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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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Friedman’s plans heading into the Winter Meetings

Posted Dec 1, 2011 by Roger Mooney

Updated Dec 1, 2011 at 06:16 PM

ROGER MOONEY

Rays VP of baseball operations Andrew Friedman held a pre-winter meetings press conference this afternoon at the Trop to discus the team’s plans for the meetings, which begin Monday in Dallas.

Here are some of the highlights:

His future with the Rays:
While Freidman wouldn’t discus the rumors surrounding the Astros interest in him, he did indicate that he is not leaving the Rays any time soon.

On the payroll:
“I think it will be a safe assumption to say it will north of where it was in 2011,” Friedman said.

Primary needs this offseason:
First base, DH and another arm or two for the bullpen, as well as a bench player should one become available who fits the Rays needs.

The prospects of trading a starting pitcher:
Not likely, because Friedman craves depth.

How about moving Wade Davis to the bullpen?
“Everything will be on the table to talk to,” Friedman said. “It’s a really good problem to have.”

On the shortstop situation:
It will be a mix of Sean Rodriguez, Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson.
“Reid Brignac certainly did not have to type of year that we expected or he expected him to have, but we certainly believe in him the player and the makeup,” Friedman said.

On BJ. Upton’s future:
Don’t be surprised if he’s the Rays center fielder on Opening Day.
“We’re looking to add to our offensive core,” Friedman said, meaning trading a guy who hit 23 home runs is a move in the other direction.