Here’s the latest from Ken Rosenthal, via a video on FOX Sports.
- Rosenthal suggests that Bryce Harper’s recent praise for manager Matt Williams could be a genuine expression of support that could help dissuade the Nationals from firing Williams, or it could be a “politically savvy” move to bolster his own reputation as a team player by offering praise for a manager he thinks will eventually be fired anyway.
- The downside of Giancarlo Stanton’s long-term deal was that he committed to be with a questionably run Marlins organization for at least six years. Rosenthal notes, though, that 2015 hasn’t been the first season in which Stanton has struggled to stay healthy — he has only averaged 118 games played per season for his career. In signing a long-term deal, Stanton reduced the risk that injuries could limit his career earnings.
- The Cubs have plenty of talented infielders and could still trade Starlin Castro, who has improved his stock by hitting well since the beginning of August and capably handling a new position, second base. Now, the Cubs can market him either as a shortstop or as a second baseman.
- Jeff Samardzija hasn’t pitched well for the White Sox, but his health record is pristine, with one executive says the health of his right arm is “right out of the womb.” The Yankees or Pirates could be good fits for Samardzija, Rosenthal suggests, given their recent successes at helping struggling but talented pitchers. Samardzija might do surprisingly well on the market this winter, Rosenthal says.
Castro is such a frustratingly inconsistent player. He’s actually a good fielder, but just makes a bunch of silly mistakes; he’ll make a great play, then a terrible one. His bat is the same as his defense; he’ll have terrible at bats, then great ones.
Don’t worry he get traded to American League Team this winter !
He’s fine but Russell + Baez + La Stella are better options. He will bring back a decent-ish haul in a trade this winter. He won’t bring back Shields but SD is a match for him.
Realistically, what do you think Castro can pull for us? Given that teams are aware that he is basically a spare part for us going forward. Could we package some other redundant assets like Vogelbach, Contreras or an outfield prospect not named McKinney?
When made to feel like Chicago don’t hate him he is worth keeping LaStella the only one I would trade but is a good L H PH
Jeff Samardzija is an interesting fit for the Pirates, but it seems like he might be looking for a larger contract than they’re willing to offer. In the past, the Pirates have had success bringing in pitchers who had been significantly underachieving based on ERA estimators like xFIP (see, e.g., Burnett and Liriano). Samardzija certainly fits that description, but the Pirates might find a similar pitcher–for a much lower price–in Mat Latos.
Samardzija is not going to get a very large offer from anyone with the wa he’s pitched this year. He’s better off signing a 1 year deal with the Pirates to build some value.
Yeah, I could see him taking that route instead of seeking a multi-year deal. If he does go that way, though, he might end up taking the QO from the White Sox, and the Pirates might not have a chance to sign him at all.
The Shark has turned into a Guppy. The Sox will make a qualifying offer of $16M which is a joke and he will either take the one year deal and raise his value with the Sox. Would the Pirates really give up there #1 pick for for a potential stiff
Hasn’t pitched well but an arm that is like one right out of the womb. Hey that could be me!!! I’m a free agent.
I think Samardzija is overrated. I would rather sign a guy like Tim Lincecum, Latos or Doug Fister on a cheap rebuilding value type deal than a 5 year high AAV deal for a pitcher who is going to put up a low-mid 4 ERA.
Regarding Castro, I think he just needs a change of scenery. He is still stunningly young and I think that he has overstayed his welcome in Chicago. I think he could find success somewhere else.
That’s funny you think Castro needs a change of scenery but Samardzija doesn’t when Shark pitched like a top of the rotation ace every step of the way until he was traded to the White Sox and Castro has never been anything other than a “everyday player”.
No Samardzija was only good in 2014. He was average at best before then and has obviously been pretty bad this year. He should honestly take the QO.
I can’t to see people freak out on here when Shark gets a $100+M deal.