In spite of the reports and rumors the Rays formidable pitching staff is still in tact. But more than ever the likelihood is raised that the top of the rotation will be altered.

The Winter Meetings wrapped in Nashville Thursday with no blockbuster deal involving the Rays and teams like Arizona, Texans and/or Seattle, Kansas City and Cleveland.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi posted THIS thorough breakdown of what would be a major deal. Justin Upton, whom the Rangers covet but the Rays could certainly use, is the centerpiece while both Arizona and Texas could use Tampa Bay's James Shields.

Another key figure appears to be Zack Greinke. Namely if Texas can sign the free agent it would drop any need for the Rangers to add Shields, which Arizona would certainly take.

The Rays don't have to make it a multi-team trade. Notably they're said to be high on Kansas City slugger Wil Myers, one of the top prospects in the game and the big power hitter Tampa Bay needs.

According to THIS report in Friday's Tampa Bay Times the Royals would give up Myers for Shieids -- but the Rays want more in return.

"I wouldn't say anything is immiment," executive vice president Andrew Friedman told the Times. "At the very least we have more clarity" about what other teams are asking for in return for a Shields or a Jeremy Hellickson.

Also Thursday the team officially announced the signing of first baseman James Loney. Friedman said Loney had been on the team's radar for several years. The Rays' website has more of those comments.