The Rays released one veteran today and made a second move that will likely lead to the release of another. The two moves together will not only be costly, but it shows a fundamental shift in the way the team thinks.
First comes news that the Rays have released catcher Rene Rivera, according to Marc Topkin. Rivera was set to make $1.7 million this season. However, since it was an arbitration contract, the Rays will only owe him about one-fourth of that, or about $500,000.
The second move was the report that the Rays have informed James Loney that he will not make the opening day roster (also via Topkin).