Some rival executives and scouts believe the Rays should trade some of their starting pitching depth for offense this winter, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. But executive VP of baseball operations Andrew Friedman sees things differently.
"Starting pitching depth is very fleeting," Friedman said. "While we have it right now, we can't wake up one day with three or four starters, where we have to go looking on the market. We're absolutely doomed if that happens. We're certainly not going into the winter saying we have too much starting pitching."
Knobler reports that the Reds and Tigers were among the teams interested in James Shields at the trade deadline, but the Rays hung onto the durable right-hander instead. Joining Shields in the projected 2012 rotation are David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann and, if injury strikes, Matt Moore or Alex Cobb.
The Royals will be interested in trading for pitching help this offseason and it's easy to imagine teams like the Rockies, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Marlins and A's checking in if the Rays are entertaining trade offers.
Dynasty22
Heh. The Rays have 3 guys I’d assume could start even if one or two guys are traded, hurt, etc. I would imagine it’s just Friedman raising the price even before the offseason.
diesel2410
I want someone to take Wade Davis. He’s been awful. I don’t care if he’s young, we need to save that money to extend Price and eventually Hellickson
Lunchbox45
braves pitching depth > rays pitching depth
Jon Stark
Interesting, I think would rather take the Rays.
TimotheusATL
Did you see who the Braves gave up for Bourn without having to include any of the four horsemen? The Rays’ farm system is strong, but I think the Braves have the edge on the pitching side. Rays definitely have the advantage on position players.
Lunchbox45
agreed,
Minor, Delgado, Vizcaino, Beachy, Teheran .. thats insane depth
rfffr
The Diamondbacks probably have better depth as well and could definitely challenge the Braves
Rabbitov
Rays Starting 5 > Diamondbacks Starting 5, I guess you could try to make a depth argument from there but I think the Rays already win with quality.
Lunchbox45
yah if you factor the on field talent + depth diamondbacks aren’t near the rays..
I think the braves take the cake though.
Bled Orange
Philly > Giants > everyone else
diehardmets
In overall depth, not really. The Phillies have 5, maximum 6 good starters. The Giants have the same deal. The Braves, D-Backs, and Rays have much deeper rotations then either of those teams.
Lunchbox45
were talking about depth, not on field talent.. i don’t need someone to point out the phillies and giants pitching to me.
Evan dolan 2
haha. there is no argument. the rays have their starting 5 now plus moore, cobb, torres, and archer. ian kennedy would be 4th in the rays rotation too