Here’s the latest from around the NL Central…
- The Brewers were talking with the Astros and Braves about a three-team trade involving Jonathan Lucroy last month, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports. Houston made an attempt at Lucroy earlier in the offseason, as previously reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, and the club has also been linked to Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte. This isn’t to say that Inciarte was also necessarily part of this three-team proposal, of course, as Atlanta’s role in the trade could’ve taken any number of forms.
- Lucroy has been the subject of many trade rumors this winter, to the point that he and his family don’t have living arrangements in Milwaukee settled yet since he presumed he was going to be dealt. “It’s all out of your control. But communication is a big thing. I’d like to be kept up to date what’s going on. It’s not like I’m going to spread it all around, I just want to know when it’s coming, when to expect it,” the longtime Brewers catcher said.
- Also from Nightengale’s piece, he notes that the Reds were willing to pay roughly $8MM of Jay Bruce’s $12.5MM salary as part of the abandoned three-team trade that would’ve sent Bruce to the Blue Jays, Michael Saunders to the Angels and prospects to Cincinnati. It was expected that the Reds would have to eat some money in any Bruce deal, given that the outfielder is coming off two consecutive subpar seasons. Saunders is making $2.9MM in 2016, so adding Bruce would’ve cost Toronto around $1.6MM in extra salary (not counting the $1MM buyout of Bruce’s $13MM club option for 2017).
- Like Lucroy, Bruce is also rather surprised to still be with his original team given all of the trade speculation. He reiterated that he would prefer to stay with the Reds, and blames his recent “pretty poor” play for threatening his long-term future in Cincinnati. (Though it could be argued that if Bruce had been hitting more, the Reds would’ve been able to move him sooner.) “In order for me to have a chance to stay here, I need to play better. We’ll see what happens. I never changed my sentiment, wanting to be part of this for the long haul….But obviously, I have to do my part to even have a chance,” Bruce said.
- Kyle Schwarber could be a personal catcher for Jason Hammel this season, CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney writes, as the Cubs are looking for ways to get Schwarber’s bat into the lineup whenever possible. Schwarber’s defensive future has been the subject of much debate, as he’s scheduled to see most of his playing time in left field this year even though his fielding prowess is still a question mark. It’s also unclear if Schwarber can handle being a regular catcher, though with Miguel Montero and David Ross ahead of him on Chicago’s catching depth chart, he could be eased into the position for just Hammel’s starts. Being removed from too much grind behind the plate could actually benefit Schwarber, Mooney notes, by helping him stay healthy.
- The Pirates hired James Harris as a special assistant to baseball operations in February, and Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review examines how the hiring is an example of how the Bucs are willing to look outside of baseball for ways to build their organization. Harris specializes in fitness and nutrition techniques and he has spent much of his career in football, including the last decade working with Chip Kelly both at the University of Oregon and with the NFL’s Eagles. Harris’ lack of baseball experience wasn’t a big factor for Pirates GM Neal Huntington, as the goal for any athlete is about “maximizing performance. How do we help this player get better every day and perform as consistently as possible?“
I believe this is missing a word. 2nd bullet:
“Lucroy has BEEN the subject of many trade rumors this winter”
apologies for the criticism
Would be interesting to see how the Braves lined up in that trade. I know Lucroy is well talked about, but only one year left on his contract plus an option, I would hate to lose Inciarte for that.
Braves seriously do need a Catcher of the future, wasted so many years on Bethancourt.
I’d imagine that the Astros would get Lucroy, and the Braves would get prospects.
I wish the three way trade went through for the angels, I have seen Saunders is healthy this spring
What do the Angels have left to give?
They have the money to spend on an extension – though the option is great – and I’m sure they would have probably received prospects, possibly from HOU’s deep farm system.
Do you think the Astros would go after Strasburg next year or is he bound for the yankees? I don’t see the nationals keeping him or Harper down the road.
I could see St. Louis being in on Strasburg. Honestly do not see him in pinstripes. Harper on the other hand, I could see Harper, Judge, and Cespedes in pinstripes together.
Not before they lock up Keuchel. Doubt them throwing money at a flame thrower with an injury history either way.
I can’t see Strasburg in HOU. Seems out of character from them, though they’ll have some money to spend. Like another poster stated, I’d be shocked if they don’t extend some talent (Keuchel) before unloading on another arm. Thinking they can compete with the likes of NYY, freed from the shackles of Sabathia, is silly.
Love David Ross, he’s a throwback hard nose player, one of my favorite Sox players in recent times
Who do you like better, Ross, Varitek or Kelly Shoppach?
Bigpapi says “if you send us Correa and throw in Keuchel we will consider letting you have Vasquez”
Seems fair enough.
While Hammel is probably easiest to catch (for Schwarber’s sake), Hammel is most in need of a catcher with framing ability. I think the pair could be a disaster.
They’ve actually looked pretty strong together in ST so far.
That would be Hendricks
I just wonder how Montero is going to feel about only starting 102 games while he watches Schwarber and Ross catch 60 games if he stays healthy all season. I would imagine that Montero is the ultimate professional and won’t complain. But I do think all players have pride and team leaders like Montero would simply want to be out there everyday. Ultimately, with 2 much better framing and defensively sound catchers in the minors, one of whom won the minor lg batting title, I think that Schwarber will eventually get all of his AB’s while playing the outfield. But I do like the idea of him catching Hammel.
Schwaber will always be a back up no offense meant but I see Montereo being traded next winter. To make room for another kid Wilson Contraras is that good and Ross retired don’t forget Caratin will back the other two . Plus Brockwell a longshot but will be in Iowa 2017 so much talent at catcher I forgot one who lighting up spring training this year Fewdicski not spelled right but good bat.