Monday, November 3, 2008

Rays decline options on Cliff Floyd, Trever Miller

The Tampa Bay Rays have declined the options on designated hitter Cliff Floyd and right-handed reliever Trever Miller. Floyd, the clubhouse leader of the young Rays, would have made $2.75 million this season, while Miller was due to earn $2 million.

The Tampa Bay Rays have declined their 2009 contract options for designated hitter Cliff Floyd and left-handed relief pitcher Trever Miller. In addition, catcher Michel Hernandez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Durham (AAA).

Floyd, 35, made 72 starts at DH for the Rays in 2008, hitting .268 (66-246) with 11 home runs, 39 RBI and a .455 slugging pct. The 14-year veteran was the longest-tenured major leaguer to play for the Rays this season. He was a member of the Rays postseason roster until a right shoulder injury sidelined him after Game Four of the World Series. In September Floyd was named the winner of the 2008 Paul C. Smith Champion Award by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for “exemplifying the spirit of true professionalism on and off the field.”

Miller, 35, went 2-0 this season with two saves and a 4.15 ERA (43.1-IP, 20-ER) over 68 relief appearances. The 10-year veteran has pitched in at least 60 games in each of the last six years. He signed with the Rays as a free agent on February 6, returning to the club for which he played in 2004-05. Miller was on the mound September 20 vs. Minnesota when the Rays clinched their first-ever postseason berth. He was a member of the Rays active roster throughout the postseason, making six appearances.

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