The biggest trade of the season is official with ten minutes to spare. In the chess match that has become the AL Pennant race, Detroit comes in with their own “check mate” after acquiring starting pitcher David Price. The most sought out pitcher is off the market and will join a rotation that now has three former American League Cy Young Award winners (Verlander and Scherzer).
The three team trade involves the Mariners as well who receive outfielder Austin Jackson; while sending infielder Nick Franklin to Tampa Bay. In addition to Jackson, the Tigers send left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly and minor league shortstop Willy Adames to the Rays. Adames was ranked as the Tigers #3 prospect according to MLB.com.
Just talked to ex-#Rays Price, said “it’s tough to put into words” how he feels, “there’s absolutely sadness; this is where I’ve been.”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2014
Price said he didn’t expect to end up with #Tiigers, is confident he’ll adjust well. Said of facing #Rays, “that’d be crazy, that’d be cool”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 31, 2014
The deal comes just hours after Oakland dealt for Jon Lester and solidifies the two teams as the teams to beat in the AL. I personally see this as the ALCS matchup. Now that you’ve had a chance to let your heart rates recover, let’s take look at what that means for the Tampa Bay Rays. They do receive Smyly, but ultimately this looks like a sell first and let’s come back next year trade. It is now past four o’clock in the East and another trade deadline has passed.
Grab your popcorn and sit back….it’s nearly playoff season in the majors and teams are starting to gear up for the stretch run.
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