In this week’s edition of his Inside Baseball column, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports begins by examining the possibility of the Astros making a run at the Phillies’ Cole Hamels. Houston is seeking a top-of-the-rotation starter, and Hamels is on their radar, Heyman hears, even though he’s something of a long shot. The Astros are seeking a No. 1 or No. 2 starter, one person told Heyman, though Houston GM Jeff Luhnow indicated they’d be interested in any arm that could start Games 1-3 of a playoff series. The Phillies are said to be intrigued by outfield prospects Preston Tucker and Brett Phillips, among others, Heyman notes. Houston won’t part with top prospect Carlos Correa or impressive rookie right-hander Lance McCullers Jr., and they’d prefer to keep righty Vincent Velasquez as well. Heyman adds that it’s uncertain whether or not Hamels would approve a trade to Houston, with one source indicating that they didn’t find the scenario likely. If Hamels were to approve the trade, he’d likely ask that his 2019 option be exercised, and the Phillies would almost certainly have to pay down some of the $24MM he is owed annually, per Heyman.
Some more highlights…
- The Reds are currently reluctant to sell any pieces according to rivals who have reached out to the team. That may simply be due to the fact that the team is set to host the All-Star game this year and doesn’t want to begin a potential fire sale before that game. However, other execs have indicated to Heyman that owner Bob Castellini prefers to see how his big-money investments in Joey Votto and others will play out rather than commencing a rebuilding effort.
- Both Dillon Gee and Jon Niese remain widely available, as the Mets would prefer to add promising lefty Steven Matz to their six-man rotation. One scout that spoke to Heyman said Matz is better than any pitcher in the rotation aside from Matt Harvey, which is high praise, particularly considering Jacob deGrom’s brilliant start to the season and the flashes of brilliance displayed by Noah Syndergaard.
- The Yankees are interested in the Athletics’ Ben Zobrist as an option at second base and also still like Dustin Ackley despite his struggles with the Mariners. New York has been surprised by Jose Pirela’s troubles to this point, and they still have questions about Rob Refsnyder’s glove at second base. Heyman adds that the Yankees don’t expect to be big players on Cole Hamels this winter, and they were worried about Mark Teixeira enough this offseason that they checked in on Ryan Howard, though clearly those concerns have dissipated in light of Teixeira’s excellent resurgence.
- The Cardinals, Blue Jays and Cubs are the three teams that Heyman mentions as most realistic options for right-hander Rafael Soriano. He calls the Cards “a surprise entry” into the Soriano mix, adding that the Jays have not given up the idea of signing him but will need to see what his price tag is now that he’s switched representatives.
- The Mariners will probably see a need to add a veteran catcher after trading Welington Castillo to the D-Backs in order to land Mark Trumbo. Heyman spoke to someone close to the Mariners who described the team as “desperate” to add offense prior to the Trumbo deal, as they’ve received struggles from many of their outfielders and, surprisingly, Robinson Cano.
- Red Sox higher-ups have an immense amount of respect for manager John Farrell, so while votes of confidence from ownership and executives often mean little, Heyman feels that Boston’s recent vote of confidence in Farrell has more weight behind it. However, Boston won’t be swayed by the fact that Farrell’s contract runs through 2017 if they do decide a change is needed down the line.
- Both Dodgers right-hander Jose De Leon and Yankees shortstop Jorge Mateo have hired Scott Boras to represent them. The pair of prospects is well-regarded within each organization.
bmiltenberg
I think this site does a lot, a lot of great work. But this–even with the proper citation–is an embarrassing take directly from CBS. Please keep original content coming.
Rally Weimaraner
MLBTR does this all the time. It saves us the trouble of going to 10+ different sites to read baseball news. This is hands down the best baseball news site.
VAR
Most of the content here comes from other sites. That’s kinda the point.
VAR
Most of the content here comes from other sites. That’s kinda the point.
Daniel Morairity
The Astros dont need hamels the rangers want hamels
rouscher
I’d rather Hamels go to Rangers than Houston. rangers have better hitting prospects, Houston has hitting prospects who are good but have too many question marks
Daniel Morairity
Finally someone agrees with me thank you rouscher and the rangers want hamels
Draven Moss
I’m sure most teams want Hamels.
Daniel Morairity
There we go again with everyone wanting hamels only texas wants hamels and hamels loves the heat so go to texas
Draven Moss
I’m sure any playoff contender would love to have Hamels. The cost in prospects is why it hasn’t happened yet.
Daniel Morairity
JD will get it done
Draven Moss
Fair enough, we shall see. They gotta prove that May wasn’t an aberration first as what they have done is surprising.
Daniel Morairity
They have won five straight series
willi
I think that’s an impediment, but not a Major one, More Yankee Dollars does Strange things to people sense of suffering in Heat !
Daniel Morairity
All im saying is that the rangers will get hamels this year
BoldyMinnesota
You have officially become the biggest troll on this site, your opinion is invalid if your only reason another team can’t get Hamels is because Texas wants him
Daniel Morairity
They are interested dude look it up Jon Daniels wants him
BoldyMinnesota
And so do about 15 other teams
Daniel Morairity
Look at the facts the rangers want him admit it
BoldyMinnesota
Look up the facts so do about 15 other teams. I’ve seen more articles about Boston, NYY, Houston, St. Louis, LAD, the Cubs, Pittsburgh and even the Jays who have been told that Hamels will not waive his no trade clause to than articles connecting Hamels to the Rangers
Daniel Morairity
Hamels will come to the rangers they are a winning team andnthey are competive
BoldyMinnesota
I feel bad for your level of IQ. You don’t need to be so close minded, im sure Texas does want Hamels, and so do a lot of other teams
Daniel Morairity
My IQ is fine dude hamels wants to come to texas so please listen to the facts
BoldyMinnesota
Can you post the link where he says that so I can read it, or is it just in your head
Daniel Morairity
Rangers are interested dude look it up
BoldyMinnesota
Post the link that Hamels said he wants to go to Texas, I personally think your just a six year old making this all up
fighterflea
I think you’re responding to someone on a sick day from school, perhaps elementary school. Not right to question IQ. Elsewhere there are websites for MENSA candidates.
Solomon Crowe
He wants to go to a winner and we all know Rangers arent winners.
Daniel Morairity
Are you dumb dude the rangers are winners they are winning five straight series for goodness sake they want hamels right now
Solomon Crowe
They haven’t been constant and may could’ve been a fluke js, So, relax big boy don’t go name calling when the Astros have a better future than Rangers, lol.
