The Rays took care of the easy part of their off-season Saturday, picking up options on 2B Ben Zobrist and SS Yunel Escobar.
Zobrist, who has been one of their most valuable and versatile players, will make $7-million in 2014; there was a $2.5-million buyout. The Rays also hold a 2015 option for $7.5-million as part of a six-year deal Zobrist signed in April 2010.
Escobar, acquired last off-season from Miami, which got him from Toronto, will make $5-million in 2014, same as last season. The Rays also hold a 2015 option for $5-million.
The Rays have to decide by Sunday night on a $6.5-million option on OF David DeJesus, or pay a $1.5-million buyout; and on Monday on a $2-million option on RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo or a $30,000 buyout.
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The story of this off-season will be the future of David Price. Friedman has been know to ask for the moon and the stars in these deals, so it will be interesting as what he asks for for Price. They will also need to figure the futures of Fernando Rodney (likely gone) and James Loney.