The Rockies are one of the few teams in baseball who are firmly out of contention, and thus figure to be sellers as the trade deadline approaches. Here's the latest on some of Colorado's top trade chips, courtesy of Troy Renck and Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post…
- Jeremy Guthrie's continued struggles are ruining the starter's trade value, writes Renck. Guthrie has a 6.35 ERA in 19 games this season, including a whopping 9.50 ERA at Coors Field. Renck suggests that the Rockies could limit Guthrie only to road starts in order to properly showcase him for any trade suitors.
- Marco Scutaro has drawn interest from the Pirates and Rangers, reports Renck and Saunders, in addition to the Tigers' known interest in the veteran infielder. Scutaro would be an upgrade over Clint Barmes at shortstop for the Pirates, and he would provide the Rangers with middle infield depth behind Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler.
- The Braves and Red Sox have shown some interest in Rafael Betancourt. We heard last month from ESPN's Buster Olney that the Rockies "would have to be overwhelmed" to deal Betancourt or Matt Belisle.
- The Nationals have scouted Wil Nieves. The catcher played for Washington from 2008-10 and has a .738 OPS in 51 plate appearances for Colorado after signing a minor league deal with the Rockies in December. Nieves is on the DL with a turf toe injury. The Nats also asked about Colorado's Ramon Hernandez as they continue to look for catching help.
- Scouts say the Rockies want pitching back in any deal.
If the Rockies want pitching they need to think about getting more sinker ballers or anyone who can keep the ball on the ground.
first I have heard about the braves looking for a relief pitcher but it is needed
Scutaro would be such a good fit for the Pirates at Shortstop. Shouldn’t cost much.
Think there was an article here several days ago that the cost for him (maybe from the Tigers?) was going to be much higher than many thought.
Probably due to lack of available SS from non WC contending teams thus far.
If the Fish decide to sell, Infante should bring a decent haul and drive the asking price for Scutaro way down. Rockies probably should move him while the demand is high.
On principle alone, I’m guessing there’s no chance they’d send him back to Baltimore?
eh, I’d take him back considering the current question marks in the rotation.
I doubt they care too much about principle at this point. I’m guessing if there’s any interest at all, the O’s would want Colorado to eat most of his salary, but the Rockies are in no rush. They could easily trade him after the non-waiver deadline.
Poor poor unloved Clint Barmes. The Pirates should just swing a deal with the Braves for Jack Wilson. Wilson, Maholm, get the band back together!
Oh the Braves finally decided they need a reliable veteran reliever, what a concept.
thought Mets were interested in Ramon Hernandez
I was 95% sure Guthrie would be designated for assignment after his start against Pittsburgh. He he the worst fit imaginable for Coors Field and he blew up in the dugout. I feel bad for him but I think both sides need to move on as soon as possible, it’s killing both parties.
Nats scouting Nieves. Hilarious
Tigers get: Marco Scutaro and Jeremy Guthrie. Rockies get: Rick Porcello, Luis Marte, and Bruce Rondon. Scutaro is a huge upgrade over Santiago/Raburn, and Guthrie would be helped by being on a better team, and by getting away from Coors (he has a hefty ERA of 9 at home). Porcello would be helped by a switch the NL, and he’s still on the right side of 25. Not to mention the Tigers abysmal infield defense, which doesn’t mesh well with a groundball pitcher like Porcello. Marte is a decent innings eater. Average stuff, capable of pitching 3-4 innings out of the pen. Rondon is just 21, and throws a 98 mph fastball with a deceptive delivery. However, he has some control issues. Last year, he had a 2.02 ERA (1.40 WHIP) at West Michigan. FWIW, the Rox will probably trade Betancourt, so grabbing a good relief prospect couldn’t hurt.
From the Rockies side, I’d jump all over that offer if it came in. Getting Porcello + others for anything involving Guthrie is a steal. The Rox would also be well served to move Scutaro next week to free-up 2B for a long look at some of their youngsters.
What exactly would the Rockies want in a deal involving Scutaro? Pitchers?