Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers and MLBTR's Tim Dierkes weighed in on the modern-day trade deadline dynamic with Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. The non-stop nature of online trade chatter can get in the way of certain trades and facilitate others, Towers said. Here are some assorted rumors with four days to go before the trade deadline…
- The Athletics aren’t presently in the mix for Marco Scutaro, but they could pursue him if other options don’t materialize, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reports (on Twitter).
- Before he signed his six-year, $144MM extension, Cole Hamels told Yahoo’s Jeff Passan that he’d give pitchers big money, but not long-term contracts. "I'd only give three or four years, but I'd give 'em $25 or $30 million," Hamels said. Fortunately for him, Ruben Amaro Jr. and the Phillies were willing to go beyond four years.
- Many teams would be willing to trade two Major League bats to acquire Joel Hanrahan, Tom Singer of MLB.com writes. The Pirates could rely on Brad Lincoln and/or Jason Grilli in high-leverage, late-inning situations if they trade Hanrahan.
I’m sorry fellas, but if I could land even a top 100 at any level I’d deal my closer. LOok at the TO! The Os with Strop and Bucs with Hanrahan should be moving their “closer” for more integral parts.
The Hammer gotta go. Grilli can handle the closing job, no problem.
But then you have an unproven closer and Lincoln as your 8th inning guy instead of the guy who comes in and gives you two strong innings out of the pen. If anything, I’d like to see them add a strong lefty arm to the pen instead of subtracting from it. Bullpens are crucial at this time of the year, and pitching in general.
Pirates still have Doug Slaten and his sub 1.00 ERA in AAA (lefty). Also, Justin Wilson was put in relief late last season. Obviously he’s doing a better than decent job starting, but during a run he could be used out of the bullpen. Then there’s still Morris and Meek (righties). The Bucs have bullpen depth.
I forgot about Leroux and Danny McCutchen as well (both RHP). Leroux’s being stretched out as a starter in Owens spot apparently; unless that’s until McPherson returns to Indy. Depth.
I’m nowhere near the Pittsburgh market so I haven’t been hearing any rumors, but… I seriously doubt the Pirates are considering shopping Hanrahan. He has been huge for them the past couple years.
He’s also one of the most rumored names on Pittsburgh’s 25 man in regards to being traded over those couple of years.
Escobar scratched from the lineup, don’t get excited a’s fans
I’m not, I’m sure he is still having back issues.
yea… i’m hoping the back issues are him carrying his luggage to the airport on his way to meet the a’s in baltimore… buuuuuut i dont want to give up too much for him either, oh why couldnt grant green just be better at ss
Yeah, I’d love to have him too. He’s easily affordable for the A’s since his contract is very team friendly and he’s easily an upgrade over Pennington. I’ve heard the rumors about his reputation, but I doubt that would bother Billy. I mean, he did trade for Milton Bradley in 2006. And yeah, I’m bummed about Green too.
Yea, he traded for Bradley who lasted about 1 year before imploding, and he gave up Andre Eithier. Terrible trade for the A’s.
I’m not denying it wasn’t a good deal, I’m just saying I doubt character concerns would bother Billy in wanting Yunel. I highly doubt Yunel’s problems could ever outweigh Milton’s problems.
Hanrahan for TWO bats. If that were evenly remotely possible, then they should do it. But I definitely don’t believe that for a second. Who has two bats, needs a Closer, and matches up well with the Buccos need of a Corner OF and maybe a SS or good right-handed bench bat
Gregor Blanco and Brandon Crawford level bats
What about the Phils trading Victorino and Juan Pierre to the Piratesfor Hanrahan! He could be your setup guy! :-)
yeah, 2 Major League bats for Hanrahan doesn’t really tell you much. Are we talking two starting ML bats? 2 bench bats? Soemthing in between?
I know Han is having a good year but still.
I don’t see the point in trading your closer and breaking up the bullpen at this point in the season. Yes they could use a bat but I don’t think it’s a drastic need. I mean people seem oblivious to the fact that they’ve made it here with what they got. I understand that some players can regress and your rivals can upgrade, but Cinci has nothing in the works right now, and the Pirates called up Starling Marte. Based on his projections, it’s not unreasonable to believe he will perform as well as Victorino or Upton, two big bats who they are heavily rumored to be in on.
TWO legit bats for Hanrahan? I’d be interested to see what names are linked to that because if that’s true, Pittsburgh has to make that deal.
Honestly, I’d find trading Hanrahan about 1000x easier than trading Lincoln. He’s been shaky all year and I have a feeling he’s gonna be one of those guys who crashes and burns one year to the next. Lincoln is almost unhittable out of the pen, younger & cheaper. I’d like to know who wants him and what 2 bats they’re offering because that’s a deal Huntington should be all over.