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Gomes A Free Agent

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By MARC LANCASTER

mlancaster@tampatrib.com

Published: December 13, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - A fan favorite who has spent most of his career fighting for every chance he got is moving on. The Rays on Friday declined to tender a 2009 contract to Jonny Gomes, making him a free agent.

The high-energy outfielder endured the least productive season of his career in 2008, hitting .182 with eight homers in 77 games for the Rays and .252 with two more homers in 26 contests after being optioned to Durham.

Despite those unsightly numbers, baseball's arbitration system likely would have granted Gomes a raise from the $1.275 million he made last season. Given his diminished role with the team, there was never much question whether the Rays would non-tender the 28-year-old.

The Rays would be open to bringing Gomes back - most likely on a minor-league contract - if he can't find employment elsewhere. But given Gomes' power potential if given regular playing time, they expect him to find a taker for his services.

The Rays have five remaining arbitration-eligible players: Willy Aybar, Grant Balfour, Jason Bartlett, Gabe Gross and Dioner Navarro.

GARZA OUT OF WBC: A minor surgical procedure performed shortly after the World Series will keep Matt Garza out of the World Baseball Classic.

An old fracture in Garza's right foot, suffered six or seven years ago, began giving the starter trouble midway through the season, and he had surgery to correct it five days after the Rays' season ended.

Garza had been pursued by Mexico for the WBC and was under consideration for the U.S. team, but players who have had offseason surgery can't play in the tournament.

Burnett, Yankees Reach Big Deal

NEW YORK - The New York Yankees reeled in another pitcher with a rich offer, reaching agreement with free agent A.J. Burnett on a five-year, $82.5 million contract Friday.
CC Sabathia and the Yankees made a deal for $161 million over seven years Wednesday during the winter meetings.

But after missing the playoffs following a 13-year run, the Yankees showed they were more than willing to shell out big bucks for pitching.

Burnett's agreement was confirmed by the office of his agent, Darek Braunecker.

In other Yankees news, former All-Star center fielder Bernie Williams, 40, is expected to play winter baseball in his native Puerto Rico.

BLUE JAYS: Toronto signed former All-Star right-hander Matt Clement to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

CUBS: Chicago and right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

METS: The New York Mets made Ken Oberkfell, 52, manager of the minor-league Buffalo Bisons.

RED SOX: Kevin Cash (Gaither) became a free agent after Boston declined to tender the catcher a contract.

WHITE SOX: Chicago agreed to a four-year, $10 million contract with Cuban infielder Dayan Viciedo.

Information from Tribune wires was used in this report.

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