Rays Approach Trade Talks From Position Of Strength

The Tampa Bay Rays have a dilemma to which few teams can relate. They might actually disprove the theory that there is no such thing as too much pitching.

At least that's how it looks as the cell phone for baseball operations chief Andrew Friedman threatens to melt. The Rays have to set their Opening Day roster eventually, and it appears at this moment either Jason Hammel or Jeff Niemann won't be on it. One of them appears likely to be traded - but I say "appears" because the one thing we have seen about Friedman is that when it comes to building his team, Friedman is both methodical and bold, if that makes any sense.

Since either pitcher is likely to fetch prospects in return, Friedman's methodical side will want to know the minor-league system of every team he is dealing with. His bold side will tell him when the time is right to deal, and he won't look back (ask Delmon Young about that one).

Friedman doesn't have to deal right now, but the Rays appear to want to keep Jason Isringhausen as a piece in the bullpen, and that means there is one arm too many. The original plan seemed to have Hammel keep David Price's seat warm in the rotation while Niemann went to the bullpen in long relief, but that seems to have changed.

Surprise Development

Isringhausen - a proven big-time closer, if healthy - is on the disabled list to open the season, which buys the Rays a little time to make a move. But Isringhausen has said it will only take a couple of weeks before he is ready to join the roster, and it appears that's just what the Rays have in mind for him.

Frankly, I'm surprised by this. Given Isringhausen's history of arm problems, it didn't seem likely as late as last week that he had much chance to make the team - even though he had been throwing well all spring.

Hammel and Niemann have been told to stay back in St. Petersburg while their (current) teammates fly to Philadelphia for a couple of exhibition games before heading to Boston for Opening Day. That only happens if there are ongoing and serious talks for trading either one.

Colorado has inquired about Hammel, apparently seriously, but I think it's mostly a futile gesture to chase a lot of those rumors. Friedman goes into "stealth mode" at times like these, and it seems likely there are multiple teams in the hunt. Detroit, for instance, is facing serious pitching problems, especially with the uncertainty around Jeremy Bonderman.

Hammel or Niemann could immediately go into the rotations of many teams, which means there are no doubt multiple balls in the air for Friedmann to juggle.

You'd think something will happen in the next 24 to 48 hours, but I'd advise caution about that. Friedman won't be rushed. I remember the drama at the trade deadline last summer, when the Rays were in the hunt for Pittsburgh's Jason Bay. Friedman had a price in mind he was willing to pay.

Some general managers would have gotten silly as the deadline approached, desperate to make a move. Friedman didn't. The Rays still won the American League pennant.

Depth Is Great

The chance of a deal here is greater, I think, because the Rays don't need pitching in return. The depth of their pitching stretches throughout the minor-league system, so they can afford to target specific needs. I wouldn't look for a big name in return here.

Knowing that Friedman likes to think three moves ahead, I'd guess he'll be looking for a right-handed power bat capable of being slotted into the lineup two or three years down the road when some of the current Rays inevitably move on.

Then again, if he doesn't get what he wants, then he just won't make a deal. The Rays will open the season with Hammel and Niemann, and they'll figure out later what to do with Isringhausen.

It's a great problem to have.