Don't expect the Rays to make any major moves as the trade deadline approaches.
The Tampa Tribune notes that a series of factors, including the lack of any glaring weaknesses as well as financial concerns, will likely have executive VP Andrew Friedman sticking with the status quo.
The Tribune story notes that the stand-pat policy worked in 2008, when Gabe Gross and Chad Bradford were the only notable in-season pickups en route to the American League crown.
The Marlins, suddenly in the middle of the NL East race, look like they will be buyers rather than sellers at the trade deadline.
"We don't want to take away, we'd like to add," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said in an interview with MLB.com.
Bullpen help is believed to be a Marlins priority. Closer Matt Lindstrom is out with an elbow injury, but could be back by the end of the month.
The Miami Herald said the Marlins are shopping Jeremy Hermida for bullpen help.
Somewhat surprising that the Rays are not willing to go out and improve their club. They are going to have their hands full with the Yankees and Red Sox in the second half of the year, and I'm not convinced they have enough to beat out both those teams. Not sure what exactly they would do, but I never think a contending team should commit to standing pat, especially this early. Understandably, if no deal comes around that doesn't make your team better than you stand pat, but if I were the Rays I would be looking. Every team can use upgrades somewhere. I don't think I buy the fact that the Rays don't have any glaring weaknesses.
On the other hand nice to see the Marlins are serious about making a run at this. They always have an exciting young team to watch, and this year is no exception. I know they have been looking for bullpen help for several weeks now, and all indication is that they are going to make a move somewhere here in the near future to get a reliever. With their starting rotation they have a real shot to compete in the NL East, but they definitely need a little bullpen help.