The Tampa Bay Rays are discussing a potential trade with the
Nationals that would send one of the team’s starting pitchers, most likely
James Shields or Jeremy Hellickson, to Washington in exchange for Mike Morse,
Danny Espinosa and possibly more, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.
James Loney and Rays close to one-year deal....Loney would replace Carlos Pena at 1B...also talking to Nats on starter for Morse & Espinosa
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 3, 2012
Bowden adds that Tampa Bay is close to signing first baseman
James Loney to a one-year deal.
If Washington signs Loney, Morse would most likely be used
as an outfielder if he’s also acquired. The slugger has played first base as
well as the corner outfield spots for Washington over the years, and he would
also be an option to see time at designated hitter.
Espinosa has played both middle infield positions during his
time with the Nationals.
The Rays are known to be shopping their pitching depth to
help acquire offense. While most starters outside of Matt Moore have been
mentioned in trade rumors, Shields appears to be the most likely of the
pitchers to be moved given his relatively high salary for 2013.
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