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Rays listening, but in no rush to deal Archer
- Updated: December 1, 2016
Seems like every couple of days there’s another report about teams having interest in acquiring Rays right-hander Chris Archer, an All-Star in 2015 who led the Major Leagues with 19 losses in ’16.
It’s been going on since July, when the Dodgers, Rangers and Cubs were among the believed suitors for the 28-year-old workhorse who is coming off back-to-back 200-inning seasons. It has continued into the offseason, with the Braves among those being mentioned lately.
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The Rays, rest assured, are hearing and reading all about it, and wondering just how high a price a suitor might be willing to pay.
The Rays, remember, have not been a franchise known for knee-jerk reactions. They listen. They evaluate. Then they decide.
And even more important, they are in no position of panic about what to do with Archer.
They are in a position of strength.
There is a shortage of quality pitchers on the market this offseason. The free-agent market is bare and the trade market is limited.
Oh, the White Sox seem to be willing to listen to offers fon Chris Sale, which more than anything underscores how badly teams with pitching think they could get if they are willing to part with an upper-echelon pitcher.
And that’s why the Rays would be silly not to listen if someone comes knocking in search of Archer.
They can ask for the …