Daniel Morairity
Look dude the Astros suck and the rangers will always be better than them always and hamels will come to the rangers
willi
The Astro have been winning on an Over Achieving Pitchers and a well time Home Runs, They Strike out way too much, which makes us wonder when it will catch up to them!
Daniel Morairity
Astros stink anyway and the rangers are better this year and they will get hamels look it up they just resurface
Michael Gallo
I think he will end up in Boston
Daniel Morairity
No way boston dont want hamels
Frittoman626
It’s not that they don’t want Hamels, they don’t want him at the price the Phillies are asking. Any team would want Hamels, and you thinking the Red Sox wouldn’t want Hamels after seeing their terrible rotation the first 2 months is foolish.
Daniel Morairity
They are not trading swihart
willi
Then go overpay for 3 month Rental !
Brixton G.
The Sox can get Hamels without Swihart or Betts, they just don’t want to pay that price of 4-5 prospects that it would require.
Dom Reidman
I agree and I also think it will one of reasons they will be watching world series from their sofa.
Phillies_Aces35
3 (and probably more) of their top 5 prospects are off the table in a deal. If they wanted Hamels they wouldn’t add another name to their “untouchables” list every week.
Rays_Fan_Engima
I don’t think so personally. Boston of course can afford him, but do they have enough attractive prospects to net Cole Hamels?
Daniel Morairity
They dont
Rays_Fan_Engima
I’m sure Boston would love to have him though
Daniel Morairity
I disagree
Rays_Fan_Engima
Their starters aren’t exactly the best right now, I think they might like him
Daniel Morairity
Hes going to Texas
Rays_Fan_Engima
I’m not saying he isn’t, I’m saying that other teams might want him too
Daniel Morairity
Who the dodgers pirates cubs cardinals absolutely not
Michael Gallo
The Cards could be in the mix with their loss of Wainright
Daniel Morairity
The cardinals are fine
Rays_Fan_Engima
Don’t they have a decent pitching depth?
Michael Gallo
But you can never have enough……
Rays_Fan_Engima
But wouldn’t Hamels get in the way of their prospects and such?
Michael Gallo
Cards have a factory man–good players constantly come up
DrRamblings
I hate their top-notch management and development. Their fans are some of the worst; great players though
Rays_Fan_Engima
I think other MLB teams wouldn’t mind having a guy like Hamels pitching for them
Michael Gallo
They NEED a starter like Hamels and then they would win the EAST
Daniel Morairity
No hamels wants to go to the rangers
Michael Gallo
You sound like a Ranger fan
Daniel Morairity
Its gonna happen
Michael Gallo
Phillies better be getting Gallo then.
Daniel Morairity
Stay away from Gallo you want Alfaro
Phillyfan425
Based on what? First, it was the Rangers want Hamels. Now it’s Hamels wants to go to the Rangers.
I think we know the real truth. You want Hamels on the Rangers.
Daniel Morairity
Philly fan you want hamels gone and we want him
Phillyfan425
I don’t want Hamels gone. But if he’s traded I want the best possible return. I (personally) don’t see that coming from the Rangers (their prospects swing and miss too much for me).
Rays_Fan_Engima
They might get someone from the Major League roster though
Steven Garrison
I still believe the dodgers trade for him
Stonehands
You have given no evidence, all you say is Hamels will go to the Rangers cause 1 side loves this and the other loves that. Truth is, depending on the cash involved, half the league has the prospects to deal for him, about a third has the money available, and most of the teams that have both prospects and money available can offer comparable deals to the Rangers.
Daniel Morairity
Your saying texas wont get him really you are really destroying the rangers right now
Stonehands
What?
Daniel Morairity
You are your saying that the rangers wont get hamels
Stonehands
I didn’t say that, but I could name you more than half a dozen teams that could match up just as well, or better with the Phillies than the Rangers do
willi
No we love to keep him,really. But Ruin TomorrowJr., has sunk the Franchise for 3 to 5 years with Disastrous Deals and Payroll. Hamels gets no run support at all when he pitches , he could easily have another 50 Career Wins with Better run support.
Rays_Fan_Engima
I’m fine with them not getting him.
Michael Gallo
As long as he doesn’t go to the Yankees?
Rays_Fan_Engima
No one in the AL East man lol I don’t even want the Rays to get him
Michael Gallo
Why ? Prospects? The Rays pitching has been decent. It could be good bump for them
Rays_Fan_Engima
Because that’s a long term commitment for us and if something were to happen to Hamels, we would be screwed. Plus we’d have to give up good prospects to get him, and our minor league system isn’t as rich as it used to be
Michael Gallo
Good point.
Rays_Fan_Engima
thank ya
Phillies_Aces35
I’m not sure Hamels would accept a deal to Boston at this point.
Daniel Morairity
Agreed because the rangers want him
Rays_Fan_Engima
Why do you say that?
willi
Too many problems with Problem Child Ramirez in left field, and Weight watcher candidate at 3rd Base. He had to put up with that in Philly for Years with Burrell and The Big Piece.
Daniel Morairity
Like I said hamels wwillcome to the rangers just watch
Draven Moss
The Red Sox have a top 5 farm system, so theoretically they most certainly could get a deal done. Having said that however, they haven’t been able to reach an agreement with Philly upon a trade, which leads me to believe they can’t agree on a price, and the Red Sox just aren’t that interested in Hamels (which may mean that they don’t view him as a great fit for the club). Also, feel free to stop commenting to Daniel as it is a waste of your time.
Daniel Morairity
Hey dude its the truth hamels is going to the rangers
Draven Moss
You can keep telling yourself that, but please stop preaching the same thing over and over on this page, ok? It is incredibly annoying in that people want to talk about Hamels trade discussions but you continue to repeatedly say the same thing over and over, on every comment. It is completely unnecessary and a major act of trolling.
Daniel Morairity
Again dude it will happen
Sleeper
I wish I could upvote the last part of this 5-6 times. His perception of a fair deal is very skewed, it’s not worth holding up a conversation regarding it.
DrRamblings
They have the pieces (and then some), I’m just not sure they will offer what RAJ wants. I can seem RAJ taking marginally less from another team bc he can’t get who he wants from BOS.
Sleeper
The problem has never been with the Rangers wanting Hamels, the problem has come from the package you were thinking would get a deal done for him. Alfaro,Colby Lewis,Luke Jackson, and Smolinski is not going to net you Hamels,Pap, and Harang. Very fantasy driven thoughts on that one. If TEX lands Hamels, it will have paid up like every other team has been expected to.
Daniel Morairity
It will happen
Sleeper
Not with that offer, it won’t.
