Inbox: Will the Rays move Archer?

Will the fact that Chris Sale now seems to be on the market affect what the Rays do in regards to trades? He’s got to be considered the top pitcher on the market now. — Paul K., Brandon, Fla.

Rumors concerning Rays players have swirled throughout the Major Leagues this trade season, primarily because Tampa Bay is lower in the standings than the club has been in recent years. Prominent among the rumors are Chris Archer, Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi.

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Of the three, the Rays’ demands for Archer are said to be exorbitant. So if Sale is now the most desired pitcher on the block, would that affect how much Tampa Bay could demand, for, say, Archer? 

It probably does not, since the Rays do not have to move Archer. Remember, Tampa Bay will always listen to any offers for any players. But listening and trading are not the same thing. On top of that, I don’t see the White Sox trading Sale. He’s a No. 1 starter and is signed to a friendly contract.

Based on what I’ve seen of this year’s team, I can’t really pinpoint any one problem. Just seems like everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. The way the team finished last season, I felt really optimistic about the team’s chances this year. What have you seen? And do you think Kevin Cash needs to go? — Ken S., Tampa, Fla.

I think the biggest single flaw in the blueprint for this year’s team has been the underachieving of the team’s starters, though they have really begun to come around in the …

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