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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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Rays have serious interest in Willingham

Posted Dec 6, 2011 by Roger Mooney

Updated Dec 6, 2011 at 12:44 PM

ROGER MOONEY
DALLAS A half-dozen teams are believed to be interested in free agent slugger Josh Willingham and the Rays are one of them.

The right-hander, who put up career numbers last season in home runs (29) and RBIs (98) for the A’s, would serve mainly as the Rays designated hitter, though he could also see some time at one of the corner outfield spots and even first base.

Willingham, who turns 33 in February, has hit at least 21 home runs every season in which he played at least 133 games. (Career stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/willijo03.shtml)

Willingham’s agent Matt Sosnick said earlier this offseason that his client would be looking for a three-year contract. That would be at the far end of what the Rays would likely offer.

Also, Willingham made $6 million last season, and that price will go up based on his career-year in 2011 and based on the interest. The Twins, Red Sox, Indians, Reds and Pirates are also rumored to be interested in the one-time Marlin.