As I mentioned yesterday, the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo suggested that the Rays might trade Carlos Pena and/or Carl Crawford. He lazily reasoned that the Rays can’t afford the players and, therefore, will be forced to trade them. I contend that it’s not uncommon for teams of all economic means to at least consider dealing their players as they approach free agency.
Let the blogging begin.
The Mets should want Carlos Pena. That’s the theme of a post on Mets Merized Online. Names tossed out there include Daniel Murphy, John Maine and the Fernados, Nieve and Martinez. John Maine??? Would the Rays really need a starter just a hair over mediocre?
Then there’s Carl Crawford. Who wouldn’t want CC? All 29 teams should be able to close their eyes and come up with a place to put him and a package to try to make it work.
In New York, Mike Silva feels the Yankees are absolutely in love with Carl and is relatively certain they will bring him to the Bronx next off-season. In my mind, isn’t that even more reason to trade him elsewhere before the end of the season? Economics or not, the Rays will not be able to compete with the Yankees in attempting to re-sign CC. Very few teams can. So, unless you love the draft picks you get when he signs elsewhere, you might as well trade him. Better yet, to a team that has the potential to extend him and keep him away from the grubby hands of the Yanks.
How about Seattle? Hawk Talk thinks so.
A realistic package could consist of LF Michael Saunders, SS Carlos Truinfel, and P Shawn Kelley, maybe an additional prospect based on the potential bidding war that would ensure over Crawford at the trade deadline.
Writer Andy Auger goes slightly astray suggesting that the acquisition of Saunders gives the Rays “a new left field prospect to replace Crawford”. But, isn’t that where Desmond Jennings fits in?
These are just a few examples. No doubt, there will be more. As bloggers speculate at what it will take, they should recognize what the Rays need. A top-shelf catcher is a good place to start.
Here is a question: What do the Rays do if they are STILL IN CONTENTION come the trade deadline? The way the media is chewing on the Pena/Yearly CC Rumors is comical as usual. You know it’s the beginning of baseball season when: 1. Talk about attendence slithers it’s way to the papers or Dan Sileo’s mouth. 2. Carl Crawford Trade talk. 3. No one thinks the Rays are going to do anything. This is going to be a fun season.
The Rays are in perfect position to make another run like 2008. Nobody thinks they can, just like 2008 and everyone thinks it is time for the Rays to go in to firesale mode. You are right, this season will be fun.