Price Could Force Rays To Make Trade
Marc Topkin and Joe Smith are reporting that the Rays still think ’07 first-overall pick David Price is “in need of minor-league development,” and could be headed to triple-A Durham to start the season. Price is hoping to force the Rays’ hand and make the opening day roster.
“It’s not very fun if I’m not here competing for a job,” Price said Monday. “That’s what I came here for, to compete for that fifth spot, and that’s what I want to do. … I want them to not be able to look me in the eyes at the end of spring training and tell me I’m going to (Triple-A) Durham.”
If Price can win the final spot in the rotation, the Rays would likely only have room for one of Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel as a long reliever in the bullpen. Both players are out of minor league options and both would certainly be claimed if the Rays try to sneak them through waivers. If Price impresses in spring training, the Rays may be forced to deal prior to opening day.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Price Could Force Rays To Make Trade
Marc Topkin and Joe Smith are reporting that the Rays still think ’07 first-overall pick David Price is "in need of minor-league development," and could be headed to triple-A Durham to start the season. Price is hoping to force the Rays’ hand and make the opening day roster.
"It’s not very fun if I’m not here competing for a job," Price said Monday. "That’s what I came here for, to compete for that fifth spot, and that’s what I want to do. … I want them to not be able to look me in the eyes at the end of spring training and tell me I’m going to (Triple-A) Durham."
If Price can win the final spot in the rotation, the Rays would likely only have room for one of Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel as a long reliever in the bullpen. Both players are out of minor league options and both would certainly be claimed if the Rays try to sneak them through waivers. If Price impresses in spring training, the Rays may be forced to deal prior to opening day.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Molony’s Latest: Sabathia, Teixeira, Lewis
MLB.com’s Jim Molony has a slew of hot stove info today.
- Molony talked to some "industry types" about C.C. Sabathia, and those guys suggested the Cubs and Angels could be the frontrunners.
- The Braves could opt for draft picks rather than a Mark Teixeira trade, even if they fall out of the race. They’re only 4.5 games out though.
- A David Price promotion could lead the Rays to trade Jason Hammel, Edwin Jackson, or Andy Sonnanstine. It’ll only work if Price is promoted before the trade deadline.
- The Cubs have scouted Giants outfielder Fred Lewis but aren’t too serious about it.
- The Marlins are still looking for a veteran catcher. Here’s my take on the trade market at the position.
Odds and Ends: Darvish, Maddux
Let’s kick off the day with some random links.
- Baseball America’s Jim Callis profiles young phenom Yu Darvish, currently pitching in Japan. If he were MLB-bound, he’d be the third-best prospect in the game.
- DRays Bay would like to see Edwin Jackson traded rather than Jason Hammel, if there’s a roster squeeze.
- Greg Maddux has told some teammates that this is his last season. That nugget is only a small part of Tim Keown’s fantastic article about the legendary Professor.