Daniel Morairity
It will happen dude
Jo JoAnne
I do agree that they will not do it for that offer though.. Too many teams will be chasing him..
Jo JoAnne
Agreed, Texas will get him this year.. Probably, after the Cubs don’t match what Texas offers.. The Rangers make the most sense and have been known to overpay in trades.. Plus, they have shown a willingness to go after an ace at the deadline in the past.. The Yankees haven’t traded for an ace at the deadline in the entire time Cashman has been at the helm..
Sleeper
Look at the offer he was proposing that will get it done in my comment above, though. I really like the fit with the Rangers and Hamels, but not at the rate he seems to think will get it done.
Jo JoAnne
I agree with you.. His offer was pretty far off..
Sleeper
Look at the offer he was proposing that will get it done in my comment above, though. I really like the fit with the Rangers and Hamels, but not at the rate he seems to think will get it done.
DrRamblings
If there is one thing that Yankees need more of is expensive pitching, lol. Don’t get me wrong, Hamels is a great arm…but the Yankees have bigger problems and not enough of a farm to pull of Hamels w/o crippling their farm for years to come.
Jo JoAnne
Ugh, I am thankful that Cashman has never gone after a premier playler like Hamels at the deadline.. I agree with you completely.. I hope when the big contracts they do have expire they start to take an approach similar to the Cardinals.. I would love to be able to afford to take my boy to more than 2 games a year.. Those big contracts need to be a thing of the past..
Librarian Army
YES. Can we stop trying to make Hamels to Houston happen. It’s not going to happen. I really hope it doesn’t, as an astros fan.
theo in 2016
They mention tucker who currently is hitting 3rd or 4th in their lineup most nights. Just look at who wrote the article
Librarian Army
Yeah, I don’t see tucker going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe if they expect him to stop hitting.
DavidL
If he stops hitting I doubt the Phillies will want him.
theo in 2016
hes always hit, and people are too harsh on kids who dont hit in their rookie season. hardly anyone does. trust that he has the tools and will adjust these are kids facing the best for the first time.
DavidL
Librarian Army was saying the only reason they could trade Tucker was if he stopped hitting. Presumably he’d then be less valuable to the Astros. I’d guess he’d be less valuable to the Phillies too.
willi
Good Point, A little bit of money tunes the Rangers hearts !
Daniel Morairity
The rangers have prospects and money
Charlie Burns
By that same token, so does the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cards, Cubs, Astros and (to a bit of a lesser extent than the others in terms of prospects) the Yankees.
Daniel Morairity
None of them want hamels they are fine
Charlie Burns
All of them do though (maybe the Cards a bit less, but they could still look for someone with some experience to replace Waino), not matter how badly you want Hamels in a Ranger uniform.
Draven Moss
Charlie, please ignore him. He has a mancrush on Hamels which is worse than Nick Cafardo’s.
BoldyMinnesota
Dodgers have lost Ryu, Mccarthy and have a ticking time bomb in Anderson. NOT FINE! The Red Sox rotation can speak for itself. NOT FINE! The Cardinals lost their ace for the year. NOT FINE! And as for the other 15 teams who could take a run at Hamels, you can never to have to much pitching. Why cant you get it through your head that there is other teams besides Texas who want to make a run at Hamels
Daniel Morairity
Look dude face the facts and smell the roses the rangers want hamels
theo in 2016
Probably not to the dodgers. They most likely look for a rental. Unless they like hamels more than resignimg greinke when he opts out
Steven Garrison
that is why I said the dodgers are the best fit for hamels, If the phillies eat a portion of the contract, I bet the dodgers will be wiling to part ways with Urias and others imo. then they have insurance incase greinke does opt out which I believe he will. He’s having a cy young type season while Kershaw is looking human not superman.
theo in 2016
Urias is untouchable.
DrRamblings
He should be, but I could see the LAD get talked into trading him if they start to struggle down the stretch.
Steven Garrison
If the phillies are going to eat a portion of the contract, I am pretty sure the dodgers will make Urias available as the starting piece, and then others.
Steven Garrison
The Cards are fine the way they are, the best record in the national league and they lost their ace, they are winning from within, if they go after a pitcher, It won’t be hamels could be kazmir or harang.
Portland Micro-Brewers
Astros may have money in the sense every team is owned by billionaires and has money. Loria has money but he doesn’t always spend it.
Otis Firefly
Im laughing so hard Im in tears. You are trolling the snot out of these guys and theyre still repying back. Youre not even doing a halfway decent job of it and theyre hooked. With that being said, the Rangers aint getting Hamels unless they ruin their future.
sdsuphilip
I think niese would be a decent fit for dodgers, pretty decent track record though bad start to year. Gee just isn’t good
willi
Then why would the Dodgers want him, those guys are dime a Dozen !
stymeedone
Possibly because they lack someone like him, and need pitching depth
Mark 20
Sub 4 ERA pitchers are a dime a dozen?
DrRamblings
Historically Gee has been the definition of a #5. On the upside he is a solid #4 and on the downside he is a solid #5. He doesn’t blow guys away, but he can steal wins and pitch .500 ball. Go look at #5 pitchers around the league…Gee’s numbers are very favorable against almost any team’s #5.
docmilo5
I want Ackley in Yankee pinstripes so they make him shave his face. The kid will never hit until he shaves. 😀
CT Cubs Fan
Schwarber, CJ Edwards and McKinney for Hamels and 25 mil. If that’s all the Astros offer is I see no reason why the Cubs or any other team for that matter don’t make a run at Hamels.
That’s a very fair trade for both sides IMO and I’ve said this a few times on here. I know Cubs fans don’t want to part with Schwarber, but they can’t fit everyone in the field. I get Schwarber will be a monster, but if the Cubs win a world series with Hamels nobody will care.To everyone saying trade Castro or Baez.. Neither have much value right now. Castro’s 74 wRC+ is pretty terrible. Baez oozes with potential, but has to cut down on the Ks. He’s 0-8 with 6 Ks in his last 2 games after cutting his K rate a lot in the first few weeks.
I’m tired of waiting. I know offense has been the weak point for the Cubs this year, but I fully expect that to pick up. Fowler has been good enough and Bryant/Rizzo have been great. If Castro and Soler pick it up they’ll be dangerous. Baez will be up in a couple weeks and hopefully he preforms well. Cogs BABIP has been terrible yet he’s hitting the ball really hard this year so that will change. Plus a rotation of Hamels, Lester, Arrieta & Hammel in the playoffs is nasty.
oh Hal
I think its Theo that doesn’t want to part with Schwarber.
djtsb
Look at his numbers, there isn’t a GM in baseball that would part with that.
oh Hal
I don’t know about that, but tell CtCubsfan, not me.
