Tampa Bay Rays: Buyers.
Why: Tampa Bay's in a unique situation. They're 43-40 in the ultra-competitive AL East. The Rays' 20-15 record within the division is the AL East's best. They've scored and allowed 343. They haven't had third baseman Evan Longoria for most of the season and have one of the league's worst defenses. But Tampa Bay is only 1.5 games back of the wild card. If last season taught the franchise anything, it's that they're never out of the race. They should add to their club for another playoff push.
Who they need: What the Rays need most is good health, and a bat to add to what's been one of the most putrid offenses in American League. Unfortunately, only one of those can be acquired on the trade market. There are needs at catcher and shortstop. However, with general manager Andrew Friedman known as one of the least-active in June and July since 2002, the Rays might be best waiting their current situation out.
Who they can deal: Here's where it gets interesting. As the Rays take a patient approach toward the deadline, they can field calls on James Shields, B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena. Upton's one-year, $7 million deal is up at the end of the season, along with Pena's $7.25 million, one-year contract. James Shields has a $9 million club option in 2013 (with a $1.5 million buyout), and a $12 million club option in 2014 (with a $1 million buyout).
Only one Rays prospect made the Baseball America Midseason Top 50 Prospects List: shortstop Hak-Ju Lee, at No. 47. The Rays don't have top-end prospects to deal, so, if things go south over the next few weeks, an opportunity to replenish the system through trading veterans could present itself.
Who is available: The Rays have been linked to A's catcher Kurt Suzuki. At shortstop, it's more likely that help will come from within the organization, through a Reid Brignac call-up. It's unlikely the Rays will target an outfielder, as they'll likely wait for Matt Joyce to return to the lineup.
Verdict: The Rays are in a wait-and-see approach in the weeks leading up to the deadline. They could go either way. If they can get healthy, they've got the pitching -- especially the starting rotation -- to do damage in the postseason.
