Rays, 3 players avoid arbitration

Three players and the Rays won't go to arbitration after settling on one-year deals that the team announced today.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett will make $4 million, pitcher Matt Garza $3.35 million and pitcher J.P. Howell $1.8 million.

Owens to be player-coach for independent Crabs

Former Biscuits outfielder Jeremy Owens has been named a player-coach this year for the independent Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He'll be the hitting coach while also manning center field. Owens, the team's all-time leader in home runs, was named the team's captain last year. This will be his 13th professional season.

Pirates land city native Bass

Pitcher Brian Bass, a Montgomery native who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles last year, has signed a minor-league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The right-hander was 5-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 48 appearances for Baltimore last year, his second in the majors.

Johnson returns to Rays

First baseman Dan Johnson, Triple-A Durham's player of the year in 2008, has re-signed with Tampa Bay. He spent 2009 with the Yokohama BayStars of the Japanese Central League. Johnson signed a one-year, major-league contract with the Rays.

Spring training tickets on sale next week

Hit raysbaseball.com at 9 a.m. Next Friday for tickets to Tampa Bay's home major-league spring games.

If you happen to be down there Tuesday morning, there is a "special passcard pre-sale" that will allow you to buy tickets Wednesday. Cards available at select Hess Express Stores in North Port and Charlotte County.

If you're a Rays Insider subscriber -- or you're one by Monday -- at raysbaseball.com, you can buy tickets Thursday.

Single-game tickets cost $8-$25.