MLB.com reporter Peter Gammons stated in a recent article that it’s likely for the Rays to potentially find a new home outside of the Tampa Bay area. Two possible locations for the organization would be in New Jersey or Southern Connecticut. The AL East Division Rays have been able to keep up with the heavy spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox during the past two seasons. Prior to their stellar 2008 campaign, Tampa Bay ranked in the bottom three in regards to overall attendance since starting up in the late 1990’s.

Gammons continued to mention problems with the states other Major League ball club, the Florida Marlins. Despite the comparable low rates, the Marlins are taking the right steps to further build their fan base within the next couple of years.

“The Marlins hope they are solving one long-term problem with their new stadium, which they believe is close enough to I-95 and the Turnpike that fans can easily access it,” said Gammons.  “The Rays haven’t been able to solve their venue issue. The Trop is stuck in a place that no one East of Tampa, such as the Orlando market, will drive to; a market such that after its team won 97 games and the American League pennant, attendance and revenues stayed flat.” Check back for more 2010 MLB updates!

The Boston Red Sox recently came to terms on a one year deal with closer Jonathan Papelbon for $9.35 million in 2010. Ramon Ramirez and Manny Delcarmen are also set to suit up again in Red Sox uniforms this coming regular season. The deal marks the second year in a row that Papelbon and the Sox organization reached agreement just before the deadline. Papelbon signed for $6.25 million last year.

The 29-year old earned 38 saves and a 1.85 ERA in 2009. He’s usually known to thrive in pressure playoff situations, despite his one slip up in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels. Check for Sox news and tickets right here at AceTicket.com!

The Boston Red Sox just signed free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre to a one-year $10 million contract. The complete deal consists of a $9 million base salary with a $5 million player option or $1 million buyout in 2011. Beltre, a 12-year veteran, hit .265 with eight home runs and 44 RBI’s last season for the Seattle Mariners.

The 2x Gold Glove Award winner is primarily recognized around the league for his defensive abilities. Between Beltre, Kevin Youkilis, Marco Scutaro and Dustin Pedroia, the Red Sox are now set to showcase one of the best defenses in franchise history.

This week’s acquisition certainly has Mike Lowell questioning his stay in a Boston uniform. The 35-year old is struggling with injury problems this off-season between his hip and right thumb. League analysts believe Lowell will be dealt before the start of the 2010 regular season. More AL Hot Stove to come! Boston Red Sox tickets are now available!

Free agent outfielder Jason Bay just recently signed a four-year $66 million contract with the New York Mets. The deal that includes a $14 million fifth year option will be confirmed later this week pending a physical. The 31-year old All-Star hit for an average of .267 with 36 home runs and 119 RBI’s for the Boston Red Sox last season.

Boston stand-out Kevin Youkilis didn’t want to see Bay leave the Sox, but at the same time realizes the Mets organization holds some promise for the future. “Jason was a close friend. A joy to play with him. Great ballplayer,” he said. “But it’s a business, things happen. It’s one of those business moves on each side. It just didn’t work out right. I wish him the best in New York. Hopefully we get to see him in the World Series.”

The Red Sox haven’t finished dealing just yet. There are reports that state their interest in free agent third basemen Adrian Beltre. The defensive specialist hit .265 with eight homers and 44 RBI’s for the Seattle Mariners in 2009. Check back right here at Ace for more off-season updates. Boston Red Sox tickets are now available! 

The Philadelphia Phillies and Roy Halladay have recently agreed on a three-year $60 million deal with an extra $20 million option for 2014. This would be the first confirmation of the three-way block buster trade between the Phillies, Blue Jays and Mariners. Philadelphia is planning to send Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee to Seattle in exchange for prospects Phillippe Aumot and Tyson Gillies. The Phillies may also trade outfielder Michael Taylor for Travis D’Arnaud and pitcher Kyle Drabek to Toronto.

Aside from the main scenario, other possible deals have been discussed that would involve the Oakland Athletics. The priorities in the agreements are clearly ace’s Halladay and Lee. With Lee alongside stand-out pitcher Felix Hernandez, the Mariners are certainly in better position in comparison to their AL West rival Los Angeles Angels, who just lost John Lackey to free agency and the Boston Red Sox.

