Prospects of a Rays deal

If the Tampa Bay Rays make no deals today, it may be because they are unwilling to give up any of their top-level minor league talent.

As being reported now, the Pirates could end up with Marlins OF Jeremy Hermida (a young potential star) and two or three good prospects, though there are numerous conflicting reports. Though a deal was not completed, it sounded as if the Rays and Pirates were talking more about a package of prospects, and the Rays have been consistent in saying they would not include their elite ones, such as SS Reid Brignac, LHP David Price and RHPs Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson.

The Rays have a very good, young nucleus at the Major League level, so you'd think they could part with one of the three pitchers for a player like Brian Fuentes or Jason Bay. It's not every year you have a shot at a world title.