Draven Moss
That seems like a great deal for Hamels IMO. The only guy I’d be worried about is Edwards since he is now relieving, but with Schwarber and McKinney included in the deal, it makes the risk of Edwards worth it. Not sure the Phillies would eat 25MM on that deal though, but I’d envisioned they’d be fine taking on 10MM or so.
theo in 2016
Hes relieving to limit his innings. And they need bullpen help in the majors. All likelihood hes back to starting next year unless he just dominates the bullpen
Draven Moss
Is he going back to starting later this year, or is he sticking in the bullpen until 2016? If it is the latter, that seems unwise (unless he is gonna be in the MLB soon) but if it is the former, then that makes sense.
theo in 2016
Yeah the plan was to start after the break but the ml bullpen has been so bad he will be up after the break in the pen.
Draven Moss
That makes sense. Thanks for the info!
djtsb
they aren’t giving up Schwarber, and especially not for a 30-something pitcher with maybe (maybe) 2 more good years left in the tank
theo in 2016
They might. But if they did they wouldnt include edwards and mckinney. Maybr pierce johnson instead of edwards
Draven Moss
Well I don’t see a deal happening then. He is realistically the only Cubs prospect who is not 100% untouchable who could headline a deal for Hamels.
theo in 2016
I think baez should be able to headline but amaro doesnt like him. Im the high guy on baez though. Kids going to be a stud.
Phillyfan425
Question…how do you feel about Lester? Do you think he’s only got 2 more good years left in the tank (and then the Cubs will be stuck with a bad pitcher on a worse contract for 3+ years?
djtsb
I wasn’t a huge fan of the Lester signing, as Chris Bosio has been able to work wonders with mediocre pitchers. That being said, the Cubs signed him and it is what it is. I personally don’t believe the Cubs need starting pitching, what they need is a bullpen. If they can get a young SP like Matz or Thor, I’m all for it, but the focus has to be youth and cost control. I say send Vogelbach and lower prospects to the A’s for Clippard and Zobrist. If the A’s want Schwarber, it’ll cost at least Sonny Gray, and Beane knows it.
theo in 2016
other way around, if the cubs want gray it will cost at least shwarber. gray is proven and still young and cheap. schwarber doesnt really have a position yet.
DrRamblings
Gray should be untouchable…that dude is an absolutely stud now.
Cynicalsid
Sure has been awhile since I’ve heard what a genious Billy Beane is. I guess that’s what happens when the team loses…
djtsb
???
paqza
Genius*
MiddleIn
Fair deal.
alex navarrette
That’s the exact trade proposal I’ve put on here in the past. It seems like a very fair trade for both sides IMO.
Terie54
i hope the rangers move for Rafael Soriano
Daniel Morairity
No way Soriano is not good at all
Terie54
i think that he could be a good addition
Daniel Morairity
Only for a relief appearance not a closing job
Charlie Burns
Anything to help the pen would be a good idea for the Rangers. Strangely, it has been one of the more frustrating areas for them this year.
oh Hal
Time for the Reds to go on a run.
Tommets
I don’t know how other teams view Gee and Niese. They seem bad but that’s when I’m comparing them to Harvey, deGrom, Syndergaard and Colon. Could teams used Gee or Niese as a solid 4-5 and be willing to give up a nice 4th OF or guy like Alex Guerrero?
Michael Gallo
I would think Gee would be attractive and a solid 5th starter (Houston?). And they have prospects
Michael Gallo
I would think Gee would be attractive and a solid 5th starter (Houston?). And they have prospects
Draven Moss
I’m pretty sure Gee would net little to nothing. The guy just isn’t very good.
Michael Gallo
Disagree.
Sleeper
I wouldn’t say nothing, but he’s not going to net them a whole lot, I agree. 4th-5th starters without upside/a standout tool don’t tend to bring back anything to throw a party over, and that’s what he is.
Mark 20
Id say Gee is a #3 type starter. Probably a 3.90-4.20 ERA per year is the norm for him. Definitely better than a 5th.
Sleeper
#3 is a pretty generous grading, even given the numbers you’re using. I wouldn’t want him to be more than my 4th unless I absolutely had to.
Sleeper
I wouldn’t say nothing, but he’s not going to net them a whole lot, I agree. 4th-5th starters without upside/a standout tool don’t tend to bring back anything to throw a party over, and that’s what he is.
Phillyfan425
A mid-4 ERA guy making $5 M this year (and will probably see it bumped up to $7-8 M next year if he’s tendered a contract). Not sure anyone will give “prospects” worth talking about.
Phillyfan425
A mid-4 ERA guy making $5 M this year (and will probably see it bumped up to $7-8 M next year if he’s tendered a contract). Not sure anyone will give “prospects” worth talking about.
Daniel Morairity
Dodgers wont trade guerrero
Tommets
A guy like Guerrero.
Michael Gallo
Are you sure about that? Last week the LA Times listed him as one the Dodgers would trade to get pitching.
Daniel Morairity
Im sure about it Michael
Michael Gallo
I live in LA. They traded Uribe because of the surplus of infielders and the money. They want to move Rollins too.
Daniel Morairity
I thought they love rollins
Michael Gallo
Seager is coming up soon. He is their future SS Rollins knew that coming in but thought he would have 1 good years left.
Daniel Morairity
Oh yeah but I know the dodgers dont want hamels because they wont trade seagar so ok I believe you
Michael Gallo
The Dodgers said even Puig might be available
Daniel Morairity
Man thats a rumor nobody will get rid of
Michael Gallo
Well, look at it this way-both Crawford and Andre E make a ton of money and are owed a ton of money. Are they trade worthy? I am not saying Puig is gone but he could return a lot
Daniel Morairity
Should trading eitheir be think of
Michael Gallo
I thought Eithier was gone last year and then they traded Kemp
Daniel Morairity
No he is still on the roster with the dodgers
Michael Gallo
I know. But the new GM will trade them for pitching.
vtadave
The Dodgers never said Puig “might be available”.
Michael Gallo
According to the L.A. Times, there was comment regarding Puig. I not saying it will happen but I would not put it past Freidman and company
Daniel Morairity
I thought they love rollins
Jennifer Bellini
Seattle Mariners should engage in a three team trade to get Rollins from the Dodgers and either Hamels or Papelbon from the Phillies. Mariners desperately need some clutch hitting help as Rollins might the hole to be filled, plus Papelbon teaching Carson Smith to become a future closer. DFA on Fernando Rodney & Dustin Ackley as their time in Seattle is winding down.
