Hot-Stove: One Outta Two Ain’t Bad & Shoppach (Updated)

According to a tweet from Tampa Bay Rays beat writer, Marc Topkin, the Rays have non-tendered Andy Sonnanstine’s contract.

Conversely, Tampa Bay has tendered the contracts of their newest acquisition, RHP Burke Badenhop, as well as JP Howell (D’oh), Jeff Niemann, Joel Peralta, David Price, and BJ Upton. All of the above are arbitration eligible.

I can’t say I’m too surprised at their decision to non-tender Sonny’s contract. I am shocked beyond belief, however, with their decision on Howell’s contract. We here at Raysbaseball.co predicted a week or so ago, that the Rays would non-tender both Sonny and Howell as a means to save $2.4 million. I’d have to question whether this is a case of player loyalty or sane decision making?

This just in: Kelly Shoppach, in a tweet by Jerry Crasnick, has agreed on 1-yr, $1.35 million deal with the hated Red Sox. The official announcement on the deal is expected later today.