Rays executive Vice President Andrew Friedman said the original plan was not to trade two of his team's coveted group of starting pitchers, but that's what it took to fetch back the Royals' outstanding hitter Wil Myers.

Friedman said Sunday's seven-player detail (see related story for names and stats) was "the most difficult trade we've made to date" in that it had to surrender such a big part of its success.

But the Rays and Royals picked up the intensity of their talks Friday, Friedman indicated to Tampa Bay Times writer Marc Topkin. Losing Shields and Davis hardly decimates the Rays' rotation, which is still impressive with Cy Young winner David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore and Jeff Niemann with the fifth spot up for grabs between Alex Cobb, Chris Archer and newly acquired Jake Odorizzi.

And Rays fans can expect to seeh Mike Montgomery, who had a big fastball but has struggled the last two years in the minors, sooner than later.

But Myers was the focal point and should jump right into the outfield, and middle of the batting order. Royals GM Dayton Moore said it was tough to give up their top prospects.

'We have to start winning games at the major league level, and the way you develop a winning culture is by winning major league games. It's time for us to start winning at the major league level," Moore told the Associated Press.

Topkin also caught up to James Shields, who said: "I thought I might be able to squeeze in one more year, but that was kind of being selfish. I'm excited to go over there, but this is definitely a sad day for me and my family. I've been here 12 years. We made this our second home, and we're definitely going to miss it. I have a lot of good memories here and the fans treated me as good as possible."

For the full report out of the Times click HERE.

Matt Silverman, team president, said the trade was not financially driven but did acknowledge the money it saves the club, and said he's "constantly monitoring" the finances and compared it to balancing on the head of a needle.