Rays make some additions without much subtraction

The Rays feel pretty good about the moves they've made thus far during the offseason, upgrading offensively at designated hitter and first base, adding depth to their bullpen and improving behind the plate.

They did so by signing five free agents -- first baseman 1B Carlos Pena, designated hitter Luke Scott, infielder Jeff Keppinger, catcher Jose Molina and reliever Fernando Rodney -- for more than $18-million.

They also made two small trades, adding right-handers Burke Badenhop and Josh Lueke.

So what's left to do?

Even with the addition of Molina, the 36-year-old veteran of 12 seasons, the Rays seem shorthanded, at least experience-wise, behind the plate, which could lead them back into the market.

After declining Kelly Shoppach's option and trading John Jaso, the Rays are left with Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos to share time with Molina, who hasn't played more than 81 games (in 2008) in a season.

Lobaton, 27, has played 22 games in the majors, seven for the Padres in 2009 and 15 for the Rays last season, spraining his left knee days after a mid-season call-up. He was sidelined during winter ball in Venezuela because of a right shoulder impingement, but is throwing at a distance of 120 feet and said he expects to be ready for spring training.

Chirinos, also 27, had only 15 games above the Double-A level before coming to the Rays in trade last offseason, and played 20 games for the Rays last season while spending most of the year at Triple-A.

If they do go looking, trade targets could include the Cubs' Geovany Soto, the A's Kurt Suzuki and the Padres Nick Hundley. The remnants of the free market are sparse, topped by Pudge Rodriguez and, perhaps, Bengie Molina, if he'd come out of retirement to play with his brother.

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