Directly contradicting what I said this morning, the Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Brian Shouse.  

Due to the financial constraints of the Rays' budget and the difficult economic situation for most teams, I in no way thought Brian would get a two-year deal from the Rays.  I am happy to be proven wrong, however, as Brian gets what he deserves.  He has done nothing but produce for the past three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the veteran southpaw deserves more financial security than he had previously received from Milwaukee and Texas.

The Brewers will receive a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds in compensation for Shouse's services over the past two-plus seasons.  Mitch Stetter, and perhaps R.J. Swindle as well, will step into the LOOGY role for the Crew in Ken Macha's bullpen.