Numerous teams remain unsure of how they will approach the non-waiver trade deadline as their performance over the next few days should separate the buyers from the sellers, writes Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. For the Rays, a strong week may mean the difference between trading and retaining James Shields. Here are more of Knobler's notes, starting with Zack Greinke:
- With the Brewers falling out of the NL playoff picture and Greinke stating his desire to test free agency, Milwaukee will attempt to put rumors to bed about the right-hander's health when he takes the mound on Tuesday. Greinke missed a start last week after expressing concern about how he felt in the wake of starting three consecutive games.
- Beyond Greinke, the Brewers may elect to move other pieces including Francisco Rodriguez, Aramis Ramirez and Corey Hart, among others.
- While Cole Hamels has been presented with a series of strong offers from the Phillies, the star left-hander remains uncertain about agreeing to an extension prior to the deadline, thus keeping a potential trade to another team in play.
- Similar to the Brewers, the Phillies have a host of players drawing attention from a variety of teams but remain reluctant to alienate the fanbase by trading away names like Cliff Lee or Jimmy Rollins.
nmm
I am a Phillies fan, and I would not feel “alienated” by any trade. This core is old and the turnover needs to happen at some point.
Absolutely. I’m down with whatever makes the team better next year and beyond. If the return for a Rollins or Lee (who I’d still prefer to keep) is good enough that it fills several needs and makes you a better team, you make the trade. No player on this team is untouchable considering age, talent, salary. It all comes down to whether another team meets your (most likely high) asking price.
Other than the fact I don’t want him to leave, I think it’s really foolish on his end if he walks away from over $130 million guaranteed.
When did Greinke state his desire to test the market?
I think it’s more a silent statement, since he has not taken our offer for a contract extension.
The Dbacks really could use Aramis. If the price isn’t terrible, I hope they take a look. He isn’t a move just for this year and would stabilize 3b and give one more strong bat. I get that they are close to out of it this year, but it could really help next year’s team.
Greinke and K-Rod are the only two players on this team, I think, guaranteed to be moved. George Kottaras, Travis Ishikawa, Cesar Izturis could also be moved if we want. I doubt Ramirez goes anywhere, unless someone really overpays with major-league ready talent that can help us next year. Same with Hart, but I think Hart’s chances of moving are much higher than Ramirez, mostly because Hart has become more attractive with his ability to play 1B and RF, as well as Carlos Quentin being off the market now.
I would like to see the Brewers deal Lucroy to Tampa for pitching. Buster Olney was talking about a Kendricks/Garrett Richards for Shields/Zobrist deal in the works. Doesn’t seem like an upgrade for the Rays, and just moving guys, not filling a need.
Everyone wants to trade Kottaras, but I don’t see him as having much value. He is terrible defensively, and doesn’t provide much offensively either. Besides drawing walks, and that is only because he just stands there, and is just as likely to take a called 3rd strike as a walk.
I would also like to move Hart, and go with Hunter Morris at 1st. Gamel will be back next year as well. I like Hart, but he is probably looking at a 50% raise or more on his next contract. He is probably the best 1B in the league now with Votto out. Great defender, multiple All-Star, 20-20 guy, can hit anywhere in the order.
Maybe they can move Rickie Weeks to the Tigers. He would be reunited with his buddy Prince. It may be the shot in the arm he needs right now. He has been coming around the last month or so. He was an All-star starter last year, and deservedly so. Has quite a bit of pop for a 2B. Scooter Gennett is waiting in the wings to take his place.
I would move Nyjer Morgan, K-Rod, Randy Wolf, and Shaun Marcum for anything you can get. Morgan is not as much of a fan favorite after clearly dogging it on the basepaths in several crucial situations. He seems to be getting in RR’s doghouse lately, as he has been losing playing time to Gomez. Hopefully, Marcum returns soon so they can still trade him in August in a waiver deal. Also hopeful that K-Rod can re-establish some value in this stint as the closer. Most of these guys would be mainly salary dumps. Maybe find a taker for Kameron Loe and Jose Veras while they are at it as well.
No way the Brewers trade Hart! The Brewers aren’t “rebuilding”. A core of Braun, Ramirez, Weeks, Hart, Gamel, Lucroy, Gomez, Gallardo, and the young pitching staff doesn’t count them out at all for next season. Sure they aren’t the best team in the NL but they are in no way chumps. Trade Hart and you are back to square 1, rebuilding for several years. They can be competitive next year with returns of Lucroy, Gamel, and Hart.
Maybe Maldonado can learn a new position since he has a good bat. Or trade him while his value is high.