The starting pitching market is beginning to take shape around the league. Let’s have a look at the latest reports:
- As the Angels try to remain patient with their lack of production from many lineup spots, they remain in the market for bats and “have dangled” starter C.J. Wilson, MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez reports. The Halos would also consider moving prospect arms, per the report, though the team is not interested in parting with the best of the bunch: Andrew Heaney, Sean Newcomb, and Chris Ellis. Wilson, who is playing on a $18MM salary this year and is owed $20MM for next season, has worked to a 3.92 ERA with 7.8 K/9 against 2.7 BB/9 over 96 1/3 innings.
- The Pirates are looking at both the Red Sox and Phillies as they consider adding a starter, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes. Pittsburgh is also interested in a first base upgrade, per the report. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported recently on the Bucs’ interest in Clay Buchholz, though he noted that it seems unlikely that Boston will deal away the righty with two reasonably-priced option years still left on his deal. Philadelphia is sending a scout to take a look at the Pirates’ Double-A affiliate, says Biertempful, who suggests that Aaron Harang could conceivably make sense to add rotation depth.
- At least as of yesterday afternoon, the Yankees “were not on [Cole] Hamels,” Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets. Nevertheless, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes, New York could ultimately feel it necessary to add a high-quality arm. Sherman ticks through some options, noting that there is “nothing active ongoing with the Reds” and suggesting that Jeff Samardzija could be a prime target if the Yankees decide to pursue a starter.
- The Dodgers had a top scout (Galen Carr, per Sherman) on hand to watch Hamels pitch at Yankee Stadium yesterday, as Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reported. That outing likely did not do much to commend the lefty, but obviously the club will be looking at a much broader body of work in assessing whether to move on Hamels.
How about C.J Wilson+Tropeono+cash for Encarnacion. Takes away from both teams strengths but helps each others weaknesses. EE has a really team friendly option for 16 too
I don’t think the Jays would even consider that. Wilson isn’t a great pitcher, and they would have little interest in Tropeano. They already have young starting pitcher prospects, and ones that are of higher potential. What they need is an established starter and I’m not sure Wilson is that guy, especially if you factor in having to give up their 3rd best bat.
As Draven stated I doubt Toronto would go for that.. Dioner Navarro for Wilson with the Angels picking up $4-5 million or so of Wilson’s salary might be closer.. The Angels could use a bat like Navarro’s behind the plate and it would free up some cash for the Angels to chase somebody else.. In the beginning of the year Toronto was reported to only have $8-$9 million for in season additions.. With The Angels picking up $4-$5 million that should put Wilson in the Blue Jays price range.. The problem is Wilson pitches in the pitcher friendly parks of the AL West.. I wonder if is peripherals will slide moving to the more hitter friendly AL East..
Actually the Angels should of traded Kevin Jepsen in the offseason for Adam Lind instead of trading him for joyce, the big rumor that was going around was C.J Wilson for Andre Ethier. I think they could look elsewhere as well, Adam LaRoach , Ben Revere or maybe martin prado.
I don’t see Buchholz getting moved, unless a team is willing to pay a ton. Due to his inconsistencies, I don’t think that’ll be the case. He has more value to the Red Sox than a return would and as a result, I don’t think he will be moved. The Red Sox might be willing to trade Napoli to the Pirates if they are interested. Could be a cheap option too if the Pirates don’t want to give up much, and are willing to eat some salary (4MM or so). Pedroia got to come back healthy first though, unless Hanley will play first.
The Pirates aren’t going to bench Pedro Alvarez for Napoli. I don’t think paying $4 million for someone who’ll be a pinch hitter saves them money.
Without buchholz 1 start vs ny, he has a 2.91era the rest of the season.
Harang? Ugh. I don’t see why the Bucs would even bother with him. Just put Vance Worley back in the rotation if you’re unsatisfied with Locke. Napoli is interesting – he’s pretty much the same as Alvarez except with the advantage(s) of being able to hit left handers and playing infinitely better defense. I wouldn’t give up as much as they gave up for Marlon Byrd (a bottom 10 position prospect and top 25 RP prospect) though.
Buchholz is real interesting but not sure how that deal would work. Red Sox want to upgrade their rotation, don’t they? The Pirates don’t really have any pitching to part with. The best idea I can think of would be to send Buchholz to Pittsburgh, Hamels to Boston (where they can afford the entire contract) and then both Pitt & Boston send prospects to the Phillies – Say Bogarts to free up SS for Hanley and a decent pitching prospect from Boston (Not too familiar with their system) and something like Josh Bell & Jeff Locke (Basically an A+ prospect and an average MLB guy) from us.