Unloading the farm for David Price

[G-Snarls]

Bowden:

 

The top-of-the-rotation pitcher most likely to be traded between now and the trade deadline is David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Samardzija and Cliff Lee are also in the conversation, but the Cubs still could re-sign Samardzija, and a Lee trade would require a return to full health for him and a willingness to be traded to specific teams. The Rays don't have either obstacle with Price.

 

The Rays also know the best time to trade Price is now; the return won't be as high this offseason or next July as it will be over the next six weeks. So it's only matter of time before he's dealt to the highest bidder.

 

The most interesting aspect of a potential deal is that there aren't as many contending teams looking for a top-of-the-rotation starter as in the past. For example, in the National League, teams such as the Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Giants, Dodgers and Nationals all have enough pitching at the top that they have no reason to empty their farm system to acquire Price. In fact, I would argue the Braves (who, by the way, have the best starting pitcher ERA in the league) are the only NL team likely to inquire about Price.

 

In the American League, two of the top teams -- Oakland and Detroit -- also probably won't be bidding, though I'd never put anything past A's GM Billy Beane, based on his track record.

 

The Rays could get a large package for Price -- as many as four or five prospects -- but it's more likely they'll shoot for quality over quantity and end up with a two-for-one or three-for-one deal, with the possibility of more players being thrown in by either side. For the purpose of this exercise, I'll try to find the best two-for-one or three-for-one deals that could be offered for Price.

 

Here are the five teams I view most likely to trade for Price, along with potential deals involving each club:

 

1. Los Angeles Angels

 

The Angels appear to be the favorite to win the American League's first wild-card berth, and they actually have a legitimate shot of overtaking the Oakland A's and winning the West. A deal for Price would certainly seal the deal, and the Angels have enough to make it work. They might not have the young starting pitching the Rays would ideally seek, but they do have the bats to get it done. C.J. Cron would have to be the central piece in the deal, and given his potential to develop into a 30-homer, middle-of-the-lineup hitter, he'd be a perfect fit for the Rays, who are trying to build the middle of their lineup to complement Evan Longoria and Wil Myers. Sure, the Rays have James Loney signed for two more years, but the Rays could have Cron and Loney share the first base and DH slots until Loney's deal is up, or they could trade Loney this offseason, given his affordable contract.

 

The Rays also would need a second good player, and Alex Yarbrough, the Angels' second-round selection in the 2012 draft, is a player they have targeted. Yarbrough could be their long-term solution at second base, a position they'll likely need to fill with Ben Zobrist expected to leave via trade this season or free agency this offseason. The Angels can afford to give up Cron, considering Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton are all signed to long-term deals and anchor the middle of their lineup. And with top prospect Taylor Lindsey also at second base, Yarbrough could be dealt. The Angels have the resources available to attain Price for the next year and a half, and if he does well, the team could sign him long-term after that. Adding Price to a rotation that already includes Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Garrett Richards would make the Angels a serious World Series threat.

 

The trade: C.J. Cron and Alex Yarbrough for Price.

 

2. Toronto Blue Jays

 

The Blue Jays are in a similar situation to the Angels, as they are probably one top-of-the-rotation pitcher away from winning the AL East and being a serious postseason threat. Although the Rays would no doubt prefer to trade Price outside the division (or the league, for that matter), the Blue Jays are one of the few teams that can offer the Rays exactly what they want: a potential No. 1 starter. A deal involving Aaron Sanchez and a throw-in for Price would probably work for both teams. It would give the Jays a chance to win the AL East in a year in which the division is down overall, and with Price joining Mark Buehrle, R.A. Dickey and Drew Hutchison, the team would have the chance to run the table in October.

 

The Jays likely would prefer to put Marcus Stroman in the deal instead of Sanchez, but the Rays seem to prefer Sanchez. Sanchez needs to work on his command and control, and though he doesn't have Cy Young potential, he would fit in nicely with Matt Moore, Alex Cobb and Chris Archer as the Rays build their future rotation. Right-handed pitching prospect Alberto Tirado, who is only 19 years old, is having a down year, but he'd be a perfect throw-in and someday could develop into a quality setup reliever. The Rays could take advantage of his stock being down and get him in this deal.

 

The trade: Aaron Sanchez and Alberto Tirado for Price.

