Rays Eye Michaels

The Indians designated Jason Michaels for assignment and he is already drawing interest. The Rays, who need help from the right side of the plate, could use his bat at the plate and at all three outfield positions, if needed. Michaels is hitting just .207 this season but is a career .277 hitter. He has been an average hitter all his career, but he could help the Rays from the bench. The Rays are also looking at Jacque Jones, Brad Wilkerson, and Kenny Lofton. What about Sammy Sosa or Barry Bonds? Probably not. The main reason Bonds has not been signed is because no one wants to pay 15-20 million for one year to a guy who will hit between .260-.280 with 20-30 homeruns -- not to mention the cloud of reporters he would bring to the clubhouse. If he could still hit 40 or maybe 50 homeruns he would be valuable, but until he lowers his asking price, he won't be signed.

(mlb-rumorrs.blogspot)