Do you know if the Rays are planning to re-sign Greg Norton? He was a pleasant surprise this year, and he has said that he wants to return. I think he would be good to have as a switch-hitting bench player. Also, there have been some talks about moving Jorge Cantu, Jonny Gomes or Elijah Dukes to first base. Do you know if any of those players have been asked/told to use the offseason to prepare for playing first base?
-- Frode A., Kristiansand, Norway
As you probably have gathered by now, the Rays re-signed Norton, which appears to be a good move given the way he played in 2006.
As for Cantu, Gomes or Dukes moving to first base, I heard talk about Cantu moving to first prior to the 2006 season, but I don't hear that rumble anymore. I know Cantu doesn't like the idea of playing first.
I asked Gomes about first base this week, and he said he's all for learning another position to add flexibility to the team. As for Dukes, he's such a talented outfielder I doubt he'll change positions.
In your last column, you spoke about the talents of Carl Crawford. Wouldn't it make sense for the Rays to open up the wallet a bit and sign a big-name hitter, as in Alfonso Soriano or Carlos Lee, to offer Crawford a bit of protection in the lineup?
-- Adam W., Arcadia, Fla.
From what I've gathered about the Rays' strategy for building the team, they want to put their homegrown talent in place, then fill in where necessary.
Lee played for $8.6 million in 2006 and likely will bring at least that this offseason. Do the Rays want to pay that for an outfielder? Same thing with Soriano -- would they want to pay that much for an outfielder or a second baseman?
I get the feeling if the Rays are going to spend money it will be on pitching, which I think all Rays fans would agree to be the prudent move.
Tampa Bay's outfield of Crawford, Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young is exciting with a great upside potential. Where do you rank them compared to other teams next year? I think, if they stay healthy and focused, this trio could be tops in baseball in two to three years.
-- Jim Griesing, West Hartford, Conn.
n the field, I would put this group up against any trio in baseball right now. If you watch them play in person you can see just how much ground they cover.
Offensively, each of the group has great potential and has put up good numbers thus far. The only thing missing, in my opinion, are more quality at-bats, during which the opposing pitcher has to work harder to get them out.
I think this group will get there. They have the talent, the makeup and the desire. It should be fun to watch the journey.
Elijah Dukes, who played in the Minors in 2006, has shown to be a strong outfielder. (Al Behrman/AP)
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Mailbag: Any Rays to switch positions?
Mailbag: Any Rays to switch positions?
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