The NL Central includes the Senior Circuit's most potent offense (the Cardinals) and its lowest-scoring team (the Cubs). The Cardinals outscore the Cubs by more than one run per game (4.88 runs per game vs. 3.69). Here are the latest links from the NL Central…
- The Astros are telling teams they're open to more trades, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Even Jed Lowrie, who has been on the disabled list with a sprained ankle for the past two weeks, is available.
- Brewers president of baseball operations Doug Melvin joined Casey Stern and Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM and explained how the Zack Greinke trade went down (audio here).
- The Brewers released Seth McClung, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports (on Twitter). The right-hander, who last pitched in the Major Leagues in 2009, appeared in 21 games for Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate this year, posting a 6.36 ERA in 103 1/3 innings.
- The Cardinals have never been more open to trading pitching prospect Shelby Miller, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. However, at least one team has lost interest in Miller.
- Cubs manager Dale Sveum will be surprised if Ryan Dempster isn't traded, Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports (on Twitter). Click here for the latest rumors surrounding the right-hander.
I’m fine with the Cardinals trading Miller, just not for the junk they’ve been rumored to be interested in.
The fact that the Cards have “never been more open” to trading him is probably sending out a huge red flag to any teams interested in acquiring him. Not a good sign.
He probably either has an undisclosed injury or the cardinals have some health concerns regarding his elbow or shoulder. He’s been terrible this year.
My guess is that considering his arrest last summer, Miller may be exercising one of the franchises of the 21-year-old. After Josh Hancock, the Cardinals aren’t keen on handling that sort of risk.
What about after David Freese?
pirates should get jed lowrie
Ha…Maybe this time the Astros can land Alen Hanson for real?
I’d love to get Lowrie, Hate to give up Hanson though. Maybe a deal of Lowrie and J.D. Martinez and then the Buccos could throw a bevy of propsects at them, maybe even include Hanson in that deal.
Yanks should go out and get Lowrie, he can play third or short for them while A-Rod is out.
Lowrie would be a waste of prospects for NY. He wouldn’t come cheap. Now.. Jeter’s deal expires after next year think it is? They could keep Lowrie as the best utility player in the game for a season, then have him play SS in 2014, his last year before FA.
@johnsilver:disqus
As much as I love Lowrie, I would not do it. Have always liked they way the guy plays, from day one with the Sox, but he can never stay healthy. He’s played 5 1/2 yrs in the majors and just a bit more than 2 season’s worth of games.
Was happy for him when he got traded, thinking he’d get playing time with the Astros and have the chance to show what he’s really worth, but lo and behold, he winds up on the DL again! I truly hate the ‘injury prone’ tag some players get, but he may be a player that the tag is an appropriate fit.
The injury that he suffered probably would have happened to any shortstop that was involved in that particular play. It was more a case of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time than being injury prone.
i.e. If Lowrie had had the day off, Brian Bixler(Lowrie’s backup at the time) would likely be on the DL with the same injury.
Knowing Jeff Luhnow, he’ll probably swindle some team out of a couple really nice prospects for an injured Lowrie. Dude’s a Jedi.
Astros need to keep him as a building block. I’m driving by Minute MAid to see if there is a fire sale sign tomorrow.