When you’re a team that had postseason aspirations, it is certainly considered negative when you need to resort to selling. The reality is, though, that there are some situations when dealing a veteran to acquire a prospect can actually help your present in addition to your future. Richie Shaffer is currently blocked in the minor leagues, and should David DeJesus or James Loney be dealt, a spot would be opened up for him on the Tampa Bay Rays’ roster.
Richie Shaffer comes with disclaimers. Shaffer, the Rays’ first round pick in 2012, was regarded lightly enough entering the season that the Rays started him at Double-A for a second straight season.