The Rays plan to be active and creative in the trade and free agent markets.

Their primary goals are to add a couple of relievers and seek to improve behind the plate, though they are not likely to consider top-tier free agents as they are not looking to add payroll.

The first priority should be easier than the second, given the high number of relievers on the market. Executive vice president Andrew Friedman said the Rays are open to all kinds of possibilities to improve the bullpen.

Left-hander J.P. Howell handled most of the closing duties last season until tiring in the final two months, but there is some sentiment for acquiring a closer and returning Howel to a setup role, or at least getting someone to share the workload with him.

The catching situation is even more up in the air.

Starter Dioner Navarro is arbitration-eligible (and likely in line for a raise to around $3 million), but he had such a poor season that the Rays are at least exploring the possibility of finding another front-liner, either through trade or free agency.

Another option is to pick up a veteran to share the workload, which could include reopening talks with Gregg Zaun, on whom they declined a $2 million option earlier in the offseason.

"We have a list of guys on other teams we have an interest in, and a list of free agents as well," Friedman said. "And depending on how the market evolves on both fronts, it will go a long way toward shaping our thought process.

"We feel like there are a lot of talented names out there."

Copyright (C) 2009 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.