 

3. Chicago White Sox

 

The White Sox haven't really been linked to Price, but it's time to realize they are committed to rebuilding and winning, and Price would make them a legitimate wild-card contender this year. Rick Hahn has done a masterful job since taking over as the GM in Chicago, highlighted by his outbidding everyone for MVP candidate Jose Abreu, who should be the starting first baseman in the All-Star Game next month. President Ken Williams and owner Jerry Reinsdorf know what it's like to hold up a World Series trophy in the White House, and with Williams' passion for winning and Reinsdorf's willingness to spend smartly to win, a potential trade for Price should not be dismissed. Remember when the White Sox flew under the radar and outbid everyone for Jake Peavy? I can see them doing it again here.

 

The Rays could ask for second baseman Micah Johnson, who has quickly proven himself in the minor leagues to the tune of a .297 average and .371 on-base percentage. Johnson has good speed, and his defense is improving. Most importantly, he profiles as a leadoff hitter, the type of table-setter the Rays need atop their lineup. The Rays would need another significant piece in the deal, and struggling starting pitcher Erik Johnson could be the guy who makes the deal work. He was impressive in 2012 and 2013, when he showed plus stuff, and was in the team's rotation to start the season, but five failed starts got him shipped to the minors, where he continues to struggle. A physical would have to be done, of course, but if he's cleared, there's no reason he can't bounce back and develop into a solid No. 3 starter. Solving problems at second base and the top of the lineup while adding another solid starter might be enough to get Price at the end of the day. Since this package is "light" compared to the previous two deals, a throw-in such as right-handed pitching prospect Chris Beck would be necessary.

 

The trade: Micah Johnson, Erik Johnson and Chris Beck for Price.

 

4. New York Yankees

 

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has made it clear that he will provide GM Brian Cashman the resources he needs to make a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, and the Yankees won't be seeing the postseason if they don't deal for another legitimate starter who doesn't have health or decline questions. The Yankees' system is loaded, and though they would decline the inclusion of Dellin Betances, the Rays' first choice, they would give up what they have to in the minor leagues to acquire Price. The Rays have a long-term need at catcher, and Gary Sanchez would be the perfect acquisition in a Price deal. Sanchez would benefit from being developed behind the Rays' Ryan Hanigan, who did a great job influencing Devin Mesoraco in Cincinnati before his trade to Tampa Bay. The Rays would also need a pitcher back in the deal, with Luis Severino being a top target. The 20-year-old is dominating the South Atlantic League, with a strikeout per inning and an ERA under 3.00. And because the Yankees would have to overpay -- they're in the Rays' division and don't have an Aaron Sanchez to deal -- they also might have to toss in power-hitting prospect Peter O'Brien, who continues to hit towering home runs at an alarming rate (23 already between High A and Double-A).

 

Would the Yankees pay this enormous price to get Price? They might, considering both Brian McCann and Mark Teixeira are signed long-term and they could have Masahiru Tanaka, Price and Michael Pineda in their rotation for years to come.

 

The trade: Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino and Peter O'Brien for Price.

 

5. Atlanta Braves

 

Every time I ask Braves GM Frank Wren what the one piece is he'd like to add to his club, he tells me a No. 1 starter. I suppose all 30 GMs should always answer that way too. Realistically, he told me bullpen help is probably what they will focus on at the trade deadline, but I would never put a Price deal past this organization, given the team's past success with top-of-the-rotation starters. If they could put Price with Julio Teheran at the top of the rotation, they would be set for years to come. The Braves also know that the other elite teams in the NL -- the Nationals, Cardinals, Giants and Dodgers -- all have better 1-2 punches at the top of the rotation; to get by those teams, they'd need to acquire another ace at some point. Well, Price could be that guy, and Rays GM Andrew Friedman would probably be most comfortable dealing Price out of the American League.

 

The biggest question with the Braves is whether they have enough in their system to make a deal of this magnitude. The answer is yes, though they might have to trade someone from their big league club as well. The Rays would love to get Alex Wood, who lost his spot in the Braves' rotation and is now pitching out of their bullpen. Wood, who has a 5-6 record and 3.43 ERA, would fit in nicely in the Rays' rotation. The Rays would also insist on getting the Braves' top pitching prospect, Lucas Sims, who is struggling in the Carolina League this year after going 12-4 with a 2.62 ERA last year at Rome in the South Atlantic League. Despite an ERA closer to 5 than 4 this year, Sims still profiles to be a solid No. 2 or 3 starter down the road. The former first-round pick from 2012 would quickly become the Rays' top pitching prospect. Including another pitching prospect should be able to close the deal with the Rays and, in turn, give the Braves what they need to be legitimate NL East and World Series contenders. The inclusion of three pitchers of this quality would have to be tempting for the Rays to move Price out of the AL.

