UPDATE: (Mar 20, 1:57pm EST) - Buster Olney of ESPN reiterates today that Boston centerfielder Coco Crisp is on Tampa’s radar to fill the void left by Rocco Baldelli’s latest injury, especially after Kenny Lofton spurned them.  As far as a potential return for Boston, Olney writes, “Tampa Bay is loaded with a wide range of pitching prospects, so it would seem that Boston could find a fit if it wanted to make a deal.”

Mar 16, 8:36am (EST) - On Friday, we mentioned that the Rays were looking for an outfielder to take Rocco Baldelli’s roster spot.  Candidates mentioned included Kenny Lofton, Reed Johnson, Gabe Gross and Reggie Willits (thanks to Ken Rosenthal).  And Barry Bonds’ was mentioned a while ago, but that rumor was shot down.  Today, we learn of more candidates for the Rays.

Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times names the Indians’ David Delucci and the Cardinals’ Skip Schumaker as possible acquisitions.  Delucci, 34, has a career .261/.344/.444 line.  Schumaker, 28, performed well for the Cards in 177 at-bats last year (.333/.358/.458) and has hovered around .300 over the last 3 seasons in AAA while playing fine defense.  He may be available if the Cardinals think super prospect Colby Rasmus can make an impact earlier this year than expected.

Meanwhile, Marc Lancaster of the Tampa Tribune names Juan Rivera, Coco Crisp and Ryan Freel as possible targets.  Rivera, whom we had mentioned as being available here, had a breakout season 2 years ago when he hit .310/23/85 but missed almost all of the 2007 season with a broken leg.  Crisp has been well documented here at The Fleece Factor, as has Ryan Freel, who may not have a starting job in Cincinnati.  Lancaster writes that the Rays may be willing to deal from their pitching depth to acquire an outfielder.  He names Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson, Andy Sonnanstine, J.P. Howell or pitchers at the AA or AAA level as potential trade chips.

Click here for a 2008 outlook of the Rays.

Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays