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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 keep Hickey as pitching coach

Posted Nov 1, 2007 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Nov 1, 2007 at 03:30 PM

Jim Hickey will return as the Rays’ pitching coach in 2008, but his status will be a bit more tenuous than his counterparts on the staff.

While the other Rays coaches agreed last month to two-year deals, Hickey was given only a one-year contract. Those terms amount to a sort of probationary period for the coach, who was arrested on DUI and other charges the night of the Rays’ season finale. The team spent a month reviewing Hickey’s case before deciding to bring him back.

Though they have been blunt in expressing their disapproval of his actions, the Rays have been pleased with the way Hickey has handled the aftermath of his arrest. Earlier this week, Hickey pleaded no contest to the DUI charge and his attorney said Hickey already had attended DUI school, performed more than 50 hours of community service and paid restitution. Hickey will be compelled to continue his community service work as one of the terms of his continued employment with the Rays.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue coaching for the Rays,” Hickey said in a statement released by the team.  “Last month, I let down my family, the organization, and the Tampa Bay community.  I am truly sorry for my actions.” 

Here’s Andrew Friedman’s quote from the press release:

“Ever since the incident, Jim has shown contrition and has taken full responsibility for his actions,” said Friedman.  “We are confident he has learned from his mistakes, and we are ready for him to resume his responsibilities with our club.” 

In other news, Jorge Velandia and Shawn Camp have refused outright assignments to Durham and elected free agency.