Tampa Bay Rays’ Top 5 Trade Assets
Tampa Bay Rays Top 5 Trade Assets
The Tampa Bay Rays are one of baseball's youngest teams. As one of the youngest teams, they also have a talented, young core. Looking up and down the roster, there are nothing but young guys with a few vets sprinkled in between, but all have the talent necessary to lead this team to the playoffs. With a couple more pieces, they could be headed to the World Series.
Tampa Bay has never won a World Series in their 15 years in MLB, but have been to one, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games in 2008. It will take a lot to get them there this season, especially as they play in the AL East, one of the toughest divisions in baseball. Year after year, the AL East seems to be one that houses baseball's top teams, and understandably so.
While the Rays are an up-and-coming franchise, it's hard to compete with four other teams that could easily make the playoffs this season. Right now, the Rays find themselves in second place in the East, trailing only the Boston Red Sox -- a team that many think will fizzle out later in the season because of their lack of star power.
It's been five years since the Rays won the AL Pennant, but they have the talent and potential to win it once again in 2013. This team is sure to be buyers at the trade deadline. The only question is, who are their top trade assets?
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
5. Luke Scott, DH
Teams looking for a veteran power hitter may be quite interested in Luke Scott. He's currently DH-ing for the Rays, but can also play first base and provide some pop in the middle to lower end of a lineup.
4. Alex Torres, RP
Alex Torres is considered the best reliever in the Rays' bullpen this season. His 0.35 ERA and 0.54 WHIP are unbelievable numbers to go along with his 33 strikeouts in 26 innings. He's just 25-years old and would be perfect for a team looking to bulk up their bullpen.
3. Fernando Rodney, Closer
Fernando Rodney is getting up there in age, but he can still be the solid closer he has been for the past couple of seasons. The 36-year-old vet has an elevated 3.99 ERA and 21 saves, but his five blown saves might scare some people away. However, there are some teams that would kill for a closer of any kind.
2. Alex Cobb, SP
While Alex Cobb was involved in a scary head injury when he took a line drive to the noggin a few weeks ago, the starter could be a solid addition to any team's rotation. Although I doubt the Rays would give him up, they could get a lot for the guy with a 6-2 record and 3.01 ERA.
1. Desmond Jennings, CF
Desmond Jennings may be untouchable as he looks to be a part of the Rays' future plans, but he would also provide great trade value. He can hit (.266), hit with power (10 homers, 35 RBIs) and he can swipe some bags (13 stolen bases). Who wouldn't want that production?
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