Jorge Fabregas has become the front-runner in the competition to back up starting catcher Toby Hall.
''Fabregas, I think he’s taken a step forward,’' said manager Lou Piniella. ''We’ll continue to catch he and [Hector] Ortiz and let them compete right now, but we’ll see what happens.’' The Devil Rays probably would have some interest in John Flaherty if he were cut by the Yankees.
