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Rays journal: Veteran catcher Derek Norris close to signing contract

 
Derek Norris chose the Rays over several teams because of the chance for more playing time.
Derek Norris chose the Rays over several teams because of the chance for more playing time.
Published March 25, 2017

BRADENTON — The Rays are adding a new frontline catcher in signing free agent Derek Norris, the Tampa Bay Times has learned.

The one-year major-league deal with Norris, pending a physical that could be completed today, is for $1.2 million plus $800,000 in performance bonuses. He would be under Rays control for 2018 in his final year of arbitration.

The Rays will have to create space on the 40-man roster when the deal is complete, with Curt Casali, Luke Maile and nonroster invitee Jesus Sucre now competing for the other spot. Manager Kevin Cash declined comment after the Rays' 4-0 loss to the Pirates on Friday.

Norris, 28, chose the Rays over several other teams based on the opportunity for more playing time. He was released last week by the Nationals — because they signed C Matt Wieters, whom the Rays pursued — and was paid about $700,000 in termination pay, one-sixth of his $4.2 million arbitration contract.

Norris is coming off a rough offensive year in San Diego, where he hit .186 with 14 homers, 42 RBIs, a .255 on-base percentage and a .583 OPS and had a career-worst 30.3 percent strikeout rate. While his offense has been in a two-year decline since his 2014 All-Star season with Oakland, his defensive work, specifically his pitch framing, has improved.

Erasmo all smiles

RHP Eramso Ramirez cleared a hurdle Friday when he pitched four innings against the Pirates. The Rays want him stretched out so he can not only handle the multiple innings of long relief but also start if the need arises.

"Well, I feel like I prove myself, like I can throw strikes, because it's been a little trouble the last two times I get to start a game," Ramirez said. "I throw too many balls, running around the strike zone. (Friday) was different, everything was in the strike zone."

Ramirez allowed four hits and one earned run, walked one and struck out four. More importantly, 39 of his 58 pitches were strikes.

"He looked crisp," manager Kevin Cash said. "Kind of like the Erasmo we've seen in the past."

Game stuff: Pirates 4, Rays 0

The Rays managed just four hits — two by SS Daniel Robertson. … RHPs Danny Farquhar and Chase Whitley pitched well. … Former Ray John Jaso doubled and scored in the first inning and robbed 1B Logan Morrison of a hit with a diving catch in rightfield to start the third.

Tied with DP

RHP Chris Archer (right) is scheduled to make his third career opening day start, tying him with David Price for the second most in team history. James Shields holds the record with four.

"It's a nice honor for sure because we've always had multiple pitchers who are very capable," Archer said. "Other teams, it's very apparent who should be the opening day starter, and this team could have chosen from two or three guys based off what they did last year or in previous years. So it's definitely an honor."

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Spring things

. Manager Kevin Cash said the issues with SS Matt Duffy might not be with his surgically repaired left heel but with the tendons and muscles in his ankle and calf. They might need more strengthening.

. Cash said the decision on the bullpen will come down to the final day of camp. A big key is which pitchers can better cover them with depth as a starter — RHPs Chase Whitley, Jaime Schultz or Austin Pruitt — with the Rays and at Triple-A Durham.