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Rays Still Talking With OF Floyd

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By MARC LANCASTER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays appear close to signing veteran outfielder Cliff Floyd, but the deal is not yet done.

A report on ESPN.com Thursday said Floyd and the Rays had agreed on a one-year deal worth $3 million in base salary plus the possibility of $2 million more in incentives, but Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said it was premature.

"We are still working through some of the finer points," Friedman said Thursday evening. "We are hopeful that there will be a positive announcement early next week."

Floyd would fill the Rays' need for a lefty-swinging platoon partner for Jonny Gomes and Rocco Baldelli in the right field and designated hitter slots. The 15-year major-league veteran hit .284 and had a .373 on-base percentage in 108 games for the Cubs last season.

Friedman wouldn't comment further on the negotiations, and Floyd's representatives, Sam and Seth Levinson, didn't return a message left by the Tribune. It is believed that Floyd, who has been dogged by leg injuries throughout his career, still must pass a physical for the deal to become official.

The Rays did finalize a pair of contracts Thursday, avoiding arbitration with relievers Gary Glover and Grant Balfour and signing each to a one-year contract. Glover will make $1.075 million in 2008 with a chance to earn an additional $25,000 in incentives. Balfour will make $500,000.

Glover went 6-5 with a 4.89 ERA in 67 appearances last season and played a big role in stabilizing the Rays' bullpen as the year unfolded.

Balfour was acquired in exchange for Seth McClung on July 27 and went 1-0 with a 6.14 ERA in 22 relief appearances for the Rays the rest of the season. He missed all of 2005 and most of 2006 after undergoing elbow and shoulder surgeries while with the Twins.

The Rays have four remaining arbitration-eligible players - Scott Kazmir, Carlos Pena, Dan Wheeler and Gomes - but are not believed to be close to an agreement with any of them.

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227 or mlancaster@tampatrib.com.

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