PHOENIX -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays won the first
arbitration decision of the year Saturday -- against backup catcher
Josh Paul.
Paul sought a raise from $475,000 to $940,000 at Friday's
hearing. The Devil Rays countered with $625,000. Only one figure
may be chosen, and the three arbitrators decided on the club's
offer.
Paul hit .260 with one homer and eight RBIs in 146 games last
season.
He is best known for a play during the 2005 playoffs while with
the Los Angeles Angels. Umpire Doug Eddings ruled Paul did not
glove Kelvim Escobar's pitch before it hit the ground, allowing
A.J. Pierzynski to reach base as the White Sox rallied in the ninth
inning of Game 2. The White Sox went on to tie the series and win
their first World Series since 1917.