I have a hard time believing the validity of that report. Given the Rays desperate need for pitching, I think they'd have jumped at any offer of a rotation starter above Nolasco.

 

And if they really were offered Olsen + and we weren't just "prepared" to offer it, and they turned it down, they'll never truly make the leap.

 

 

I agree 100%

I said when Berardino wrote this Sunday that it came from the DRays and was meant to create a market for Baldelli when their attempts to move him had failed, and further they did it by betraying what would have been confidential discussions with any GM other than Tampa's.

 

Same thing happened with Philly (Cole Hamels rumor), and the Braves (two different sets of players).