Izzy to stay? That's the plan

Rays manager Joe Maddon arrived at City of Palms Park less than an hour before first pitch against the Red Sox. The reason: He stayed back at the Rays Port Charlotte complex talking to relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen.

The Rays want Isringhausen on the team. Or, if that can't happen by Opening Day, than with the organization.

"There's a whole bunch of different ways to get this done if in fact he doesn't make the team whereas we don't want to lose this fella," Maddon said. "We see him as being very valuable to our organization, we think he can help us win in 2009 so if he's not on the team from jump street we want to keep him around somehow."

That could include getting Isringhausen to agree to starting the season at Triple A Durham or sending him to extended spring.

Or, it could be the result of a trade that opens a spot in the bullpen.

A number of teams are interested in Jeff Niemann, who competed with Jason Hammel for the fifth spot in the rotation. The Pirates and Padres appear to show the most interest.

It was believed the runner-up would head to the bullpen as the long man, but if Niemann were traded, Isringhausen could move into the spot, though not in that role.

The Rays would be without a long man, and Maddon said he doesn't want to move J.P. Howell back into that role.

Maddon said there could be some movement on this today. He actually appeared anxious to have the matter resolved.

What's known is this: Isringhausen has been told he's going to Philadelphia with the team for games Friday and Saturday.

Will he Izzy be in Boston for Monday's season opener? That depends on either a trade or the Rays creative process.

None of the six relievers on the team - Troy Percival, Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, Joe Nelson, Brian Shouse and Howell - will be placed on the disabled list, a move that would also create a spot of Izzy. Maddon said everyone is healthy.