Daniel Morairity
Im sure about it Michael
Portland Micro-Brewers
What writer?
djtsb
Matz and Montero to the Cubs for Castro.
Michael Gallo
NO
Michael Gallo
Don’t believe the Mets want Castro anymore. Heard there more interested in Baez
Gautham Pawnday
Nah. Alderson was rumored to be enamored with Russell, not Baez. I kind of doubt that a Mets/Cubs trade will happen though since SS is not as much of an issue for the Mets as it was in the off season.
djtsb
Yeah but the Mets front office is smart enough to know that Castro is underperforming right now and Flores has yet to play more than half a season in his career.
theo in 2016
Flores isnt a shortstop moving forward though.
Gautham Pawnday
You’re probably right. It will probably go to Cecchini next year and eventually Rosario.
djtsb
What about the 3B situation?
Gautham Pawnday
No one knows, it seems to be completely up in the air. But my guess is that won’t get a permanent solution this trading deadline and may not even have one this off season. The Mets will probably look to Murphy and Tejada to play third and look for a utility/bench player in the meantime.
paqza
If Wright’s back, it’s Wright. If not, Flores moves to 3B with Cecchini at SS. In the short-term, Tejada and Murphy will hold down the fort.
Gautham Pawnday
They are also aware of the cost of Castro and the Cubs are asking for too much. I seriously doubt anything will get done, especially with the emergence of Cecchini this year in Binghamton. Honestly, most Mets fan would consider Russell, but not Castro, but he is just as unlikely to get dealt as deGrom, Syndergaard, and Matz.
djtsb
The Cubs starting rotation is ranked 6th in baseball, their bullpen is 21st. They need to trade for relief and sign starters next offseason. A quality bench/utility bat would help, too.
paqza
And?
djtsb
Lol why wouldn’t they be interested in the best offensive SS not named Tulowitzki or Hanley who is also only 25 years old, a 3 time all star, and under a very team-friendly contract for the next 4 years? Even if they did want Baez, the price would still be Matz or Syndergaard.
theo in 2016
All star games really dont matter. Castros peripherals keep getting worse. More grounders, more soft contact, lower contact %, swinging at more balls
djtsb
…since May 1, when he had a .333/.356/.414 line and .770 OPS. The significance of that date? Javier Baez’s return to Iowa following his sister’s death. Castro is feeling the pressure to perform and it’s killing his numbers.
theo in 2016
That line is terrible. It was an unsustainable babip from whrn he was leading the majors in infield hits from his little dribblers.
djtsb
Yeah because most guys rack up a .770 OPS on “little dribblers”
theo in 2016
in a month… yes
djtsb
Lol
paqza
Why wouldn’t the Mets want Baez instead? Castro is an overhyped player who just isn’t an upgrade over Ruben Tejada right now, let alone over Flores, who is wiping the floor with him.
Mark 20
Id say a healthy Reyes>Castro BUT, reyes’ contract is disgusting. Although Reyes might not cost much if the mets wanted his entire contract.
djtsb
And Castro has never been on the DL (to my knowledge anyway), where Reyes, Tulo, and Hanley practically live on the DL
theo in 2016
He ended last year on the dl.
paqza
The Blue Jays are doing pretty well, last I checked. I doubt they’d want to trade their starting SS.
Mark 20
Oh reyes isnt going anywhere
rct 2
Because he’s not the best offensive SS not named Tulowitzki. Look at his stats for this year and 2013.
djtsb
Wow, his one down year plus the last 30 games makes him not the best offensive SS? I shouldn’t have to say this, but look at his career numbers.
theo in 2016
look at his advanced stats, swinging at most pitches out of zone, most soft contact, lowest contact rate, lowest walk rate, highest pull rate, 21%!!! infield fly balls, he is trending in the wrong direction in every category that any one in the front offices that care about analytics pay attention to
djtsb
Yes, over the past month. He was a beast in April, which is why he was batting cleanup up until a couple weeks ago. This is nothing more than a slump, and when he breaks out in a week or two, teams will be clamoring for him.
theo in 2016
The advanced stats im talking about are the past 3 years lol
rct 2
Why would I look at numbers from 3+ years ago? The past 2+ seasons total, he’s been near replacement level. Flores is outperforming him *right now*, by a healthy margin, over the 50+ games (not 30) they’ve played this year. He makes way less money and the Mets don’t have to trade anyone to get him.
Castro is the definition of inconsistent. Even at his peak, which was 3 years ago, he was worth 3-3.5 WAR. Since you want me to look at his career numbers, over 5+ seasons, he’s been worth 9.1 rWAR and 9.8 fWAR. That’s less than 2 WAR per season. Sorry, but he’s just not that great.
theo in 2016
2 war per season is still in the top half of ss, and flores should be playing third as hes not a ml ss. but cubs wont trade castro at his bottom value. although matz and montero is probably his peak value
rct 2
At his peak value of around 3 WAR, you’d be paying $37 MM ($38 because of the buyout) over the next four years. In other words, $38MM for 12 WAR, which is great.
Couple in, though, that Flores isn’t even arbitration eligible for two more seasons. Even giving him $4 and $7MM (which is high, but I’m making a point) for the two arb years that would cover the length of Castro’s deal, that’s around $13MM over the next four years. He’s on pace for about 1-1.8 WAR this season. Take the low end on that and assume he never gets better, and that’s 4 WAR for $13MM for the next four seasons, which is roughly Castro’s cost per WAR.
Then thrown in the cost of Matz and Montero, who have three pre-arb years each and one arb year. They cost around a total of (taking $5MM as a first payday) $13MM over those four years. So, if the Mets keep them, they’ll pay around $26MM for 4 WAR and two highly-touted pitchers instead of $38MM for 12 WAR.
I wouldn’t make that deal unless I thought I was on the brink of a deep playoff run (which I don’t really see this year for the Mets), and that’s Castro at his peak and assuming a low-end for Flores. You’re paying $12 MM extra and high-upside pitching prospects for a 2 WAR per season upgrade. You probably make that deal, but maybe not.
