Tampa Bay Rays considering options on Jose Molina and Luke Scott – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, the Tampa Bay Rays are looking deep into contract options on closer Fernando Rodney, starting pitcher James Shields and catcher Jose Molina. Earlier the management also refused on $6 million options for designated hitter
Luke Scott and instead paid him a $1 million buyout.
The 37-year-old Molina will be getting $1.5 million for 2012 season instead of a $300,000 buyout option. Molina batted decently as he hit .223 with eight home-runs and 32 RBI’s in 102 games this year.
Scott batted with a .229 average with 14 home-runs and 55 RBI’s in 96 games. The 34-year-old was placed on the disabled list twice in his first season with the Rays, forcing him to miss 45 big league games.
Shields had a decent time on the mound during 2012 regular season as he finished with 15-10 record with a decent 3.52 ERA. Striking-out 223 batters with 1.17 WHIP, he was Rays’ best starting pitcher during the past season. The right hander ranked fourth
in strike-outs, third in the innings pitched and 12th in ERA for the American League.
Shields has been offered a $9.5 million salary for the next year rather than a $1.5 million buyout. The starter will be very pleased with the offer and it will be interesting to see if he can post decent numbers next season to cement his place on Rays’ big
league roster.
Rays also have a $12 million option for the pitcher for 2014 season with a $1 million buyout. Rodney, who earned the AL comebacker of the year award, was absolutely sensational throughout season. The 35-year-old made a career best 48 saves in first year
in Tampa Bay, which made him a fan favourite.
Rodney finished the season with an incredible .60 ERA, which is a record for a Major League Baseball reliever with at least 50 innings pitched. Rays have decided to offer him a $2.5 million contract rather than going for a $250,000 buyout. Surely, the closer
will be looking to continue his good work in the next season to earn a salary increment.
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