The New York Yankees have decided to end discussions with veteran slugger Hideki Matsui. In the final game of the 2009 World Series Matsui produced three hits and six RBI’s. He is reportedly a physical away from joining the Angels organization. As far as pitching goes, LA will definitely need another spark to keep them in contention for 2010. “We have some guys who can really hold it down,” said Torii Hunter of the current rotation, “but we need a veteran to lead the way a bit. I still think we have a team that’s good enough to win.”

The Boston Red Sox just recently signed right-handed pitcher John Lackey to an $85 million five-year contract. The 31-year old veteran racked up a 102-71 pitching record with a 3.81 ERA over the years as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. With the deal the Sox have certainly solidified their starting rotation as one of best heading into the 2010 regular season.

“When he’s out there, I think their team feels like they’re going to win,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “He can match up against Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, he can go head to head with the better guys in the league and hold his own.”

In addition to the Lackey signing, the Sox are looking to close a $15 million 2-year deal with outfielder Mike Cameron. Through 15 seasons with the White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Padres, Mets, and Brewers, Cameron earned a .250 career average with 265 home runs. Red Sox fans shouldn’t expect to see Jason Bay back in Boston next season. The free agent has been talking with the Mets, Mariners, Angels and Yankees. More 2009-2010 MLB offseason updates to come!

Boston Red Sox tickets are now available with us at Ace!

The New York Mets are set to make an offer for free-agent outfielder Jason Bay. The veteran slugger previously turned down the Red Sox proposal for $60 million (four-year contract). Last season in Boston he hit for a .267 average with 36 home runs and 119 RBI’s. He was also able to draw 94 walks which led him to a .384 on-base percentage.

The pursuit of Bay gives indication that the Mets are leaning towards boosting their offense more than anything. They have also been in the process of making an offer to catcher Bengie Molina. Signing these two would eliminate options to bring in ace pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Matt Holliday. Check for more updates here at AceTicket.com!

The Boston Red Sox are soon expected to trade third baseman Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for catcher Max Ramirez. The young Ramirez had 46 at bats last season in the show, hitting for an average of .217 with two home runs and nine RBI’s. The Sox will have to pick up most of Lowell’s $12 million salary as part of the deal.

Lowell underwent hip surgery after the 2008 season which really affected his mobility. He offered to contribute at first base in order to stay in Boston, but Red Sox management wasn’t too favorable towards the idea. “I’m not for it,” said Terry Francona. “The guy has played third base his whole life. He could do it, but I don’t know if it’s as easy as people think, and I don’t know if it’s in his best interests.”

While signing shortstop Marco Scutaro earlier this off-season, GM Theo Epstein said  he’d like to see a better fit defense in 2010. “I think we could do more, certainly,” he said. “Whether we’re able to or not remains to be seen. I think it will be hard to improve both on offense and with our defense, but I’m not sure which direction it will go yet.”  2010 Boston Red Sox tickets are now available!

The Boston Red Sox have just picked up reliever Ramon Ramirez and Fabio Castro, filling 37 of 40 available roster spots for the upcoming 2009-2010 regular season. Ramirez, the former Cincinnati Red will be joining another Ramon Ramirez already on the Red Sox. Both Ramon’s will be working as right-handers on staff this year. The newest Ramirez logged a 3.65 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Reds last season. He spent most of 2008 with Cincinnati’s Triple-A affiliate.

The 24-year old Castro threw 29 starts between Toronto’s Double-A and Triple-A programs last year. During the 2009 Dominican Winter League the left hander posted a 2.47 ERA in nine starts for the Gigantes Del Cibao. He’s experienced two starts and 43 innings in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies, letting up an average around three runs per nine innings. More 2010 Boston Red Sox updates to come!

The Boston House of Blues will play host to the 10th annual Hot Stove, Cool Music concert on January 9th at 7:00 PM. HSCM All-Stars include Peter Gammons, Bronson Arroyo, Kay Hanley, Buffalo Tom, Paul and Theo Epstein. State Radio and Tinted windows are also set to take center stage. All proceeds will go to “The Foundation to Be Named Later,” a branch off the “Red Sox Foundation” that was founded by the Epstein twins.

“It’s doing really well,” said Theo Epstein. “We’ve raised well over a million dollars now over the years. What I like about it the most is that the money goes to the non-profits that need it the most, in our opinion. There is no bureaucracy or red tape so the money goes directly from Red Sox fans to these organizations that help kids right on the front lines that need it the most.” Come out and celebrate the success of Boston sports with the Hot Stove, Cool Music crew. Check back soon for tickets!