Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Rays are pursuing the biggest stars available, but remain unlikely to acquire any of them. Payroll limitations could prevent the Rays from adding Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay. The Rays would consider parting with Scott Kazmir and Carl Crawford, though the chances they deal their star left fielder are "close to zero."
Rosenthal says ambitious trade talks aren't uncommon leading up to the deadline. One GM believes the Rays are "shooting in the dark" and doubts they will acquire a big name player. However, the Blue Jays are a potential fit for the Rays. They like Tampa's young talent, and Rosenthal hears that Halladay would accept a trade to the team.
