Matt Joyce, James Shields tune up their pirate impressions

In this week's edition of Rays Roundup: Carlos Pena says there is another chapter to be written in the Rays' story, the signing of Jeff Keppinger gives the team some punch off the bench, Justin Ruggiano and Russ Canzler are designated for assignment and top prospects Tim Beckham and Hak-Ju Lee are headed to big league camp. All of that plus more inside.

Free agent infielder Jeff Keppinger has signed to a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 31-year-old Keppinger who plays shortstop as well as second and third base split last season between the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants, combining to bat .277. A .281 career hitter in seven seasons with the Mets, Royals, Reds, Astros and Giants, the right-handed batting Keppinger...

The signing of Jeff Keppinger could settle things at shortstop for the 2012 season and beyond. His numbers at the plate and in the field reveal a much more complete player than the other three candidates.

Free-agent infielder Jeff Keppinger has signed a one-year contract with the Rays. Keppinger, 31, who plays shortstop as well as second and third base, split last season between the Giants and Astros, combining to bat ....

For those of us who do not watch the transaction wire, anxiously awaiting the Tampa Bay Rays’ next acquisition (I say “us” as a matter of formality, for by the mere presence of this article we can ascertain I am not among those abstainers), last night the Tampa Bay Rays came to terms (terms yet-revealed) with infielder Jeff Keppinger. The former Houston Astros middle...

ROGER MOONEY New Rays infielder Jeff Keppinger, who today signed a one-year, $1.525 million deal with incentives, spoke to the Rays writers this afternoon. Here is some of what he had to say: On which positions he can play:…

The Rays have extended Spring Training invitations (has a player ever declined a spring training “invitation”?) to shortstops Tim Beckham and Hak-Ju Lee, catchers Nevin Ashley and Craig Albernaz, and pitchers Ricky Orta, Ryan Reid, Bryan Augenstein and Marquis Fleming. We’re glad the Rays are more patient than we are. Because if it were up to us, Beckham would be...

Joe Maddon will be featured in the "Managers Roundtable" on MLB Network on Friday at 9 p.m. ET. The Rays manager will take part in a discussion with Bud Black, Mike Scioscia and Ron Roenicke, hosted by Tom Verducci.

ROGER MOONEY The Rays signed infielder Jeff Keppinger today to a one-year, $1.525 million deal with incentives. The free agent split the 2011 season between the Astros and the Giants. He was non-tendered by the Giants after the season. He…

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ROGER MOONEY INF Russ Canzler was designated for assignment Friday to clear room on the 40-man roster for INF Jeff Keppinger. Canzler can resign with the Rays if he clears waivers. If so, he will be reassigned to Triple A…