Option game comes into play for some Rays

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Given the status of the Rays' roster this spring, some decisions about who will make the final cut could depend on injuries as well as which players have options.

Players who are out of options include Chris Archer, Josh Lueke, Jake McGee, Cesar Ramos, Brandon Guyer and Matt Joyce.

Not in that group is right-hander Brandon Gomes, who is a bullpen candidate. He has one remaining option, which means the Rays can option him to the Minor Leagues and not risk having another team claim him. Thus, his option situation will make it more difficult for him to make the team if he's battling a player -- who is out of options -- for a roster spot.

"If you don't get that the business part is a significant portion of how things are run, it's almost ignorant to go about your business that way, because it does factor into decisions," Gomes said. "It's just part of the game.

"But [the situation] is really no different from your first or second Spring Training. You really just have to handle what you can handle. Know the possibilities, and be OK with it."

The rule is in place so organization's can't stockpile players. Eventually a player will run out of options, at which point he has to get through waivers in order to remain with the club. Gomes said he can appreciate the way the options situation eventually works in a player's favor.

"Yeah, I mean, everything is put in place there for a reason," Gomes said. "At one point it would be beneficial for you. At another point it would hurt you. It's part of the game. It's part of the business. But it's really a non factor. If you take care of what you're supposed to take care of, then it will work out."

Meanwhile, Guyer, who is an outfield candidate, is out of options this spring. That puts him in an odd situation, because a player wants to be loyal to the organization in which he plays, but he also wants to get to the Major Leagues.

"I love being here," said Guyer, who came to the Rays in a trade with the Cubs prior to the 2011 season. "That's the ultimate goal is being in the Major Leagues with the Rays. They're going to be such a good team. I'd love to be a part of that with these teammates. But when it comes down to it the ultimate goal is to be in the big leagues. But like I said, I would love for it to be here, but we'll see what happens."

Guyer noted that he feels as though he's paid his dues.

"When I haven't made the team, I've gone to Triple-A and I've played as hard as I could," Guyer said. "And I've put up really good years. I don't want to say there's nothing left for me to prove at Triple-A, but every year I feel like I've done pretty well. We'll see what happens, but I feel like after the year I had last year, even though I was hurt for a month, I put myself in a really good position to make this team. And I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen."