ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark examines the seeming dearth of available starters on this year’s market, with several unnamed executives telling him it seems to be harder than at any point in recent memory to pry arms loose. He goes through several possible reasons for that — including, most interestingly, the fact that the infusion of money into baseball has reduced the financial pressure on smaller-market teams to sell off assets at the deadline. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports also tackles the subject, suggesting that the standoff between buyers and sellers could topple over on deadline day — possibly resulting in a wild finish.
While we wait for the tension to break, here’s the latest on a market that is proving difficult to project:
- Even as the Marlins reportedly make their pitch for Andrew Cashner, the team is continuing to look far and wide for their rotation needs, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. He adds three more names that the club has asked about: Edinson Volquez of the Royals, Matt Shoemaker of the Angels, and Julio Teheran of the division-rival Braves. Nothing in the Miami system is off limits, per the report, including first baseman Josh Naylor and righty Luis Castillo — each of whom have been asked about quite frequently by other clubs, per Jackson. Rival clubs get the sense that the Marlins are “desperate” to bolster their rotation, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick tweets, but it’s still not entirely clear how the team will make that happen given its thin farm. Of course, as the examples of Naylor and Castillo show, the system isn’t devoid of talent, but it would certainly sting to part with the organization’s best pieces, and it’s not at all clear that those players would be enough to score a quality, controllable arm.
- Another team that hopes to add arms but has limitations in doing so is the Tigers, per Jon Morosi of MLB.com (via Twitter). Detroit is said not to have much payroll flexibility, and is also generally regarded as having a weaker farm system. At the same time, it’s probably wise not to count out the Mike Illitch-owned Tigers, who have made many bold strikes in the past and sit in reasonable striking distance of both the AL Central and the Wild Card at six games over .500.
- After missing on Aroldis Chapman, the Nationals should only step up their efforts to upgrade, Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post opines. While GM Mike Rizzo has undeniably been a shrewd dealmaker, he and the organization have largely resisted major in-season additions, and Kilgore says that this is not the year to be stingy with prospects. Washington has been tied mostly to relief targets, and finding a big-time late-inning arm surely remains a priority. That said, things still seem rather wide open for the Nats, who aren’t overrun with needs but seem interested in a big addition. After all, the club even reportedly asked the Blue Jays whether star outfielder Jose Bautista might be available, per Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post (Twitter link).
- Despite moving to add infielder Eduardo Nunez tonight, the Giants are still focused on pitching, GM Bobby Evans tells reporters including Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area (via Twitter). It’s hard to draw a bead on the Giants’ favored targets, as ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick says they’re “blanketing” the market for starters and relievers (Twitter links). But the team is among may that have reached out to the Royals, so you can at least add some hypothetical new names to the long list of possibilities for San Francisco.
- Meanwhile, southpaw Josh Osich wasn’t terribly pleased that he was placed on the DL with a seemingly minor forearm issue, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. He was replaced with fellow lefty Matt Reynolds, leading the Chronicle’s Henry Schulman to suggest on Twitter that the organization hopes to get a look at the 31-year-old before the deadline. Reynolds has appeared in five major league seasons and had some success at times. And it’s hard to ignore his current Triple-A line: over 32 1/3 innings, he owns a 1.11 ERA with 12.8 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 while allowing only 16 hits.
- Mariners righty Taijuan Walker is drawing “strong interest” around the game, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). It’s still somewhat difficult to imagine the organization parting with the talented hurler at this particular point in time, not least of which because he’s currently on the DL with a foot injury. Plus, GM Jerry Dipoto strongly suggested just recently that a sell-off shouldn’t be expected. But Nightengale says that Walker is scheduled for a bullpen on Friday at Wrigley Field that is expected to be watched by opposing teams’ scouts.
- The Phillies “don’t seem motivated” to trade reliever Jeanmar Gomez, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com tweets. On the one hand, that’s a bit surprising given that the emergent righty has worked to a strong 2.83 ERA in 47 2/3 innings while largely thriving in the closer’s role. On the other, Philadelphia has no real reason to part with its final year of control if it can’t draw an interesting return, as Gomez will likely provides some affordable (albeit increasingly expensive) stability next year.
jac33
Wait wait.. So if the Mariners are indeed potentially “selling off” given the MM trade, why would they deal a 23 year old pitcher like Walker? Wouldn’t Walker be exactly the type of player they want to keep? Doubt other teams are thinking.. “The Mariners are sellers. Lets go after one of their young, club controlled starters!”.
Wondering if Dipoto is dangling him as bait for a bigger deal? That makes more sense that other GMs were told he is available and thats why scouts are watching him. Stay tuned I guess.
Jeff Todd
Dipoto said they wouldn’t. There’s no reporting to suggest the team is considering trading him. That was sort of my point … we have reports of interest, but none of willingness from SEA.
ammiel
makes sense to my theory, that the Mariners may be open to moving either Walker or Paxton if Milwaukee is willing to give up Lucroy with one of them (walker/paxton) as a centrepiece.
iamzooted
I doubt the Mariners would give up Walker to get Lucroy.. and I’m sure the Brewers can find a better trade than one centered around Paxton.
JT19
The Mariners don’t need a short term catcher. They have Zunino who they hope is their long term option.
ayrbhoy
Jac33- totally agree, why would we trade a young pitcher when Kuma will be gone soon and as much as I hate to type this, Felix is on the decline. Karns didn’t pan-out so that leaves Miley, Pax and LeBlanc. And who do we have coming up from the minors? Steady on JDip. I understand it’s a sellers market but we’re not exactly selling from a position of strength.
slund24
Why would trading a long reliever like MM mean they are “selling off?” They traded a failed starter who is having a good year as mainly a long reliever for two solid prospects that are ranked as Mariners #7 and #17 top prospects. That was a very good haul for a bullpen piece thats not even a closer, setup guy, or even a lefty specialist.
jac33
All we know is what JD is telling the media. We have no idea whats going on behind closed doors.
sunset117
I would love to see the Marlins go all in, only to be out before the NLDS after getting a pitcher (only to have it blow up). I love mattingly and the team but sorry I hate the ownership.
I would love to see Bautista in Was, mainly as a Giants fan, don’t see that working to their benefit as some may expect. But obviously the Giants need more pitching than most given their major slides atm
I’ve only seen Sea’s Walker once and he looked good. Few years back but much better than the #’s indicated. Obviously having a good year, who knows if it’s going to continue, but the guy has talent for sure and may be able to help on a club with a strong pitching coach… (Not like that’s completely required given his current numbers tho). Idk if I would trust dipotos word given how every GM is lying to maximize value… Idk how many calls are coming in for a guy on the DL… Probably a similar amount to what Rich Hill seems to be getting… (Allegedly plenty Of calls and not much in terms of actual offers)
sunset117
Sorry let me correct that “actually reasonable market value offers”
Smacky
Yelich would be a good starting point of what’d take to get Tehran. Abstractly does it make sense? No. But the market is what it is. There is no fair when it comes to pitching, especially when it’s young, controllable, and on the books at way below market value.
whereslou
I want them to sell guys like Lind, chisek, Smith ( I know he had good moments but I am not a fan, Aoki Iam torn on, anything in the BP that is not a long term guy) basically anyone that doesn’t fit in the long term plans of the team. With the reception of guys like Cleavanger he can stay and back up Z. Then call up Peterson O’Neill and anyone who is close to MLB ready. Let them play for a couple weeks get a cup of coffee and send them down and see who really wants it who puts in the texts work to get there. We should sell if the guys with no long term value and light a fire under the guys who do. I would even shop Cruz to see what offers I would get. If this new kid is all that then let’s see it. Let’s see if he can beat Patterson out of his spot. Keep it friendly but make it competition. Bring in guys that can take campus
Canos spot in a few years ago he knows he has to stay healthy and continue to play well. Keep Seager on his toes don’t let garb get complacent. Build a powerhouse build a winner Seattle wants a deserves one after all these years.
marinersblue96
I don’t know where Peterson would get much playing time. I would like the team to move Lind, but I think Lee has done very well with the club. Vogelbach looks to be the 1st baseman of the future, but maybe he could platoon with Lee next year. Unless you get a king’s ransom I hope the team holds on to Cruz. He is the aircraft carrier the team hasn’t had in a decade and really makes our line up what it is. DJ looks to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot with the big league club, and is JD most likely trade chip.
iamzooted
Vogelbach is the DH of the future, Peterson is the 1B of the future
whereslou
DJ is rated higher than Vogelbech for all that is worth. I have not seen him play D so I am not sure who is the 1st bm of the future. My money might be in the converted 3rd bm with Vogelbech being the long term DH of the future. It a trade piece who knows. Like I said I haven’t seen his D so I wouldn’t go say definitive who is the future.
ayrbhoy
Wait, what? Shop Nelson Cruz, keep Seager on his toes? Call up anyone close to MLB ready? I mean no disrespect but are you completely detached from reality;)!? Why don’t we just wave a white flag and blow up a team that is firmly in a race for not only the WC but considering the TX meltdown a team that’s now back in the race for the division?
First, after an abysmal start to the season Seager has been raking, he’s having a career year. Let’s leave that alone. The kid works on his game as hard as anyone. From a “utility player’ to gold glove 3rd baseman w 5 straight years of 20+ HRs. He can stay flat on his feet imho. Second- let’s not touch the chemistry of Cruz, Cano and Seager- that’s one of the best middle of the order line-ups in MLB. How many years did Felix suffer from little or no run support? We finally get a potent offense and you want to shop Cruz and keep Seager on his toes? On his toes. I don’t even know what that means? Now, I agree with your Lind and Aoki assessment- let’s call up the Vogelbach kid and get someone like Josh Reddik to replace Aoki but who replaces Cishek? Diaz? I love that kid but he’s got 22, 23 innings of MLB experience, we can’t anoint him as closer yet. Let’s see how he pans out through the ups and down of a full season before we chase our closer. Can you tell I’m not in favor of selling at the deadline!?
whereslou
If some team offered a ridiculous offer for Cruz as much as I would hate it yes trade him and call up Vogelbach to DH. Seager I was joking. I guess it didn’t come across as that. This team will be lucky to win a WC spot and if they do win that game. Then if they are that lucky they would have to be real lucky to win one play off series they have too many holes. I would hate to see good young players be sold for a slim chance. Sell guys that have some value and no long term value to us and build up the weak farm system. Then when we have a better chance we have the depth to move guys to fill in smaller holes to win games. I hate throwing in the towel but being realistic I don’t want to see a guy like Alex Jackson go for what amounts to a pray and watch him become Adam Jones. If we were in 1st and needed a rental pitcher to fill out the staff different story, but it is not that way. As for Diaz why not let him take a couple shots at closing? Not make him the everyday closer do it by committee ifCisheck can get us something of value why not?
ayrbhoy
I get your point on a ridiculous offer for Cruz but aren’t you concerned that Vogelbach has zero success in the big leagues? We’ve seen soooo many prospects (not named Seager) come up or over to Safeco only to fail. In fact, you could argue that Jack Z lost his job because his prospects ultimately did not pan out. Are you willing to let a proven commodity leave to take another gamble on prospects? I just don’t see Dipoto making that move.
I also get your point on a one game WC playoff but Felix and Walker have been injured, A trio of valuable bullpen pitchers are out- Zych, Furbush and Vincent We have a few more tough games against the Cubs then we have a number of series against teams with losing records. One good winning streak and we have a shot at not just the WC but the division. Let’s give the team a chance to replicate their form in late April and May.
Diaz is an electric pitcher, I can’t remember our team ever having such a dominant bullpen pitcher. He is must see TV. Let’s just say Diaz is promoted to closer- who takes that 8th inning high leverage role?
dstuart
Maybe Matt Reynolds can come in and be a pleasant surprise and give some solid (much needed) innings to the Giants’ struggling pen. Hopefully that’s the case
bustercherrie 2
Can’t see the Ms trading Walker with out another team literally paying through the nose. It’d have to be a fleecing. He’s young. Club controlled and has a ton of potential. He’s starting to show more consistency. I could see Paxton going before Walker. Ms may sell with the prices pitchers are going for right now. A pitcher like Walker could restock a system.
deadmanonleave
I think it fits with what we know, nobody’s ever off limits for the right price, although for Taijuan it would be exorbitant. I’d be quite happy to see Cishek, Lind and lots more go, but you can’t be expecting a king’s ransom for those or even better players like Smith. If Paxton or Walker were to go, as others say, it should be a monster haul. Can’t see it, but I’ve never known a seller’s market for pitching like this.
koldjerky
I hope this is just posturing by Klentak and Macphail and the Phillies do indeed sell the pieces they can. This is about the worst crop of pieces they’ve had since they started the rebuild but getting quantity over quality is better than getting nothing at all. Asche, Gomez, Hernandez, Bourjos (when healthy) and Hellickon aren’t great but teams may want them. Get something while you can because it’s not going to be around often with those types of
Players.
Matt Galvin
Other Phil’s to move Ruiz,Howard,maybe Asche. Were waiting for an OF to move like Bruce or Reddick then other OF’s will move same with Lucroy for other Catchers. Also another big Blockbuster like a Davis or Sale or so on.
spartyon
I would rather the Tigers just call up Jimenez and get Norris and Zimmerman back. That would be a huge addition to the staff. While Lucroy would be nice we really don’t need him. I really don’t want to trade Christian Stewart, whenever you have a lefty bat with that much power and a .400 OBP I think you got to keep him.
Backatitagain
Any trade between the Marlins and Braves for teheran would have to start with Jacob Realmuto and Christian Yellich plus two like Jerod Cosart and Luis Castillo.
holecamels35
People should be banned for posting these flat out moronic trade proposals, honestly. And if it’s meant as a joke, it’s not funny.
whereslou
You don’t have to read them if you don’t like them.
Backatitagain
The Royals are trying to package Ian Kennedy with Wade Davis for trade but Kennedy and Davis are owed about $80 Million which computes to a negative $72 Million value. The Royals could add Yordano Ventura and Chase Vallot to the deal with 35 million cash (50% of Kennedy Contract) to be a near break even proposition. Braves would probably do a deal for the three pitchers and catcher Chase Vallot for Erick Aybar, Nick Markakis, Eric O’Flaherty and Jim Johnson.
Gogerty
Want to throw on Olivera too?
Tyler_KC_Fan
No.
cflrules
Why in the heck would the Braves want overpaid veteran pitchers at this point?
Backatitagain
Braves should do a deal with Philadelphia to obtain AAA Catcher Andrew Knapp. Knapp a switch hitter with some power is currently the twelfth rated prospect for the Phillies, and they have Alfaro, their #4 coming up in AA better than Knapp. Braves could offer Touki Toussaint the team’s 10th rated prospect or Manny Banuelos for Knapp. Pirates could use a back end starter.
tac3
No thanks, the Braves can suffer ::)