4:25pm: Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times talked to Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman, who said the team is open to exploring a long-term deal with Upton.
10:15am: The Rays' biggest additions this winter have been catcher Kelly Shoppach and closer Rafael Soriano, as well as the re-signing of extra outfielder Gabe Kapler. Their losses have included Mitch Talbot, Akinori Iwamura, Gregg Zaun, and Jesse Chavez (who was acquired for Iwamura and then traded for Soriano).
They've also got one arbitration case in B.J. Upton. A hearing seems silly given a gap of only $300K. Upton isn't worried about the difference and even told MLB.com's Bill Chastain he's "definitely all for" discussing a long-term deal. The Rays might want to see if Upton's power returns before offering multiyear security.
Is that it for the Rays this winter? Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune suggests they're still looking for another reliever. An earlier article from Topkin indicated manager Joe Maddon wanted more competition in the pen and at second base. Among right-handed relievers, Kiko Calero might be the best remaining free agent. He shouldn't cost much. Chan Ho Park, Russ Springer, Mike MacDougal, and Kevin Gregg are lingering as well.
There's also the Jim Thome rumor, which Mooney notes would make a lot more sense paired with a Pat Burrell trade.
