Archer, Rays stay centered as rumors swirl

OAKLAND — Thursday proved to be Chris Archer’s day to be front and center with regard to the trade rumor mill.

ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported that the Dodgers were the favorite to acquire Archer via a trade before Major League Baseball’s Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline. According to Stark, a source told him there’s a “70 percent” chance Archer goes to the Dodgers.

Archer smiled about that prediction, asking reporters, “How do you even get that, is this a meterologist?”

The Rays signed Archer to an extension on April 2, 2014 for six years at $25.5 million with club options for 2020-21. He was asked if he would feel wronged if the Rays traded him after he signed the long-term deal.

“I definitely would like to stay here because I like the people that we have in our organization,” Archer said. “But it’s a part of the business. I wouldn’t feel wronged, because with signing my deal, I knew this was a possibility and would eventually happen.

“I’m halfway through the guarantee. It’s not really that surprising just looking at where we’re at and how the Rays typically do things. But I do like the guys we …

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