Tampa Bay Rays ink 5 players to minor league deals

Well, don’t get ready to roll out the AL pennant banners just yet, but for a change there was some good news for Tampa Bay Rays fans as they signed 5 players to Minor League contracts. The Rays have announced the signings of RHP De Los Santos, who was with the Durham Bulls last season where he went 14-5 with a 3.52 ERA. Santos is 26 and could be figured into possibly becoming part of the Rays bullpen next season or a pitcher thrown out for trade material. LHP Cory Wade was also signed and have already addressed his situation as a possible serious piece of the Rays relief staff if he can recover from shoulder surgery. The Rays also signed LHP R. J. Swindle who was strong out of the Durham’s bullpen posting a 2.45 ERA in 40 appearances. The Rays also signed infielders Russ Canzler and J.J. Furmaniak. Canzler hit 21 home runs last year with a career .272 Minor League average while the 33 year old Furmaniak has limited experience under his belt.