Rays, Shouse close to deal

JANUARY 31, 2009

The Rays are close to finalizing a deal with reliever Brian Shouse, a 40-year-old lefty specialist, pending a physical exam.

The deal, according to ESPN, will be for two years. The Rays have not confirmed it.

Shouse went 5-1, 2.81 last season for Milwaukee, holding lefties to a .180 average while working in 69 games. He had 33 strikeouts and 14 walks and allowed five home runs.

He made $2 million and declined arbitration, becoming a Type B free agent. The Rays don't have to give up a draft pick (as used to be the case), but the Brewers will get an additional "sandwich" pick.

Shouse, who made his big-league debut for the Pirates in 1993 at age 24, has also pitched for the Red Sox, Royals and Rangers, bouncing between the big leagues and Triple-A. He didn't spend a full season in the majors until 2005 with Texas.

Posted by Marc Topkin at 5:18:20 pm on January 31, 2009 | Permalink | Comments |

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

Most Recent Blog Posts

Maddon didn't want contract to be distraction February 15

Rays announce Maddon's 3-year extension February 15

Rays add Coon, Salazar to spring roster February 14

Yes, that's David Price getting tips from Kate Upton February 14

Maddon 3-year extension is done, announcement Wednesday February 14

Tuesday: Chat live with Marc Topkin February 13

Another No. 1 ranking for Matt Moore February 13

A look at the non-roster invitees February 11

Saturday autograph signing: Joyce, Cobb February 10

Gomes to be limited at start of camp February 10

Meet the Rays

Joe Maddon, Johnny Damon and Evan Longoria are only some of the Rays you'll meet through our new video interview series. Don't see your favorite player yet? Check back often, as we'll add to the series as the season progresses.

Rays Links

Rays coverage on tampabay.com

Official Rays website

Baseball Headlines from AP

Comment Policy

Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that:

Is libelous

Is abusive, harassing, or threatening

Is obscene, vulgar, or profane

Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive

Is illegal or encourages criminal acts

Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution

Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others

Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)

Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises

The Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.