Analyzing Archer’s status in trade market

ST. PETERSBURG — Chris Archer is in play. That’s what the Hot Stove rumor mill has to say about the talented Rays right-hander.

Given Archer’s talent, plus the fact that he’s signed to a relatively modest and club-friendly deal, why would such speculation be so rampant? Well, the Rays certainly aren’t going to offer an answer to that question. Club policy dictates that they don’t comment on any deals, on or off the record. That leads to careful — and independent — analysis of why Archer is coveted and why he could be available.

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When a Major League scout was asked about Archer’s status, he noted that at times he’ll look “almost lost” on the mound in terms of his location and acumen. The scout then followed up with a chuckle: “But his stuff is sick. You can’t teach the kind of stuff he has.”

That stuff led Archer to 233 strikeouts in 2016, which tied him for second in the American League behind Detroit’s Justin Verlander. He also finished second in strikeouts in 2015, when he fanned 252.

On top of the strikeouts and the electric stuff, Archer is a blue-collar pitcher, which is reflected in his second consecutive 200-plus-inning season in 2016.

Taking a more contemporary look at Archer’s …

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