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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 ‘very close’ to Aybar deal

Posted Feb 10, 2009 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Feb 10, 2009 at 07:27 PM

Andrew Friedman said on a conference call this evening that the Rays are “very close” to a multiyear deal with arbitration-eligible infielder Willy Aybar.

The Rays have been in talks with Aybar about a two-year deal, and the player’s agent Luis Valdez said last week he was confident something would be done soon. Valdez has not returned calls from the Tribune today.

Friedman, however, acknowledged the two sides are nearing a resolution.

“It’s premature to comment on it, but I think it’s safe to say that we’re very close,” Friedman said.

Aybar has asked for $1.05 million in arbitration, with the Rays countering at $900,000.