The Braves are reportedly fairly deep into talks with an NL West club about a trade. As we wait for more details on that story to unfold, here are some notes from around the division…
- The Diamondbacks are among the clubs with interest in right-hander Yovani Gallardo, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Gallardo is one of a plethora of mid-tier arms that’s available on this year’s free agent market, however he will cost a draft pick in order to sign, and Arizona’s record in 2015 left them with the third-highest unprotected pick (No. 13 overall). That’s a steep price to pay for a mid-rotation arm, though that won’t necessarily stop the club from signing a free agent that rejected a QO. Arizona is just one of many clubs to show interest in Gallardo, per Heyman.
- Likewise, the D-Backs have inquired on Yankees closer Andrew Miller, whose name has been floated in trade talks, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Talks didn’t progress to the point where any names were exchanged, Rosenthal adds, so the inquiry seems to be preliminary in nature. The D-Backs have a surplus of young infielders and also have plenty of young starting pitching that could entice the Yankees, though the asking price on Miller would undoubtedly be exorbitant.
- Justin Turner’s recent knee surgery was a bit more complicated than initially believed, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Miller was said at the time to be having loose bodies removed from his knee, but the Dodgers third baseman tells Hernandez that he also had a microfracture procedure performed. Miller explained that a piece of cartilage tore off the outside portion of his knee, and in order to facilitate the growth of new cartilage, surgeons drilled into the knee allowing blood to refill the area where cartilage once was. Turner said he’ll be on crutches for two to four more weeks and running at 100 percent in three months’ time. He expects to be 100 percent healthy by Spring Training.
- The Padres are one of many teams interested in left-hander Rich Hill, tweets Jon Morosi of FOX Sports. Hill, 35, is drawing quite a bit of interest after a surprisingly dominant run to close out the regular season with the Red Sox. The journeyman logged a dazzling 1.55 ERA with a 36-to-5 K/BB ratio in 29 innings for the Sox and should secure a big league contract, with many clubs likely believing him to be a reasonably low-cost upside play.
Turner had loose bodies, not Miller
Why would the price on Miller be exorbitant?. Miller had basically the same year in 2014 and every team passed on him at his current salary/contract but the Yankees. Now teams would be willing to take on Millers salary and contract and give up something of value? Seriously?
Yes
The Astros offered Miller more money. Several teams were chasing him last year when he signed with the Yankees. Only the Astros offer became public knowledge (as far as I know) though. Also in 2014 Miller had not had a chance to be a full-time closer. Had he faltered, $9m per year is pretty steep for a setup man. On the other hand $9m is a bargain for an elite closer like him. His salary is less than Kimbrel, Chapman, Melancoln (sp?) and even the man he replaced David Robertson. He would be extremely attractive to a mid market club. The Yankees being the Yankees could trade him to a club like the Twins and could then bring in a more expensive closer that a team like the Pirates would like to trade for salary reasons. Miller and his contract are one of the few big league assets that the Yankees have that hold a lot of value (Betances probably being the one with the most value.) and could bring back an impact player.
If the Braves are trading A.Simmons it is likely that it will be similar to the Kimbrell trade. Kimbrell was packaged in a deal to help free themselves of M Upton’s salary. I would think that Simmons is in a deal with either Swisher or Bourn in order to free their salary. If this occurs, assuming that they would be getting someone much cheaper in return, a heck of a lot more $ would be freed up.
The Braves aren’t contending this year. Eat the contract, and keep your young elite player.