Getty Images Marc Topkin, beat writer for the freshly-branded Tampa Bay Times, reports that the Rays inked outfielder Jeff Salazar to a minor league contract.
The deal comes with an invitation to spring training, though Salazar is doubtful to earn a spot on the Rays’ Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old has not appeared in a major league game since the 2009 season and he batted just .228/.355/.374 with nine home runs and 39 RBI in 344 plate appearances last year between the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
Tampa Bay also agreed to a minor league contract Tuesday with Brad Coon, a career minor-leaguer.
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- proudlycanadian - Feb 14, 2012 at 11:31 PM
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I thought that the Rays needed warm bodies at the Triple A level.
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- proudlycanadian - Feb 15, 2012 at 7:38 AM
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I didn’t write that comment very clearly. It is my understanding that Tampa Bay had lost several Triple A players to minor league free agency. They need to replace them and added a couple of players yesterday.
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- buddaley - Feb 15, 2012 at 8:45 AM
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They did-Ruggiano, Johnson and Canzler in particular-but they have 5 or 6 players who can play the outfield anyway. They include Vogt, Kang, Anderson, Shelby and Salem, and most likely Guyer to start the season. There are also a few spring training invitees who will likely be sent to the minors if not released. My guess is this is less about need than about a desire to have plenty of options to sift through.
