"One free agent left-hander made a decision Monday, as reliever J.P. Howell re-signed with the Rays for one year at $1.1 million. Howell missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and won't be ready to start next season, but when and if he comes back, he would add much-needed experience to the free agent-depleted bullpen. The decision to not tender Howell a contract by the Dec. 2 deadline was financial, as it allowed the Rays the opportunity to reduce his salary by more than the maximum 20 percent cut. Howell made $1.8 million last season and would have made no less than $1.44 million if they went through arbitration. There continued to be no word from the Rays or Padres on the proposed trade of shortstop Jason Bartlett for relievers Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell. Indications are that the deal is not off and the teams are still talking. The holdup is not on Bartlett's end, so last week's report from the San Diego Union-Tribune suggesting there was an issue with the physical condition of one of the pitchers would seem to be the likely cause. Ramos, according to milb.com, is on the disabled list after pitching for Hermosillo in the Mexican League earlier this winter, last appearing in a game Nov. 18." Read more; http://www.tampabay.com/sports/base...ver-jp-howell-for-one-year-11-million/1139878
