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Tampa Bay Rays close to signing Jeff Keppinger

By Mark J. Miller | Scoop Du Jour – Thu, Jan 26, 2012 6:08 AM EST

US PresswireThe Tampa Bay Rays are close to signing veteran infielder Jeff Keppinger to serve as a utility man, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The 31-year-old made his debut in the big leagues with the New York Mets back in 2004 and has played for the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants since then, compiling a career average of .281 with 32 total homers. Against lefties, however, Keppinger has hit .324 over his career.

If Keppinger passes his physical Thursday, the deal could be announced Friday, the paper notes.

Keppinger started this past season with the Astros, missing 50 games with a foot injury, and then was traded to the Giants and injured his wrist in August. He hit .277 with six homers and 35 RBIs over 99 games.

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4 comments

Finally Happy • Pacifica, California • 3 months ago
Kep is a good player. The Giants should have tried to keep him. I think it was more of a personal decision. He's a solid player. I hope he finds a club that he likes.
AlD • Detroit, Michigan • 3 months ago
Not a bad idea. The Rays could platoon him at SS, with the left hitting Brignac.
- The Rover 3 months ago
  He could play 1B too against lefties. Pena's awful against lefties. He's made a nice career for himself as a utility player/spot starter. Good pickup for the Rays.
- steve 3 months ago
  Take it from a Giants fan - I really doubt he has the range and arm to play SS. He was pretty terrible at 2B last year.
leftyslider • Tampa, Florida • 3 months ago
another smart move by the Rays. They get a steady middle infielder who can play 3rd and OF if necessary, but more importantly a good RH hitter who makes way above average contact. We'll need him with the amount of K's BJ and Carlos will generate...also, somebody tell me how to get my address on here changed from Tampa to St Pete... Tampa's an OK place to visit, but I'd never live there. Much better quality of living in St Petersburg, The HOME of the Rays !!!
davfied • Fresno, California • 3 months ago
#$%$
- The Rover 3 months ago
  Spot on analysis, great job!