When you average 97 losses over 10 years and finish last nine times out of 10, there isn't much you can say definitively. And one thing the Rays can't do is say that any one player -- not Carl Crawford, not B.J. Upton, not Scott Kazmir, not Delmon Young, not Evan Longoria -- can be considered off-limts in a potential trade.

And that's exactly what executive VP Andrew Friedman said on Tuesday at the GM meetings at the Grand Cypress Resort.

"We're not good enough as of (today) to say that anyone is untouchable,'' Friedman said. "Obviously, there are players that we're much less likely to talk about, and it would be much harder for us to deal. That being said, we have to listen to anything and everything. And if there is a team that wants Player X and is offering, in our opinion, a good deal more than Player X, we can't be afraid to pull the trigger.''

Friedman said there was some "dialogue" about potential trades, though nothing appears imminent. He also said there have been some conversations with agents of current Rays about potential contract extensions, but no "serious negotiations.''

The Rays only free agent is backup catcher Josh Paul, and it appears unlikely they will sign him before the free market opens on Nov. 13.

Otherwise, there was no major news as of 5:30 p.m. from the GM meetings, though there was a vote, 25-5, to explore using instant replay to clarify home run calls. However, even if approved, and commissioner Bud Selig will be a tough sell, it likely won't be implemented in time for next season.

(Pictured: Andrew Friedman. Times photo - James Borchuck. Click to enlarge.)