We’ve covered it, they’ve covered it, everyone’s talking about it…it’s the ludicrous David Price trade rumors.
The reason I say ludicrous is frankly because, from reports, it seems like the Tampa Bay Rays have shown zero signs that they have interest in trading Price. In the recent weeks, the Rays have been playing good baseball winning seven of their last 10 games and 17 of their last 27 games. They have a weekend series with the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the All-Star break.
Tampa Bay has historically been a second half team so will they even be sellers heading into the trade deadline?
The other question is…do the Braves have enough ammo in the tank to offer the Rays for Price?
I’m not sure…
But I will say this…Christian Bethancourt is demonstrating on the field that he is a MLB ready player. If the Braves look into the future and see Evan Gattis as their catcher, Bethancourt could possibly be a key piece in a trade.
Personally, I love seeing Bethancourt behind the plate for the Atlanta Braves. I think he calls a great game and just looks extremely comfortable back there. Than you think about Gattis’ bat and think he has to be in the lineup.
Tough decisions are on the horizon for the Braves at the catcher position with or without a trade for David Price.
A former member of the Atlanta Braves – you may have heard of him – Chipper Jones seemed to inadvertently lobby for Price to come to ATL on his Twitter feed.
Nothing better than having a flame throwing, stud lefty following you. Welcome to the fold @DAVIDprice14. U like Atlanta?? Wink,wink
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) July 11, 2014
And David responded to Chipper later in the afternoon…
@RealCJ10 haha I grew up doing the chop!! Watched every game with my family...#respect #youreawesomeChip
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) July 11, 2014
The MLB hot stove is heating up as we inch closer to July 31st. The teams that are rumored to be in on Price deal…Dodgers, Angels, Mariners, Cardinals and Braves.