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Danny Knobler

The Knobler Blog

Name: Private | Gender: Private | Member Since May 28, 2008
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Would Rays trade their MVP?

Posted on: December 2, 2008 2:07 pm

Score: 92

Shortstop Jason Bartlett was voted the Rays' most valuable player, and he was a big part in Tampa Bay's improbable run to the World Series.

Now the Rays are willing to trade him, according to a baseball official who has spoken to the Rays. Not only that, but the Rays have also discussed trying to reacquire Delmon Young, the outfielder who they traded to the Twins last winter to get Bartlett and Matt Garza.

It doesn't appear that the Young talks got very far, and neither did Tampa Bay's efforts to acquire Denard Span, another Twins outfielder. But the Rays are continuing to search everywhere for another outfielder, and Bartlett could be what it takes to acquire one.

As good as Bartlett was for the Rays in 2008, it's actually not that hard to understand why they would move him. One of the Rays' top prospects is shortstop Reid Brignac, who played at Triple-A Durham in 2008. Also, the Rays took another shortstop, Tim Beckham, as the top overall pick in last June's draft.

Category: MLB

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Buccasneer Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: Nov 30, 2008	Posted on: December 2, 2008 3:00 pm Score: 28 Would Rays trade their MVP? Guess they really like what they see in Brignac, who's been high on the radar for a couple years. They refused to trade him for Bay, that should tell you at least a little. [ Reply to Comment ]
mikeyd56 Reputation: 95 Level: Superstar Since: Nov 30, 2007	Posted on: December 2, 2008 3:21 pm Score: 90 Would Rays trade their MVP? same ol' devil dogs. lets explore ways the dismantle a team that was a few games from winning the title. Not all rookies or prospects are cna't miss. longoria and Price are the jewels. Bartlett was indespensible for them. [ Reply to Comment ]
Originaldigga14 Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Mar 22, 2007	Posted on: December 2, 2008 3:37 pm Score: 86 Would Rays trade their MVP? As a Twins fan, I didn't keep up too much with Bartlett last year, but he seemed like an all-around average player, both offensively and defensively. Not sure there would be much interest in him, but I guess the Twins love average infielders... Delmon Young tho!? The rumors were that TB was through with him and his attitude? That's a head-scratcher. And I assume there's no way they trade Span, he will be a solid OF for years. Rather see the Twins move Delmon and find a 3B like Beltre, or SS Hardy. [ Reply to Comment ]
jkoering Reputation: 80 Level: All-Star Since: Apr 12, 2007	Posted on: December 2, 2008 3:51 pm Score: 65 Would Rays trade their MVP? With Cuddy coming back, there's a logjam in the OF in MN. If Span/Cuddy could turn into a solid SS, or a big hitting 3B, the Twins should make that move. [ Reply to Comment ]
swampudlian Reputation: 54 Level: Pro Since: Apr 16, 2008	Posted on: December 2, 2008 4:19 pm Score: 37 Would Rays trade their MVP? Really? A shortstop with a .329 OBP was the Rays' MVP? I mean, I know the Rays were much more of a team effort than a collection of superstars and all, but please... He's just Jason Bartlett. [ Reply to Comment ]
lumpoco Reputation: 86 Level: All-Star Since: Aug 7, 2008	Posted on: December 2, 2008 4:52 pm Score: 93 Would Rays trade their MVP? The Tampa Bay Rays should consider trading a large bulk of the team since most experts think that they will reach the playoffs again after 5 more years of futility. I disagree with their assessment. I think that they will regress next season (this year was a fluke) and they will actually be a stallworth like the Boston Red Sox in 2 years time. By then their young prospects will have matured into bonafide stars. Of course Tampa Bay might unload them before they get too expensive. What the Rays need is more pitching and not less. Trading for more outfielders does not make sense if they are going to end up unloading them. Oh wait...I was thinking about the Florida Marlins. Sorry! [ Reply to Comment ]
Fillmore Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 3, 2006	Posted on: December 2, 2008 5:21 pm Score: 92 Would Rays trade their MVP? Willy Aybar is the Rays back-up 3B, and he could be a cheap alternative for the Twins at third. He was a big-time bonus baby years ago, so he has the tools to be a starter. When the Twins acquired Delmon Young, I pencilled him in for 300 career homers. But I was not the only one to over-estimate him as he came through with a slight sophomore slump, but still hit .290 [ Reply to Comment ]
skull4525 Reputation: 87 Level: All-Star Since: Nov 4, 2006	Posted on: December 2, 2008 6:14 pm Score: 86 Would Rays trade their MVP? I can see how you could get attached to Bartlett with his run this year, but you gotta sell high on this guy. I am not too familiar with Bartlett, but i wouldn't expect him to put up such numbers next year, or possibly ever again. Seeing this as just a flash in the pan, then the Rays would be smart for selling him now, especially with Brignac coming up behind him. I don't think any player is indespensible. But honestly, whatever they do, the Rays will nasty again next year [ Reply to Comment ]
ericba19 Reputation: 86 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 2, 2008	Posted on: December 2, 2008 6:43 pm Score: 24 Would Rays trade their MVP? Do not move Bartlett. He is a pesky hitter, solid bunter and above average defender...plus he is still young. Why not preserve your core and move Brignac for what you need...ie closer [ Reply to Comment ]
Ville Hills Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Nov 28, 2008	Posted on: December 2, 2008 7:26 pm Score: 16 Would Rays trade their MVP? Sounds reasonable but I would think they would wait until later to make a move. [ Reply to Comment ]