Castro’s not at his peak, however, and is playing markedly worse than what the Mets already have, so you definitely don’t make that trade.
theo in 2016
Didnt say do the trade. But yph also cant think defensive war stabslizes in 2 months. Flores might actually lose war going forward
paqza
And he might gain a ton of WAR on offense. This is a guy who hit about .320 with just under 30 homers in AAA in a full season’s worth of at bats. He’s on a 25 homer pace at the Major League level this year too.
theo in 2016
Hitting vegas in the pcl is not the same as hittingbin the majors.
paqza
He’s on pace to hit between 25 and 30 homers this year at the Major League level. He’s leading the team in homers and tied for the lead among SS. Please read the entire comment before writing unfortunate and ill-informed responses.
djtsb
Why would you ignore every other year? Before 2013, the kid never hit below .280 and was batting .333 on May 1, so yes, this “regression” is nothing more than a 30 day slump.
rct 2
I would ignore every other year because they’re further in the past than what has occurred the last 2+ years. You can’t cherry-pick out 30 days and act like it’s not indicative of where he is as a ballplayer. Look at his entire 2013 if you want. Look at his full year stats for right now if you want. Why would I care what he did before 2013 if I’m trading for him *right now* and trying to project him over the next four years?
Since the start of the 2013 season, he’s .265/.307/.360. That’s 2+ seasons of Ruben Tejada numbers.
paqza
Batting average is a useless stat from the stone age. Look at how often he gets on base and his power. Flores is a better player right now than Castro.
djtsb
Why would you ignore every other year? Before 2013, the kid never hit below .280 and was batting .333 on May 1, so yes, this “regression” is nothing more than a 30 day slump.
paqza
Flores is a better offensive SS TODAY than Castro. He’s also a better defender, by the numbers. It makes no sense for the Mets to downgrade from Flores to Castro by sending their #1 pitching prospect. Please look stuff up before posting.
paqza
Absolutely not. Flores is wiping the floor with Castro’s numbers right now. He leads the Mets in homers and is tied among shortstop with the most homers, with 10.
Rays_Fan_Engima
Hope the Yankees don’t get Zobrist, it was bad enough to see him traded. I don’t know if I could handle him playing for the Yanks
Rays_Fan_Engima
I’m not sure Hamels would be a good idea for the Astros. I know Philly said they would take some of his salary, but wouldn’t Houston still be giving up some decent talent? I know Hamels is good, but that’s a long term commitment for the Astros, especially with their talented farm system
Daniel Morairity
I agree with you and I see him going to the rangers
Rays_Fan_Engima
Yeah I think the Rangers would be a better fit, but I also wonder if they’re going to try controlling their budget because they have a good chunk of change on their roster right now
Daniel Morairity
The rangers will get hamels
Rays_Fan_Engima
Possibly, but anything can happen in baseball
Daniel Morairity
Your right but nobody wants hamels except the rangers look out this team is clicking right now winning five straight series
Rays_Fan_Engima
Well I wouldn’t say that no one wants Hamels, its just he’s got a huge price tag on him. Along with paying for some of his salary, they have to depart with prospects and good talent. I think a lot of teams wish they could have Hamels, they just cant get him
Daniel Morairity
I truly believe the rangers will have the last laugh at hamels i see him going to texas
Rays_Fan_Engima
I bet he will also, but other teams would like him too
Daniel Morairity
Not the dodgers or the pirates
Rays_Fan_Engima
But that’s just 2 teams out of the 27 teams left
Daniel Morairity
Mariners dont want him nor the a’s or the angels or the Astros or the yankees
Rays_Fan_Engima
Astros want him but really cant afford him as we already said.
Daniel Morairity
Agreed only the rangers want him
Rays_Fan_Engima
I don’t know man. But the Rangers are definitely interested
Daniel Morairity
They are super interested and will give up prospects to get him
willi
Cranes moment of Glory with the 1st World Championship in Houston , Plus the season Ticket Sales for following season would Make acquiring Hamels cheap by comparison.
Daniel Morairity
Like I said hamels wont go to houston
Phillies_Aces35
Every contender wants Cole Hamels. Not every contender can afford Hamels or is willing to part with the prospects necessary to acquire him.
Just because I can’t afford a Mercedes doesn’t mean I don’t want one Mercedes.
stymeedone
The Tigers may have interest. It looks like Price will test the market, and Hamels total payout will be about half what the top FA’s will get. Plus the Tigers have a young catcher in McCann that might interest the Phillies.
Brixton G.
McCann really isn’t anything special, and after McCann, the Tigers don’t really have a ton to offer.
DavidL
McCann isn’t going to excite the Phillies when they’re looking at players like Tucker and Alfaro.
stymeedone
Really? He is an excellent defensive catcher. He has shown he can hit (doubles power currently). He has an excellent throwing arm, and has done a great job of slowing the running game. Unlike more heralded catching prospects, he has actually improved his value since arriving at the majors. Just because he hasn’t had the NE or NY press backing him, don’t be fooled. He is a ML starting catcher, which is what Philly is looking for.
The Tigers didn’t have much last year, either, according to the pundits. Yet look who ended up with David Price.
Brixton G.
They acquired David Price in exchange for their everyday CFer and their 4th starter. They don’t have the MLB pieces to get Hamels.
McCann would be the 2nd or 3rd piece in a Hamels deal. Unless they are teaching Castellanos 1B and sending him too, their isn’t anything they are going to offer that would get Hamels.
stymeedone
They also traded a SS prospect, Willy Adames, who immediately became the Rays top prospect. Smyly was also from their farm system. Few were expecting Price to be traded for major league players. What a GM thinks and what us fans think have very little in common.
Why would Swihart be able to headline, when McCann, who is better defensively, and already shown more in the show, have to be the 2nd or 3rd piece? Swihart will be the better hitter, but McCann will always be the better Catcher.
willi
If you think that Cole’s Price tag is huge, wait until you see want teams have to Pay for rental or a Free Agent pitcher in the Offseason , then you see the Real World ( price ) of Quantity Pitchers.
stymeedone
Yes, it would be a long term (4 yr) commitment for the Astros, but when do you think they will have progressed enough for them to make that type of commitment? It seems a 6 game lead, in first place, with most of the prospects on the major league team, might be a good time to add, not only a #1 starter, but a veteran presence with playoff experience. What’s your perspective?
Jane Galt
Why do you say most of their prospects are on the ML club? Except for the two most recently called up – McCullers and Tucker – most are still in the minors.
stymeedone
They sure seem to have a lot of home grown players in the majors. I believe RF, C, 2B, SS, and most of the pitching staff are from the system. Plus Singleton has been up, and Correia is soon to be up. How many homegrown do you need before saying its time to win?
Phillies_Aces35
I’m not a huge fan of the Astros prospects personally. I’ve said this before but they are very high risk/high reward. The Phillies can’t afford to miss on this deal.
I see the Rangers as the best fit. I liked the idea of trading more than just Hamels to Texas. Mazara is a must have in my eyes give the needs of the team.
