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Rays Decline Options On Veterans Floyd, Miller

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Cliff Floyd is seen during practice on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 in Philadelphia.

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2008

Updated: 11/04/2008 12:11 am

ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays parted ways Monday with a pair of veterans who did as much work off the field as on it during the 2008 season.

Tampa Bay declined its 2009 options on designated hitter Cliff Floyd and reliever Trever Miller, granting both 35-year-olds free agency. In addition, the Rays announced backup catcher Michel Hernandez had cleared waivers and been outrighted to Durham, opening up another spot on the 40-man roster.

The Rays paid Floyd $250,000 and Miller $400,000 to buy out their option years. Floyd would have made $2.75 million in 2009 and Miller $2 million if their options had been picked up. Both signed with the Rays as free agents last offseason - Floyd coming from the Cubs and Miller from the Astros.

Those two, along with Troy Percival, Dan Wheeler and Eric Hinske (who opted for free agency over the weekend) helped bring some perspective and experience to what had been a youthful and at times immature Rays clubhouse.

Floyd in particular maintained a prominent presence this season even when injuries kept him out the lineup. A torn labrum in his right shoulder forced Floyd off the active roster in the middle of the World Series, and he said Monday he would consider undergoing surgery to repair the injury if a team showed "100 percent interest" in his services for 2009.

"I've put myself in a situation where if I want to play and if the situation presents itself, I can play," he said.

Floyd also would be open to rejoining the Rays if asked, and that could happen depending on how the market unfolds. Miller could be in a similar situation depending on what other offers materialize for him and what the Rays decide to do with their bullpen this winter. The Rays' other free agent, Rocco Baldelli, also may end up returning for 2009.

Either way, the core of this year's team will remain intact heading into next season - something that pleases Floyd even if he isn't among that group.

"It was a great situation to be a part of, I'll tell you that," Floyd said. "And I hope they keep this nucleus together, because the types of guys on that team don't come around too often."

Information from Tribune wire services was used in this report.

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