Names such as Joe Kelly, Wade Miley and Clay Buchholz have all been mentioned in a wide variety of trade rumors thus far today, so we’ll start keeping track of non-major updates in one spot. Thus far, the Mariners are known to be discussing either Miley or Buchholz (and, as I noted in that post, Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto has a long history with Miley). The Rangers, on the other hand, are said to have quite a bit of interest in Kelly. Boston, of course, signed David Price to a record-setting $217MM contract last week, giving them more starters than rotation spots. The remaining pitchers on their roster figure to be oft-mentioned as trade candidates at this week’s Winter Meetings.
Here’s the latest…
- The Red Sox aren’t motivated to trade Kelly at this time, a Major League source tells WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford. Kelly is more affordable than either Buchholz or Miley in the near-term, and his finish to the season was exceptionally strong, so it shouldn’t come as a total shock that the team isn’t necessarily looking to deal him. There still seems to be quite a bit of interest in Kelly, however, so it’s certainly possible that a club alters Boston’s course of thinking in the coming three to four days.
- The Rangers have indeed talked to the Red Sox about a deal involving Kelly, tweets Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, but their focus is said to be elsewhere at this time. MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan adds (also via Twitter) that in addition to Kelly, the Rangers have spoken to Boston about Miley.
- The Marlins have checked in with the Red Sox about both Miley and Kelly, according to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro (Twitter link). Miami is known to be seeking starting pitching upgrades, and the Marlins had quite a bit of interest in Miley last year at this time before he wound up being traded to the Red Sox.
- Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Royals are interested in some of the Red Sox’ starters but don’t have interest in Rick Porcello (Twitter link).
I don’t know what the Sox could fetch in a deal for Buch or Miley that would be worthwhile, honestly. Their trade values are too low, and Boston’s biggest need is still pitching anyway.
An interesting stat about Miley is that he has been pretty much the exact same pitcher as Shelby Miller has over the past 2 seasons. Their WARs, FIPs, and k-bb are very close. Granted, I would rather take Miller, with him being younger and with a higher ceiling and all, but it’s very possible the market for Miley is increasing because of Atlanta’s ridiculous asking price for Miller.
Assuming that WAR is a useful stat.
Miley and Porcello should be the sp that Boston should focus on moving. Buchholz only has one yr of control left and with his injury and inconvenient history, he won’t bring anything of value back.
Wrong!. Boston should build their rotation around: Price, Porcello and Rodriguez.
Perhaps by moving Miley and Buch they would have enough to get Cueto..
That would not be a bad rotation: Price, Cueto, ERod, Porcello and Owens/ Johnson
Move Kelly to a set-up role and Emergency Starter.plus perhaps Furbush for the pen.
No Cueto, please.