Rays pitcher David Price hopes to stay in Tampa despite trade rumors

Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price knows the trading deadline is rapidly approaching, and he says he wants to stay in Tampa, especially if the team remains in the playoff hunt.

Price is just 6-7 with a 3.63 ERA this season, but he leads the American League in strikeouts.

Price, 28, understands that his name will continue to be talked about in trade circles and says he doesn't want to be traded, especially within the AL East.

"I would hope not,'' Price said, via Newsday. "Tampa is the last team I would want to face, to pitch against. Facing friends is the worst. We're playing well right now, so I expect to be here."

After the Rays' 4-3 extra-innings victory over the New York Yankees on Monday, Tampa sits 9.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the division. 

"If I do get traded, that mound is still 60 feet, 6 inches away from home plate. The bases are still 90 feet (apart). Still nine players on the field. The game doesn't change," Price said. "It's just the uniform I'm wearing might change, and then my teammates."

~Scooby Axson