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Rays' Navarro Headed For Arbitration After Talks Break Down

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

Efforts by the Tampa Bay Rays and Dioner Navarro's representative to agree on a multiyear deal for the All-Star catcher before Monday's arbitration hearing have broken down.

Navarro's Tampa-based agent, Kendall Almerico, said today that it was apparent the sides wouldn't be able to reach an agreement by Monday.

"We both worked at it and made some progress," Almerico said this morning. "The door is definitely open after the arbitration hearing for us to sit down again and talk about a long-term deal, but as of right now we're just too far apart."

Though Almerico characterized the negotiations as amicable, he noted that Navarro's willingness to head back to the bargaining table in search of a longer-term deal following the hearing likely would depend on how the process unfolds. Arbitration hearings can be contentious, with teams often compelled to openly degrade their own player in an effort to win their case.

If the Rays "come in with guns blazing," Almerico said, "that's going to create some issues."

Navarro has asked for $2.5 million in 2009, while the Rays are offering $2.1 million. The three-person arbitration panel will hear both sides' arguments Monday in Phoenix and choose one of the two figures within a few days. Navarro made $432,500 last season.

The Rays remain in talks with their other arbitration-eligible player, infielder Willy Aybar. Aybar's agent, Luis Valdez, said today that he feels good about the possibility of a two-year deal being done within the next few days.

"We're looking for the second year as something that would be comfortable for the team and comfortable for Willy," Valdez said.

Aybar is asking for a 2009 salary of $1.05 million in arbitration, and the Rays are offering $900,000.

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227.

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