For that I am quoting Rays Index, which quotes Peter Gammons on MLB Network regarding the Pirates alleged offer to the Rays for David Price:
“Most people thought the Pirates offer, which was all about prospects and minor leaguers, might have been greater in terms of talent and that the Pirates were much closer to getting Price than we realize. But the way that the Rays look at it in Franklin and in Smyly, they get two current Major League players who are under control for a long time [and] cost efficient.”
To which I say the same thing, more or less, I said about the Red Sox’ return for Jon Lester yesterday: it makes total sense if you assume, as the Rays likely assume, that they have a good chance to contend in 2015. The AL East is fluid, the Rays will be getting some of their injured starters back next year and, while keeping David Price would be both an expensive and very short term proposition for them, there is no reason for the Rays to assume the next time they reach the playoffs will be years from now. Smyly and Franklin will help next year.
