As the MLB Winter Meetings came to a conclusion Thursday, Andrew Friedman left Nashville without making a highly-anticipated James Shields or Jeremy Hellickson trade. The Rays weren’t able to work out a deal to send Shields to Kansas City after days of discussions with the Royals, who are shopping top prospect Wil Myers in what would likely be the start of a potential trade package for Shields.
Although Tampa Bay may have not received the right offer they were looking for during the 4-day event, there still could very possibly be some trades on the horizon. What the Rays’ front office now has is more “clarity” moving forward, which is what Friedman told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Timesyesterday.
As early as today, James Shields trade rumors have flared up again.
Although Tampa was relatively quiet Thursday, other teams in the division weren’t so much. Be sure to check out AL East Winter Meetings notes are at the bottom.
Thursday was also the MLB Rule 5 draft, which featured a trio of young Rays pitchers. LHP Kyle Lobstein (AA), LHP Braulio Lara (A+) and RHP Scott Shuman (AAA) were all drafted from the Rays’ farm system.
Here’s a thorough write-up on the draft over at DRaysBay.com, which includes results and a summary on how the draft works.
More Rays News and Notes:
- The Rays signed OF Jason Boureois (non-roster invite) to a minor league deal Wednesday. The 31-year-old owns a career line of .261/.306/.324 and a stolen-base total of 51 [out of 61 tries] through 497 MLB PA’s.
- The White Sox signed Jeff Keppinger to a two-year deal worth $8 million.
- Kevin Youkilis may be headed to the Yankees.
- Boston has acquired reliever Koji Uehara (1 year, $4.25 million).
- DRaysBay.com analyzes how the Rays’ new acquisitions should give their defense a boost.
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