NewsRays lock up Kapler for one more year
Veteran confident team can return to Series in 2010
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
10/27/09 3:47 PM ET
ST. PETERSBURG -- Gabe Kapler will be back with the Rays in 2010 after signing a one-year deal worth $1.05 million, the Rays announced on Tuesday."I'm thrilled to be coming back," said Kapler, 34, in a telephone interview. "Obviously, last season didn't finish up the way I wanted it to or the way anybody on the team wanted it to, because we didn't go to the World Series. Watching the [postseason] games on TV has been difficult, and we plan to go back to the World Series in 2010."
The Rays initially were attracted to Kapler because of his work against left-handed pitching, so they signed him to a one-year deal prior to the 2009 season. He came through by hitting .276 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs against left-handers. In 99 games with the Rays, the veteran hit .238 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs.
"I feel like I have a much better season in me [than 2009]," Kapler said. "Last year some things went well, while others did not. "Some stats I was OK with. Others I'm going to make a conscious effort to improve on. I'm going to work really hard [during the offseason], and I expect to put up good numbers [in 2010]. And I expect to really be a factor in helping the team win."
Over the last two seasons, Kapler hit .304 (69-for-227) against left-handers with a .577 slugging percentage, which ranks 11th best in the Major Leagues over that span.
"I have a lot of confidence in my ability, and I feel like I can perform at a high level and help this team win," Kapler said.
Kapler began his Major League career with the Tigers in 1998 and has spent parts of 13 seasons in the Majors with the Tigers, Rangers, Rockies, Red Sox, Brewers and Rays, compiling a .270 career average with 80 home runs and 372 RBIs.
"Over the past two years, Kap has been one of the best in baseball against left-handed pitching," said Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "Because he's also a plus defensive outfielder, he's become a tremendous asset here.
"His value even extends beyond the field; his knowledge and presence make him a positive influence on our younger players. We look forward to him being a valuable piece of the puzzle for us in 2010."
In addition to Kapler, the Rays' right-field situation for 2010 includes Ben Zobrist, Gabe Gross, Fernando Perez, Justin Ruggiano and Matt Joyce.
Kapler, who is easily the most fit player on the team, reports that he already has begun training for next season because he ended the season healthy.
"I've had the opportunity to begin my workouts sooner this year, which is good," he said. "The sooner you begin the building process, the better off you are in February."
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
