Last we checked in on the Rays trade deadline possibilities, we heard that the Rays were showing interest in Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, a couple of relievers, and Victor Martinez.
Halladay is probably off the table as it looks like he is headed to the Phillies, and the Indians don’t sound like they are interested in moving Lee or Martinez. The possibility of acquiring Lee seems like even more of a longshot when we consider they asked the Yankees for Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain. That means it will take a lot more than Wade Davis to land last year’s Cy Young winner.
We also have heard that if the Rays are to add a big name before the deadline, they would have to clear some payroll first. The big name we have heard so far is Scott Kazmir, whom the Angels were reportedly interested in.
Ken Rosenthal also insists the Angels are interested in Kazmir, noting that former Rays and current Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher is pushing for the Angels to make the deal.
However, the Angels claim that they have not even discussed the possibility of trading for Kazmir.
Meanwhile , Kazmir says he wants to remain with the Rays. Kazmir did sound a bit frustrated when he spoke about signing an extension with the Rays and now hearing trade rumors.
“I thought when I signed, it was kind of a bargain deal (for the team). And I’d be good to go, and I’d be here for a long time, at least until my contract ends,” he said. “But who knows? That’s baseball…You signed a deal with them. You want to show the team that invested the money in you that you’re worth every penny, and you’re going to go out there and prove to them that you are worth it,” he said. “That’s the one thing that kind of bothers you there. That’s the reason why I signed here. I wanted to be here.”
So, where does this leave the Rays with a week to go before the trade deadline? Well, after a 24-hour period where it seemed like a blockbuster deal might be on the horizon, it now looks more like the Rays roster will look the same on August 1st as it does right now. John Romano examined the Rays trade possibilities and concludes that standing pat may “make the most sense.”
But one thing we can count on: With the Rays in the thick of the playoff hunt, we are certain to hear many more of these rumors and notes over the next seven days.
