Joyce could be the Rays' everyday right fielder in 2009, or he could be part of the outfield depth depending on how Friedman addresses the need for a designated hitter.

"We feel like Matt Joyce can be a very good player for us," Friedman said. "We think he's an above-average defensive right fielder with plus power. We like what he brings to our club and like the years of control that we have (through 2014). We feel like he'll help us for many years to come."

Friedman and manager Joe Maddon met with free agents Milton Bradley and Jason Giambi, and Friedman had plans to meet with representatives for free agents Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Raul Ibanez, Adam Dunn and Juan Rivera. Also, free agent Ken Griffey Jr. has reportedly added the Rays to his list of possible destinations.

Before heading to Las Vegas for the meetings, Friedman said he would likely troll the free agent market for offensive help, and that appears to be the route he will take in finding a DH.

Jackson was 14-11 last season, tying the club record for wins in a season. The hard-throwing right-hander never seemed to develop the way the Rays hoped he would when they traded for him in January 2006.

Jackson was left off the roster for the American League Division Series against the White Sox but added to the postseason roster before the American League Championship Series. He worked out of the bullpen in the championship series and the World Series, yet his habit of slow starts made him a poor candidate for the Rays' bullpen.

Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski said Jackson would be a part of the Tigers' rotation.

Trading a 14-game winner for an outfielder with as little major league experience as Joyce seems a bit odd, but Friedman built the Rays into the American League champions by making what some believed at the time were unorthodox moves.

"Edwin Jackson was a big part of our turnaround," Friedman said. "It wasn't something we were out necessarily seeking to do. But you have to give up talent to get talent."