Jason Isringhausen News

Last season, the Rays' bullpen ran into a world of pain during the final few months of the season.

Not that the Rays didn't know they needed a true door-slamming closer, which they think they have in Rafael Soriano, who will come over from the Braves.

Ia ll say this about the Rays. They identify a problem, they identify a player they want, and they go out and get him.

Baseball's winter meetings will feel aptly named with snow forecast for Indianapolis much of the week, but maybe the cold temps make the action hotter.

With the free agency period starting last Friday, the Rays find themselves in a somewhat similar situation to last winter.

Welcome to another edition of Thaddeus' Tampa Bay Rays Offseason Report. Each and every Friday, we're going to recap the moves, trades, signings, and other nonsense of the previous week in the wonderful world of Tampa Bay baseball; keeping you, Dear Reader, up to date with the team until Opening Day in April 2010 against the Baltimore Orioles.

Rays catcher Dioner Navarro had left elbow surgery in late October to stabilize an ulnar nerve but is expected to be ready for spring training, the team said Monday.

Major League Baseball crowned a new champion Wednesday night, and Thursday morning it was back to business as players could begin to file for free agency.

The Rays' bullpen this year was quite the odyssey. There were times we loved it, but just as frequently, there were times we hated it.

He was the Cardinals closer for six years. During that time, Jason Isringhausen made two World Series appearances before moving on to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Stopping short of just inviting every free agent reliever who possesses a fastball and a slider to spring training, I decided to look into a few individual cases that I think might fit the Rays ' plans in 2010.

From Rollie and Eck to Jason Isringhausen, Billy Koch and Huston Street, if there is one position the Oakland Athletics have consistently cultivated over the years, it's that of major league closer.A That the A's major-domo, Billy Beane, has so loudly disdained this position during his reign , and yet gotten superlative seasons out of Isringhausen ...

The division races are mostly so devoid of any intrigue that teams such as the Yankees, Phillies and Cardinals are enjoying a second spring training as they rest players and align their pitchers for the postseason.

The Cardinals and National League saves leader Ryan Franklin are negotiating a two-year contract extension that could allow him to end his career in St.

According to Jon Heyman from Sports Illustrated.com , Billy Wagner of the Mets was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets after returning from the disabled list.

The Rays re-signed relief pitcher Winston Abreu to a Minor League contract Thursday, little more than two months after trading him to Cleveland for right-hander John Meloan.

The Rays re-signed relief pitcher Winston Abreu to a Minor League contract Thursday, little more than two months after trading him to Cleveland for right-hander John Meloan.

The Rays re-signed relief pitcher Winston Abreu to a Minor League contract Thursday, little more than two months after trading him to Cleveland for right-hander John Meloan.

We've heard plenty of times this year about how the Rays need to add a veteran pitcher with closing experience.

The Rays re-signed relief pitcher Winston Abreu to a Minor League contract Thursday, little more than two months after trading him to Cleveland for right-hander John Meloan.