The new ownership and management has made significant changes throughout the organization but has yet to do much to improve the product on the field. The Rays have made a series of small moves but haven't addressed a roster that needs improvement in the rotation and lacks a proven starter at third base. And with the trade of RHPs Danys Baez and Lance Carter to the Dodgers, the Rays opened a huge hole for a closer. SS Julio Lugo, whose $4.95 million option was picked up, is a popular topic of trade talks.

ARRIVALS
3B Sean Burroughs (trade from San Diego), RHP Chad Harville (free agent from Boston), RHP Dan Miceli (free agent from Colorado), RHP Shinji Mori (free agent from Japan), C Josh Paul (trade from Angels), INF Ty Wigginton (free agent from Pittsburgh), RHP Edwin Jackson (trade from Dodgers), RHP Shawn Camp (minor league free agent from Kansas City), INF Luis Rivas (minor league free agent from Minnesota), INF Russell Branyan (minor league free agent from Milwaukee).

DEPARTURES
RHP Joe Borowski (non-tendered, signed by Florida), RHP Dewon Brazelton (traded to San Diego), INF Alex Gonzalez (free agent), C Pete Laforest (claimed on waivers by San Diego), LHP Trever Miller (non-tendered, signed by Houston), INF/DH Eric Munson (released), INF/DH Eduardo Perez (free agent, signed by Cleveland), RHPs Danys Baez and Lance Carter (traded to Dodgers).

FREE AGENT
3B Alex Gonzalez.

Gonzalez declined the Rays' offer of arbitration. He wanted more playing time than the Rays were willing to offer and opted for free agency.

ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE
RHP Travis Harper, C Josh Paul, 1B Travis Lee.

IN LIMBO
SS Julio Lugo continues to be a popular topic of discussion with the Red Sox, Mets, Cubs and Rangers. OF/DH Aubrey Huff (whose salary jumps to $6.75 million) and speedy OF Joey Gathright are also available.

MEDICAL WATCH
RHPs Jeff Niemann and Wade Townsend, the team's top draft picks the last two years, both underwent surgery, though Niemann expects to be pitching in the minors by April. CF Rocco Baldelli is progressing well after missing the entire 2005 season following knee and elbow surgery, but may not be ready for the April 3 opener. LF Carl Crawford is still receiving treatment on a sore left wrist that forced him out of the lineup for the final five games last season.

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