MLB Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays Should Deal for Kurt Suzuki Before Deadline

The Tampa Bay Rays are only two games out of the American League wild-card race, and they're in desperate need of a catcher who can produce with his bat. 

Enter Kurt Suzuki. According to the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser:

"

This could be prelude to Suzuki going in another #Athletics deal. Among those believed to have had interest: #Rays, #Dodgers, #Angels.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 28, 2012"

The Rays have not had any luck with their catchers producing consistently on the offensive end. Jose Molina has had an atrocious year at the plate, hitting .186 with an on-base percentage of .249. Jose Lobaton hasn't been a whole lot better, hitting .234 with an on-base percentage of .351. 

Between the two of them, they've pitched in five homers and only 28 RBI. 

While Suzuki hasn't fared much better this year for the Oakland A's, he's a career .254 hitter who might do better with a change of scenery and a new hitting coach.

The bottom line for the Rays is that they need to do something different than what they've been doing. Molina and Lobaton aren't the answers long-term, and Suzuki is a better long-term solution. 

If they stand pat, they're likely to continue suffering without anyone at the bottom of the order who can get on base on a consistent basis. 

The Rays need to make a move, and with the trade deadline drawing near, there is no better time than the present.

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