Rays Retain Howell

J.P. Howell may have been relatively forgotten around the league after sitting out the 2010 season due to labrum surgery. The Rays, however, haven’t forgotten Howell’s recent contributions to their organization. The lefty threw nearly 90 innings for the AL East champion 2008 team while posting a 2.22 ERA and 3.39 FIP, becoming an elite relief ace for a team making the jump from worst to first. He took a slight step back in 2009, although his 2.84 ERA and 3.71 FIP are still top-flight for any bullpen. The Rays and Howell agreed to a $1.1 million dollar contract on Monday. As Howell only has 4 years and 7 days of service time, he will be under team control for the 2012 season as well. Howell is not the typical left handed reliever at all. Despite lacking velocity – his fastball only averages 85-86 MPH – Howell still racks up the strikeouts, averaging 8.6 K/9 for his career and nearly 10 K/9 since the Rays exorcised the Devil from their name. He also rac...