--C Dioner Navarro's long-term future with the team could depend on the tenor of his Feb. 9 arbitration hearing, following a breakdown in talks on a multiyear deal. Agent Kendall Almerico said after the hearing, "I hope to resume negotiations on a long-term deal so Navi can play in Tampa for the rest of his career. But that may depend on how the Rays present their case and whether the Rays treat Navi respectfully at the hearing, as Navi has instructed us to treat the Rays throughout this entire process."
--The Rays were in active negotiations to avoid their remaining arbitration case, talking with INF Willy Aybar about a two-year deal. --LHP Brian Shouse should fill the one remaining hole in the Rays' roster. The team was close to finalizing a one-year deal with an option that adds a proven lefty specialist to their overhauled bullpen.
--Former Rays C Mike DiFelice announced his retirement as a player, and he will move into coaching as manager of the Mets' rookie-level team in Kingsport, Tenn.
--RHP Winston Abreu was signed to a minor league contract, giving the Rays 31 pitchers on their spring roster, with LHP Brian Shouse to be added on Monday when his physical exam results are finalized.
--OF/1B/DH Cliff Floyd, who hinted at retirement after injuring his right shoulder during the World Series, agreed to a one-year deal with the Padres, who plan to use him primarily as a pinch-hitter. The Rays declined his $2.75 million option after he was limited to 80 games last season because of assorted injuries.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Times the Rays went to a hearing in the first three seasons under executive vice president Andrew Friedman out of 19 arbitration-eligible players. They went into the weekend with two players still eligible.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We've shown our commitment to our young players through the many multi-year contracts we've signed with our young and arbitration-eligible players." -- Executive vice president Andrew Friedman, responding to comments from the agent for arbitration-hearing bound C Dioner Navarro.
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