Bill Chastain

The Rays just posted Sunday’s lineup and Evan Longoria is not starting.  Tampa Bay’s All-Star third baseman left Saturday’s game after three innings due to soreness in his left side, which is the same area that caused him to miss 29 games earlier in the season.

Felipe Lopez will start at third.  Here’s the rest of the lineup:

Damon, DH

Zobrist, 2B

Joyce, RF

Upton, CF

Lopez, 3B

Rodriguez, SS

Kotchman, 1B

Shoppach, c

Fuld, LF

Davis, RHP

–Bill Chastain