 

The trade: Alex Wood, Lucas Sims and a pitching prospect for Price.

[GD]

LOL, the Angels' and White Sox's packages are pretty terrible. Braves/Jays packages would get it done imo, maybe Yankees. Best package there is the Braves though, by far.

[pickoff22]

Do we really think that's all it would take to land Price. I would be more thank ok with that trade, but I doubt the Rays would be

[CHRIS]

I would move Sanchez+ for Price. If they could do this then....oh, Bowden.

[G-Snarls]

Do we really think that's all it would take to land Price. I would be more thank ok with that trade, but I doubt the Rays would be

 

I don't think Sanchez and Tirado is enough for Tampa to trade them to us, but I'd do it in a second.

 

The $$ would be significant. I'd expect Price to get 18M+ next year.

[BarkatToronto]

Bowden, never seems to amaze me, idiot.

 

I see you are unbanned and back to depreciating others by foul language and needless insults. I dont believe in Censorship, as such I will not call for you to down your violent assaults; however keep in mind that you are liable for what you type, and such i would recommend that someone in your position think twice and type once

 

Thank you

 

Good Day

[Deadpool]

I see you are unbanned and back to depreciating others by foul language and needless insults. I dont believe in Censorship, as such I will not call for you to down your violent assaults; however keep in mind that you are liable for what you type, and such i would recommend that someone in your position think twice and type once

 

Thank you

 

Good Day

 

Calling a sports writer an idiot is more of a "national pastime" than it is a potentially banable offense, I'd think.

[Smedley Butler]

Obviously if all it was going to take to land Price was Sanchez and Tirado then we'd be insane NOT to. Obviously, it'll take more. Strange article.

[Smedley Butler]

I see you are unbanned and back to depreciating others by foul language and needless insults. I dont believe in Censorship, as such I will not call for you to down your violent assaults; however keep in mind that you are liable for what you type, and such i would recommend that someone in your position think twice and type once

 

Thank you

 

Good Day

 

Well said. Trolls like him are not welcome here.

 

Keep on barking at Toronto, Doggy.

[Hipfan]

Obviously if all it was going to take to land Price was Sanchez and Tirado then we'd be insane NOT to. Obviously, it'll take more. Strange article.

 

My thoughts exactly...if that's all it takes there is no way you turn down that trade. And Bowden said Sanchez doesn't have Cy Young potential, which seems a little ridiculous. He has the most upside of the "big three" the Jays had. If he can get better command he is basically an ace.

[Captain Adama]

LMAO at thinking that it would take only Sanchez and Tirado.

 

I'd cream my jeans and be disappointed in Friedman at the same time if that trade actually went down.

[Atothe]

LMAO at thinking that it would take only Sanchez and Tirado.

 

I'd cream my jeans and be disappointed in Friedman at the same time if that trade actually went down.

 

He'll get the angels to overpay somehow. I wouldn't be surprised if any al central team trades for him.

[TwistedLogic]

I see you are unbanned and back to depreciating others by foul language and needless insults. I dont believe in Censorship, as such I will not call for you to down your violent assaults; however keep in mind that you are liable for what you type, and such i would recommend that someone in your position think twice and type once

 

Thank you

 

Good Day

 

http://i.gyazo.com/72f8d9391080e40c7548a19755f696d7.png

[GD]

Underrated aspect of that: don't take obesity /lightly/

 

lol

[NorthOf49]

He'll get the angels to overpay somehow. I wouldn't be surprised if any al central team trades for him.

The Angels have absolutely zero interesting prospects. There's no way for them to overpay.

 

There doesn't seem to be a team that makes sense at the moment. That'll probably change by July.

[GD]

The Angels actually could not overpay for Price, short of Trout. They actually don't have an asset good enough. I dunno, Richards + Kendrick + Cron + Skaggs? Makes no sense but that's the only way they could even come close to overpaying lol.

[NorthOf49]

The Angels actually could not overpay for Price, short of Trout. They actually don't have an asset good enough. I dunno, Richards + Kendrick + Cron + Skaggs? Makes no sense but that's the only way they could even come close to overpaying lol.

