The Rays face a dilemma with regard to David Price, writes Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs. They could keep him this season, a season in which they project to be competitive, and try to trade him again next offseason. The problem is that his surplus value is likely to decline by then — not only because he'll be a year closer to free agency, but because he doesn't project to improve and because he'll almost certainly be paid more in 2015 than he will be in 2014. Here are more notes out of Tampa.
- The Rays are currently focused on "tinkering" with their roster and building depth, GM Andrew Friedman tells the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin (via Twitter).
- Jake Odorizzi was impressed with the Rays after joining their organization via the James Shields / Wil Myers trade, he tells Sam Dykstra in a long interview at MILB.com. "You hear things about how good this organization is, and it really lived up to that. Everyone here is great on communication, and the program they put you on is one-of-a-kind," Odorizzi says. "You can see why they're so successful and continue to be that every year." Odorizzi also says he became closer to Myers and fellow Royal-turned-Ray Mike Montgomery as a result of the trade.
I may be idealistic, but I rather keep Price and go for two World Series titles. Prospects are nice, but two Commissioner’s Trophies would be nicer. Go Rays!
I do not see Price can bring TB 2 world series. TB’s window for WS is very slim.
Why would you think that? Tampa Bay has about as good of a shot as anybody. TB has made the playoffs 4 times in the last 6 years and won 90+ games 5 times in the last 6 years. They are also returning every major part of last years team that won 92 games. Once you get into the playoffs, it’s a crap shoot. The Rays will have a rotation that features David Price and Matt Moore, plus a line up with Longoria and Wil Myers. There is no reason that team couldn’t get hot and beat anybody in baseball, especially in a short series.
Good strategy.
Red Sox are still strong, Yankees reloaded, Baltimore is a threat, and Toronto in limbo right now… That’s just in there division there still AL west and central they have to contend with too. As much as I’m a rays fan I think now would be the time to trade price and reload for maybe 2016 and make a push.
#their
The Red Sox are looking at declines in production from CF, RF, 1B, one of SS or 3B, C, closer, and DH. Essentially every lineup slot except for Pedroia and Xander and LF should see some decline in value.
Then the bullpen most likely will decline particular in terms of the closer where Koji has little to no chance of repeating the type of year he had in 2013.
Then in the rotation it is unlikely Lackey, Lester, and Clay all pitch as well once again.
Now I’m not saying the Red Sox are going to miss the playoffs but they are the only team in the division with an edge on the Rays and they are looking at some regression so if I’m the Rays I look at the division and see one that is theres for the taking and shoot for the World Series this year.
When is the next time the Rays will have a pitcher like Price among the rotation? may be a while. Stick with him as long as we can contend for the postseason and see what happens.
They could always find a hungry team at the deadline this year.
If I’m Tampa I’m on the phone right now trying to convince Texas they need Price (since Holland is out for at least half the season). If Texas isn’t biting then I’m calling every team linked to Tanaka who doesn’t sign him. Gotta strike while the iron is hot!