The Rays still haven’t said definitively that Jim Hickey will return as pitching coach for 2008, but their latest statement on his legal woes seems to hint that he’ll be back.

Earlier today, Hickey pleaded no contest to a pair of charges, including DUI, stemming from his arrest the night of the Rays’ final game of the season. After Hickey was arrested Sept. 30, the Rays released a statement expressing their disappointment but said they would withhold judgment on his job status. He has remained in limbo since then while taking steps to address the situation—including attending DUI school and performing more than 50 hours of community service.

Here is the Rays’ statement following Hickey’s plea today:

“While Jim Hickey’s actions were inexcusable, we have been encouraged by the responsible manner in which he has conducted himself throughout the proceedings.”

You have to figure if the Rays were going to fire Hickey they would have done so already, especially with the off-season coaching carousel already in full motion.