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Rays buy out Rocco's options |
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Wednesday, 02 April 2008 |
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Special to Blackstone Valley Sports With Rocco Baldelli’s playing status uncertain, Tampa Bay declined not to pick up the Woonsocket native/Cumberland resident’s option for 2009, the announcement coming Tuesday in Baltimore.
Baldelli, who is on the 60-day disabled list with a rare disease that leaves him fatigued after workouts, has not played in a single game for his current employer since last May. Under the terms of the long-term deal the ex-Bishop Hendricken High star signed in 2005, the Rays had until yesterday to pick up his option for 2009, which was worth $6 million.
By declining the option, Tampa saves around $4 million. The move also means Baldelli will become eligible for free agency for the first time in his career following the season.
Had Tampa decided to pick up Baldelli’s option, the club would have been on the hook for $17 million over the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
According to tampabay.com, Rays GM Andrew Friedman did not rule out the possibility of bringing Baldelli back. “The most important thing right now is to address Rocco's health situation and once we're able to move beyond that we'll do everything in our power to keep him in a Rays uniform,” Friedman told the website.
It was good news, however, for another local Rhode Islander on Tuesday. Warwick’s Dan Wheeler was awarded a three-year contract extension worth $10.5 million with an option for 2011.
Wheeler and Tampa avoided arbitration prior to this season, but this new pact cancels out that deal. Though is salary slightly drops this season ($2.875 before, $2.8 million now), Wheeler’s salary will get bumped into the $3 million range in each of the next two seasons.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 April 2008 )
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