Rays Need Jason Bay, Other Right-Handed Bats

With 30 major league general managers in the process of leaving New York after the All-Star break, the town is abuzz about clandestine gatherings for unprecedented, behind-the-scenes trade talks -- no small thanks to upstart Tampa Bay Rays operations chief Andrew Friedman and his top executive Gerry Hunsicker.

Fresh off a seven game losing streak and what may be a precipitous fall from first place, Friedman has an urgent need for a right-handed bat, especially with outfielders Jonny Gomes underperforming and Rocco Baldelli still quesionable after a series of injuries and illnesses.

Friedman must be considered a leading contender for the services of Astros outfielder Carlos Lee, and Pirates outfielders Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, not only because of Friedman's dire need for a more balanced offense but because more than any other rival he has stockpiled enough high draft picks which whom to barter.

In addition to Lee, Bay and Nady, switch-hitting Rangers All Star Milton Bradley might be acceptable, as Bradley is strongest from the right side of the plate.

Among Friedman's potential bargaining chips are coveted pitchers David Price and Jeff Niemann, both first rounders; Chris Mason, a second-rounder; and Wade Davis, a third rounder, all of whom at one time or another have been variously described as off limits or too cherished. However, all bets are off now that the Rays have suddenly emerged as serious contenders for a playoff berth.

All things considered, the Rays hardly can be expected to come away empty-handed after the July 31 trading deadline.

Rays to Unveil Newest Wonder Jeff Niemann

Though he still cannot be regarded as a finished product, 25-year-old former first-round pick Jeff Niemann will be rushed into action as the Tampa Bay Rays newest pitching wonder, when Niemann will be named temporarily to the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

An announcement is pending.

The 6-foot-9, 260-pound Niemann -- fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft -- will take the place of No. 2 starter Matt Garza, who has been sidelined by what is described as a "radial nerve irritation" in his throwing arm. Garza will miss at least two weeks.

Niemann will be called up from the Triple A Durham Bulls, where he is 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA in the young minor league season, after going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in limited action with the parent club this spring. He was 12-6 with a 3.98 ERA in 25 starts with the Bulls last year.

Niemann's lively slider was the talk of camp this spring. He signed a $5.2 million contract in 2005, but until now has been unable to reach the 40-man roster after a setback due to shoulder and clavicle distress nearly three years ago.