Trout, Skaggs and maybe Richards are the only things the Angels have that the Rays would want. All of their other players/prospects are either too expensive, have too little team control, or are not very good.

[GD]

Trout, Skaggs and maybe Richards are the only things the Angels have that the Rays would want. All of their other players/prospects are either too expensive, have too little team control, or are not very good.

 

The Rays would probably want Richards and Skaggs but it would be counter intuitive for them to deal them if they're looking for pitching. I dunno, Kendrick + Calhoun +... I don't even know.

[GeorgiaPeach]

f*** Off!

 

Grant always use to end his posts with "Good Day"....so maybe....???

[Captain Adama]

The Angels actually could not overpay for Price, short of Trout. They actually don't have an asset good enough. I dunno, Richards + Kendrick + Cron + Skaggs? Makes no sense but that's the only way they could even come close to overpaying lol.

 

I was gonna think the Rays might not be able to afford his contract, even though it's only 10 million more than Longoria's there's a much higher dollar per annum.

 

Bet then again, it's Mike f***ing Trout, and the Angels ain't dealing him anyway.

[GeorgiaPeach]

If that is true, I could see the Cubs trading him for another good ML player not a prospect. My point is the Cubs likely want to be a better team next season, adding prospects might not be their strategy. Give their fans somebody to cheer for. Rays on the other hand yes they likely want prospects, they are going to be rebuilding the minute they lose Price ( weak farm system, no depth on ML roster, fiscals are much weaker then

the Cubs ). The Rays have a tough choice, they could keep Price for the remainder of his contract and make one last run in 2015.

 

Why would they not move Price? It's constantly about putting up an impending FA and getting some prospects to re-stock the farm. Heck, the Rays might be smart to move Escobar this off season as well and have Hak-Ju Lee come up and take Yunel's spot, further re-stocking the farm and making the team more financially flexible in pursuing other value FA's.

[Dick_Pole]

Who else here is secretly hoping Price gets injured for the season? It kills three birds with one stone:

 

1. Prevents the Jays from making a costly overpay.

2. Prevents another team competing against the Jays for a playoff spot from nabbing him.

3. Puts another nail into the Rays' coffin and makes life harder for Friedman and the board members who constantly slobber all over his knob.

 

Schadenfreude rules!!!

[GD]

I was gonna think the Rays might not be able to afford his contract, even though it's only 10 million more than Longoria's there's a much higher dollar per annum.

 

Bet then again, it's Mike f***ing Trout, and the Angels ain't dealing him anyway.

 

If the Rays turned down Mike Trout for David Price due to monetary concerns, they should just be moved or folded.

[DuckDuckGose]

This team needs an ace . It is a top 5 team in baseball with the addition of a guy like Price. A stacked offense with a rotation of:

 

-Price

-Hutchison

-Buehrle

-Dickey

-Stroman

 

Is good enough to win the world series. This team should offer anything and everything besides Stroman and Hutch to TB for Price.

 

Discuss

 

Rather target Hamels or Lee. Both should cost less than Price and would be equally if not more effective.

[GeorgiaPeach]

Who else here is secretly hoping Price gets injured for the season? It kills three birds with one stone:

 

1. Prevents the Jays from making a costly overpay.

2. Prevents another team competing against the Jays for a playoff spot from nabbing him.

3. Puts another nail into the Rays' coffin and makes life harder for Friedman and the board members who constantly slobber all over his knob.

 

Schadenfreude rules!!!

 

I'd prefer not hoping that good players get injured.

[FireAlexAnthopoulos]

Who else here is secretly hoping Price gets injured for the season?

 

Seriously? It's just a game, dude.

[Dick_Pole]

Seriously? It's just a game, dude.

 

Yes, the excessive use of exclamation points after the term "Schadenfreude rules" totally implies that I was 100% serious

[G-Snarls]

Jonah Keri on PTS now discussing the trade market and Price specifically.

[GeorgiaPeach]

Did the Bobcat float his and Zaun's idea of Sanchez and Stroman for Price and Zobrist?

 

I would think Price & Zobrist moved separately could easily net more than Sanchez & Stroman.

[John_Havok]

I would think Price & Zobrist moved separately could easily net more than Sanchez & Stroman.

 

Without a doubt.