Likewise, the plethora of starting pitching on the Rays is likely to attract suitors. Recently, reports have come out that the Colorado Rockies, a team that is seemingly in constant need of pitching help, have inquired on Jeff Niemann, amongst other pitchers. Prior to getting hit by a line drive which fractured his leg, he had been off to a solid start. Despite a 2-3 record, he had posted a 3.38 ERA and had 30 strikeouts in 34.2 innings of work, and appeared to be on his way to potentially posting his best season in the majors.

But what could the Rockies give up in order to get Niemann? As it stands the biggest hole for the Rays may be at catcher, which is a position where the Rockies could potentially trade some depth. With Wilin Rosario seemingly entrenched as the starter, the Rockies have 36 year old Ramon Hernandez as a backup catcher and first baseman, who has been mentioned as someone that the Rockies are likely to attempt to trade. Hernandez has been a solid bat over his career, yet slumped badly last season, producing only a .217/.247/.353 batting line with 5 home runs in 184 at bats. He also 32 times against only 6 walks, which may be a sign that his age is catching up to him.

However, he may be worth a gamble for the Rays. As Hernandez is in the final year of his contract, and is roughly the same price as Niemann, the Rays will not have to worry about a large increase to payroll or any future obligations. Also, since Niemann is under control until after the 2014 season, the Rays may be able to get a mid-level prospect in any potential deal as well. In Hernandez, the Rays could have someone that can start majority of the games behind the plate, fill in occasionally at first, and potentially provide an adequate bat in the lineup.

One of the interesting storylines throughout Spring Training will be how the end of the Rays rotation shakes out. Depending on how the candidates for that final spot perform, the Rays may have options to make a move that can solidify their lineup. Given the interest that presently exists in Jeff Niemann, he may end up on the move.

The Tampa Bay Rays need a catcher. This has been true for the vast majority of their history, aside for the random Dioner Navarro All-Star season in 2008 or when Toby Hall was more than mediocre in 2005 (ironically, Hall was part of the trade that got Navarro on June 27, 2006). Catcher seems to be the one spot that the Rays have had problems developing, or acquiring, throughout the past 15 years.

Ramon Hernandez happens to be a solid offensive catcher, and is currently on an awful squad. The Colorado Rockies sit at 25-41, 16 games out of first in the NL West. Moreover, the Rockies have top prospect Wilin Rosario, who has been hitting home runs and playing fairly well while Hernandez has been on the DL with a strained left hand.

When Hernandez returns, he is likely to be the backup while the Rockies find out if Rosario can be a viable major league catcher. Given his track record, and inexpensive contract (2 years, $6.2Million), Hernandez could be an attractive option for a team needing help behind the plate. Enter the Rays.

Hernandez, at age 34 with a recent injury history, would likely not command a large premium on the trade market. However, he is exactly the type of player the Rays need – a steady veteran presence behind the plate who can actually hit the ball with some authority. The two year contract also would be a draw for the Rays, since they do not have a lot of help coming up on the catching front.

If nothing else, Hernandez would likely be an upgrade offensively over what the Rays have had behind the plate this year. Combined, Rays catcher have had a .204 batting average in 220 at bats, with only 3 home runs and 19 RBIs. Hernandez would be better almost by default.

Should the Rays make a move for a catcher at the trading deadline, Ramon Hernandez could be a solid option that would not break the bank.