Eric Hinske News

"Our focus is on improving our offense, whether that's at the DH spot, right field or wherever it is," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Thursday.

Dec. 2--ST. PETERSBURG -- In determining how best to replenish the roster over the winter, the current Tampa Bay Rays front office has generally favored trades and low-risk free-agent signings in the past.

Major League Baseball's deadline to offer arbitration to Type A and Type B free agents is Monday night at midnight ET, and it is a deadline that matters little to the Rays.

The average American League designated hitter had a wOBA of .341, or generated 1.38 runs per 600 plate appearances.

Several front office people surveyed for this story had a difficult time mustering enthusiasm for the concept: a piece on potential free-agent bargains.

Hinske's first and last hits as a Ray were homeruns. He had a solid run through mid-September where his OPS was over .800. So naturally, Hinske finished just shy of a .800 OPS, which would've marked some nice ...

The story of the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies was one of dramatic twists and turns that ended up with a championship parade in a wet, chilly City of Brotherly Love.

Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer pitches agianst the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning of World Series Game 3 last month.

What Do They Need? Strong across the board, the upstart pennant winners' most glaring flaw-exhibited during the World Series-was a weakness against left-handed pitching.

Free agency began Friday, one minute after midnight ET, ending the exclusive negotiation window between clubs and their respective free agents.

When the clock strikes midnight tonight, the Rays - as well as every other team in baseball - can start making offers to free agents.

Has it been 12 days since the Phillies won the World Series? It has, and it still feels as if life hasn't been the same since Brad Lidge threw Eric Hinske that 0-2 slider to win it all at Citizens Bank Park.

Key offseason issues facing the Tampa Bay Rays: Manager: Joe Maddon completed his third year with the Rays, leading them to the first winning record in franchise history.

Grotto Pizza was one of many Main Street bars which held celebrations during the Phillies World Series win.

Charlie Manuel looked up to see his closer and catcher standing in front of him, smiling.

The Rays parted ways Monday with a pair of veterans who did as much work off the field as on it during the 2008 season.

Published: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. Last Modified: Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3:50 a.m. PHILADELPHIA J.P. Howell sat motionless, facing his locker, head in hands.

When they were kids, Jeramie Korth and Eric Hinske spent countless hours playing home run derby.

The traditional end-of-season hugs and handshakes were delivered with a bit more enthusiasm Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

Phinally. Twenty-eight years in the making, the Philadelphia Phillies are World Series champions once again.