Daniel Morairity
Thank you
Phillies_Aces35
Besides, Texas has coveted Hamels for years. Had he not resigned in 2012 the Phillies probably would’ve traded him to Texas for a Garza esq. package.
Daniel Morairity
Your right but I see him coming to the rangers
theo in 2016
Would you rather have mazara and alfaro or vogelbach and mckinney? Btw there is no such thing as needs when you arent competing for years. Its about best available talent
theo in 2016
Meant schwarber not vogelbach although vbach is a legit bat as well
DavidL
So you think the Phillies should trade for players who play the same positions as their few top players/prospects?
theo in 2016
Schwarber is still a catcher…
paqza
Sure. Franco’s a 3B and Crawford’s an SS. If you’re acquiring guys who have SS as their defensive floor, you can stick them pretty much anywhere on the field but catcher.
Phillyfan425
Disagree nearly 100%. IMO, it’s the other way around.
Rangers farm is littered with swing and miss bats (Alfaro, Williams, Brinson, Demeritte, and even Mazara to an extent). Those aren’t guys I want as prospects (at least not in a trade). Rangers system seems to be built on “athletes” who are figuring out baseball (something the Phillies tried for years – and failed).
Of all the non-Correa/Gallo prospects in those two systems, Phillips is the guy who probably has the safest outcome (for me at least).
Daniel Morairity
They are not sing and miss dude
Phillyfan425
Alfaro: 26% K rate in minors (29% this year)
Williams: 25% K rate in minors (18% this year)
Brinson: 31% K rate in minors (24% this year)
Demeritte: 34% K rate in minors (35% this year)
Mazara: 24% K rate in minors (20% this year)
They strike out about 1 in every 4 PA (this year, they’ve worked it down to about 1 in every 5…and that’s just weighing Mazara/Williams more).
Daniel Morairity
Those numbers are wrong
Phillyfan425
Hahaha…I just did the math on them as we sat here. If you want the raw numbers, I can give them to you. But don’t try to pass off facts as lies.
Daniel Morairity
Hamels harang and papelbon to the rangers for smolinkis Lewis Alfaro and jackson
Richard Hood
That is not even counting Gallo who has the most extreme K-rate historically of all of them.
stl_cards16
Yeah the Rangers are known for their high upside, raw prospexts as much as anyone in baseball.
timpa
Seeing Brett Phillips tear up Cally league without brings back Tyson Gyllies flashbacks. Could be Amaros type lol
First Bleed
Appel + Tucker/Santana + Hader for Hamels? Or they could include Singleton in a deal, lol.
Daniel Morairity
Hes not going to houston hes going to texas
Stonehands
We get it, you really want Hamels in Texas
Daniel Morairity
Look at the proposal
Stonehands
Honestly might take more, but Houston has so many prospects they can choose from, Appel and an OF is as good of a start as any
theo in 2016
They are looking for impact bats from any position for hamels.
Daniel Morairity
Rangers want hamels
theo in 2016
Troll.
First Bleed
But Houston is in Texas! So either way we both might be right.
Daniel Morairity
Astros wont get him they are fine the rangers want hamels
mikecav19
Dude, shut up, seriously! Do you have to change each conversation to Texas?!?
davengmusic
Would you do it if it was Appel/Santana/Carter/Hader? I know they don’t need Carter, but Houston has to get Singleton up somehow.
Also, will someone please block Daniel Moriarity from anything baseball related for the next 75 years?
Daniel Morairity
Come on dude you dont like the rangers I know you dont go ahead admit it
mikecav19
Its not that Daniel Morairity! Some people would just like to have a conversation about a possible trade. Somebody proposes a trade and you butt in and are like, “No the Rangers want him.” You sound sooo dumb!
stymeedone
Perhaps, as part of the deal, Singleton goes to Phillies as salary relief for Houston. Potential replacement for Howard…
davengmusic
Or you could take Appel/Santana/Hader/AJ Reed and maybe some mid-level prospect and you’d give up Hamels, Harang and a truckload of cash.
stymeedone
McCann, Farmer, Fields, Machado for Hamels. No money needed from Phillies.
Stonehands
I hope John Henry is posturing, It is not all Farrell’s fault, but He and Cherington need to go if this is another lost season. A new GM with a different vision should be brought in
slider32
Farrell has the same record a Bobby V had, it’s all about perception. Right now most of Cherrington moves look bad, along with their second group of super prospects.
Stonehands
Farrell sticks with struggling veterans way too long. His in game management is poor, and he has had 1 winning season in 5 years of managing. I don’t care who the next manager is, I just hope it’s a new GM that can pick his own guy
Jane Galt
I think you Red Sox fans are extremely lucky to have Cherington. He is brilliant. Didn’t he completely turn the team over and rebuilt it in late 2012 and offseason? You won it all in 2013 because of him. Some of us, like Astros fans (no championship for 53 years and counting – one WS appearance) would kill to have him as GM. We can’t afford to ask “what have you done for me lately”. Maybe you want Luhnow?
flyerzfan12
I know this comment will be buried at the bottom, but can we please do something about the trolls? Don’t feed them. Anyone saying “only (insert team here – Texas) wants Cole Hamels” and shooting down every other team as a possibility is clearly just trolling everyone. Don’t give them the time of day and hopefully they’ll just go away.
Daniel Morairity
Im not a troll
stl_cards16
Maybe not on purpose. But repeating the same thing in 10+ comments doesn’t add anything to a conversation. Why don’t you tell us why the Rangers are interested in him, why you think the Rangers will get him, and who you think they’re going to give up to make this happen.
If you truly believe they are the only team interested in Hamels, I’d recommend you watch some baseball.
mikecav19
For the love of god, please!!! Daniel Morairity is sooo annoying!
Frittoman626
Why would the Yankees want Ackley? They already have a player like him called Stephen Drew, and at least Drew could play SS. With Zobrist, I would like the Yankees to get him, but not at the price the A’s would want. If it’s a package that doesn’t involve Judge/Severino/Mateo/Sanchez, then maybe.
Charlie Burns
The Yankees want Ackley because…I rightly do not know why. Maybe they are going for the most amount of outfielders. Or maybe they believe a reverse Samson will happen when he joins them and has to shave that mush on his face.
Frittoman626
If they wanted him before it would have made more sense before last season when their second baseman was Roberts. Now there’s zero reason to want him unless he cost nothing but cash considerations, he’s barely worth a scrub minor leaguer at this point.
stymeedone
You know Texas wants Ackley 🙂
Charlie Burns
Yep.
slider32
Zobrist and Clippard would be perfect additions for the Yanks, it would make it a 6 inning game.
