A rumored deal of Jordan Zimmermann to the Cubs is reportedly not happening, which makes sense to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal since such a trade wouldn’t really be a fit for either the Cubs or the Nationals. The Cubs are likely to address their pitching need by either signing a top free agent arm or trading one of their infield prospects for a controllable younger arm. Dealing for Zimmermann would the Cubs to both give up prospects and spend big, Rosenthal notes, since Chicago would obviously want to sign the righty to a long-term extension.
Here’s some more from around the NL Central…
- The Cardinals are wary of making commitments that will result in future roadblocks to upcoming younger players, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. GM John Mozeliak notes that the team feels it could be “exposed” at first base or the corner outfield if it does not get the performances it hopes for, and is interested in left-handed relief help and a utility infielder.
- In fact, the Cardinals met with representatives for Andrew Miller on Tuesday, Goold tweets. The meeting was characterized as exploratory in nature, though the fit is obvious.
- Both the Cardinals and Reds had interest in Michael Cuddyer before he signed with the Mets, Goold reports in a separate piece.
- Though the Reds are interested in Nori Aoki and Michael Morse, that is not an exclusive list, GM Walt Jocketty tells C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). The club’s top priority is adding offense, and it is considering trade scenarios in addition to looking at the free agent market.
Torri Hunter could be a fit for the Reds.
Cards do not have any prospects in RF that justify not acquiring a big bat because of fear of blocking them.
As far as Miller, he’d be a fit on any team, but I have a feeling whoever signs him will regret that signing.
Agreed. I’m worried they like Piscotty a little too much. He looks like he’ll be a fine player, but not someone you should make sure you hold a position open for. RF is the obvious place to upgrade, it’s just too bad there’s nothing in free-agency that is a great fit.
The only free agency idea I think that makes any sense is sign hanley and then play Carpenter in Right. Otherwise yeah it’s trade for a big piece or sign a complementary player.
Didn’t they just sign utility infielder Dean Anna yesterday?
Cubs trading for Strasburg would be a lot more interesting. He is young and a little more dominant then J-Zimm. Baez, Alacantra, and a few other prospects perhaps.
I don’t think the Nationals would even listen unless the Cubs were willing to talk Bryant or at the very least Russell.
Yah that could be true but at the same time Strasburg is getting more and more expensive every year, has an agent that won’t negoiate, and Baez/Alacantra could both play SS/2B as soon as next year for them at minimum salary. Not long ago I feel many prospect lists had Baez higher then Russell too.
I know prospect value is at an all-time high but Strasburg has proven himself in the majors with 3(?) more years of team control. Maybe if they think his velocity will keep sliding. It would just would seem a lot safer to shop him after 2015 when his ERA resembles what you’d expect from a guy with his K’s and low BB’s.
Whew, says Nats fans everywhere.
20 million a year for Jayson Werth? Ryan Zimmerman 12 million? Has Werth ever had a 30 HR campaign? Way too much pitching & hitting on Washington for them not to make noise in playoffs. Harper, Rendon, Desmond, Werth, LaRoche.
over the last 2 years of the deal Werth has surprisingly been worth the money.
The playoff are 1/3 talent and 2/3 luck.
Agreed. There aren’t any real “wagons” (AKA super-powers/loaded/etc.) for teams anymore. Many good teams, and whoever gets hot in the playoffs wins it. So much better than the NBA playoffs where there’s literally 4 teams and everybody else.
2007 Warriors, never forget
The Cubs need top of the line pitching if they are going to compete and the Nationals need middle infield if they lose Cabrera to free agency. As long as the Cubs sign Zimmerman long term, which could be made part of the trade, I think that trade makes perfect sense for both teams.
If you actually read my post, I have a positive outlook for your cubbies future. You now have one the best GM’s and best coaches in MLB and getting a stud player like Zimmerman for a cancer like Castro would be fantastic.