Wheeler gets 3-year deal, Rays act on CC, Baldelli options

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

The Tampa Bay Rays exercised the 2009 option for left fielder Carl Crawford, declined the 2009 option on outfielder Rocco Baldelli and signed relief pitcher Dan Wheeler to a three-year contract on Tuesday.

Wheeler, who had signed a one-year deal in the offseason, reworked that deal to include the 2009 and 2010 seasons with a club option for 2011. The 34-year-old right-hander, coming off the worst season of his career, is guaranteed $10.5 million over the next three seasons.

The other two moves were no surprise.

The Rays picked up the 2009 option worth $8.25 million for Crawford, the only two-time all-star in team history.

They declined the $6 million 2006 option for Baldelli. The outfielder who is out indefinitely with a mitochondrial disorder that prevents his body from turning food and oxygen into energy and has led to his recurring leg injuries, received a $4 million buyout for next season.

Baldelli is still under contract to the Rays for this season. He will continue to rehab while the team helps him learn the nature and possible cure for his condition.