David Prices trade rumors: Rays still might deal Price before deadline?
By Hayden Kane
There is a growing belief across baseball that the Tampa Bay Rays will keep ace left-handed pitcher David Price. They will put their faith in the team’s most recent winning streak and hope that another run to the playoffs and possibly the World Series will justify that decision.
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That does not mean that the possibility of a deal between now and Thursday’s trade deadline can be ruled out, however. Ultimately the Rays have to decide when they will get the best value for Price in a deal between this summer and this off-season. That moment might be now, even with the good vibes surrounding the Rays and even with the knowledge that it will upset the players in the Tampa Bay locker room.
Price is on the mound for the Rays on Wednesday afternoon as the rumors fly, with many people assuming that is the final sign he will remain in Tampa Bay. Maybe so, but Buster Olney reports that Price could still be moved.
Lots of rival execs dealing with the Rays believe their position on Price remains nuanced: If STL, LAD meet demands, they'd make a deal now.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2014
From the Dodgers, that offer would likely have to start with the name Joc Pederson, something that seems unlikely but could be influenced by whether or not Los Angeles can move one of their own high-priced outfielders to make room for Pederson or not.
As for the Cardinals, that package would start with Oscar Taveras, and if reports are to be believed, St. Louis is open to such a deal or something similar. That might be the deal that meets Tampa’s demands if they truly have the stomach to execute a deal in the midst of this hot streak and a season in which they can contend.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumblings from the baseball hot stove this trade season.