HoopDreams
Ackley blows, no thanks.
pustule bosey
if the mariners need to add an experienced backstop, giants have too many, sanchez and quiroz are both experienced and in the ML system to make room for susac
Jennifer Bellini
Carlos Ruiz w/ Papelbon of the Phillies would make sense for the Mariners.
Portland Micro-Brewers
As a Dodger fan Cueto>Hamels. I have a feeling Jose De Leon will be in any deal LA makes for Hamels. I wouldn’t move Jose De Leon unless Cueto and Chapman were coming to LA but I think Jose will be a top of the rotation arm very soon.
Rally Weimaraner
You would rather have 1/2 a season of Cueto than 3.5-4.5 years of Hamels?
Portland Micro-Brewers
Yes. Because we can always resign Cueto or get Price instead. Plus we have Urias and De Leon knocking on the door. How long before Holmes and Yadier Alvarez are ready doubt it takes 4 more years.
theo in 2016
they demand de leon for just cueto, arms at the deadline still require 2 top 150 prospects at minimum, top arms i should say
Steven Garrison
If the dodgers want hamels and the phillies are willing to eat a portion of the contract, they will pony up and trade Urias just watch.
Portland Micro-Brewers
They’re calling Urias up in September, they’re not trading him. That’s why they’re resting his arm in June.
DavidL
Rollins renegotiated his contract before going to the Dodgers to give him a 28 team no trade clause. So the only team the Dodgers can trade Rollins to without his permission is the Phillies. Rollins wants to win. So the destination would have to be real enticing for him to go.
norah
If the Yankees really want Ackley, I wish Jack Z would get it done. Seems like anyone they could send would be better than Ackley. C’mon Jack, before they change their minds.
Steven Garrison
It will be the dodgers who will pony up and trade for hamels
slider32
The Hamels talk will heat up from now until the deadline, Amaro is still looking for a super package to save his job. That means 2 major league ready top prospects and 2 mid level players.
madmc44
Re: John Farrell–he was let go by Toronto. Did a nice job in 2013 to win the pennant. He’s had a bad 14 finishing last and is currently in last place in an evenly matched division.
I would fire the GM, BenC and kick JF upstairs into the GM slot. Varitek and Gardenhire would my two top choices if they are interested.
I would look to move Sandoval , Hanley and Napoli—anyone know any interested parties? This would be a good time to see just how good the RedSox Farm is.
Hamels, Pap and Howard for lots of prospects.
Johnny Delancey
Hamels could be a fit in Pittsburgh. Your thoughts PhillyFan425?
theo in 2016
less so pittsburgh, phils would have to eat 75% of his contract and would still want a package headlined by meadows + one of taillon/glasnow
Johnny Delancey
Not really. The Pirates just gave Liriano 13 million a year. They would be willing to pay Hamels 16 million per year. They would also do a deal headlined by Glasnow and Meadows.
theo in 2016
i dont think they are willing to commit 20 mil per year on a pitcher with 4 years left, maybe 2. but not for the prospect cost.
Johnny Delancey
Adding Cole Hamels to that staff, would give them the best pitching staff in the big leagues for 2015. They would probably only have to take 16-17 million per season.
theo in 2016
Add hamels to the cubs and they have the best staff… same with dodgers, a’s, white sox, the white sox in particular sale, quintana, hamels, shark, rodon.
Johnny Delancey
Well the Pirates staff has been better than most of those teams so far this season.
theo in 2016
If im amaro i take quantity over quality.
Cubs get:
Hamels
Papelbon
Phillies get:
Albert almora
Corey black
billy mckinney
Gleybar torres
Dan vogelbach
Christian villanueva
+1 lottery ticket arm like duary torres or juan regifo
Portland Micro-Brewers
Make that lottery arm Jen-ho Tseng and this is the type of package I’d be after if I were the phillies GM. Though it favors the Cubs because of how far away a few of the more talented players are. Teams don’t usually have the cojones to pull the trigger on a deal like this.They’ll want at least one sure thing.
theo in 2016
Corey black is a sure thing in the bullpen. Almora has floor of 4th outfielder, torres floor is probably utility guy. But exactly right about the rest. Could be home run and get a couple all stars or bust or maybe somewhere in between. It garuntees you something at least is my thinking.
NoAZPhilsPhan
All prospects are suspects…. There is no guarantee and if each of those is exactly as you have described that is not much of a return for Hamels alone let alone both.
theo in 2016
Thats floor. Floor is the garuntee. That means they could do that stuff right now
NoAZPhilsPhan
Then I doubt a trade will go down unless one team ponies up quality and plenty of it. If The Phillies were in salary dump mode or faced with not being able to resign ala the Rays last year it would be different. RAJ wasn’t given orders to absolutely trade Hamels.
NoAZPhilsPhan
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Three team trade. If I am RAJ and don’t even begin talks unless I know I am getting a relatively young and MLB proven player to start…not a guy that “might” be good. The Phillies do not have anyone nearly ready enough to come in and take his spot. After Cole they have Harang for the rest of the year unless he is traded… The remaining rotation is a disaster waiting to happen… There is no consistency. I understand that they are rebuilding and losses are expected but let’s not get completely crazy and have an entire rotation of #4’s at best. After a MLB proven (and not someone who is just had a cup of coffee and then sent back down) then we talk prospects especially for two guys who have continued to show they have no signs of slowing down. You want my best guy….I want quality in return…think along the lines of Price/Smyly but instead of getting 1.5 years you are getting just under four years at well below market value.
theo in 2016
There is no 3 team trade. With 4 wild cards too many teams are in it.
theo in 2016
Or you can have castro. Hes proven… point is you arent getting anything proven from someone contending unless you want theold starter who hamels is replacing..
Dom Reidman
I think it’s down to Texas Rangers or noone for Phillies. They are only team who has right combination of prospects for Hamels.
Steven Garrison
Not really, the dodgers and the cubs, the red sox do but they won’t part ways with swihart or betts, and that will leave henry owens or e-rod as the center piece. Which is why I believe the dodgers or the cubs will be the two teams bidding for him.
paqza
Could you elaborate?
paqza
You do know that Castro on the Mets would be a significant downgrade over Flores, correct? Flores leads the Mets in homers, is tied for the Major League lead in homers among SS, and is rating out better on both offense and defense this year over Castro.
Why would the Mets consider trading their best pitching prospect in order to downgrade at shortstop? Please put some thought into your future posts.