Diamondback Jay
Psalms 23:1
All is speculation at this point, however here's some of the names I think could (and in some cases WILL) be moved come July 31. I'll include my own pros and cons to each.
Start first with the pitchers.
Ricky Nolasco
- Reportedly, a half dozen teams have inquired about Nolasco's services. The ones that have been most actively pursuing him are reportedly the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies.
Pros: : Despite having a subpar record this season, and not exactly the most eye popping ERA (3.85 at current print), it also should be noted he's allowed three ER or less in 12 out of his 17 starts in 2013. Further breakdown, the Marlins have scored one run or been shut out in nine of those 17. Thus, could his numbers improve with more run support? The outings he's put forth this season while playing on one of the crappiest teams in baseball seem to indicate that a relocation could lead to better numbers than indicated on stat sheets this season.
Cons: First things first, looking at career numbers as a whole, Nolasco has been mediocre at best. In seven and a half seasons as a pro, his ERA has been below 4 just once prior to 2013 (2008) and has been over 5 twice. His career ERA average is at 4.44, you toss out 2008 and this first half, it's closer to 5. Secondly, Nolasco is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Marlins are asking for several top prospects for him. I question whether it's worth giving up multiple top prospects for a pitcher who's career numbers have been iffy and who is going to possibly walk at season's end.
Matt Garza
- A trade from Wrigley is almost guaranteed. Question is, how much will his asking price entail? Could he come cheaper than what Miami is asking for Nolasco or what Milwaukee might for Gallardo? Or even what the Cubs might ask for another of their SP (Jeff Samardzija)?
Pros: Does have a proven track record of respectability and has shown glimpses of being a very good pitcher (led the AL in shutouts in 2008, was the ALCS MVP in 2008, has thrown a no-hitter in his career). He's also got that October experience that might be appealing to a contender, and on the numbers look, he's had a respectable career ERA (3.82) and an equally impressive WHIP (1.28). He's capable of going deep in innings when healthy, which for a team with a questionable bullpen would be a nice plus.
Cons: Like Nolasco, he's a free agent this off-season and is looking at a big payday. Also has battled some injury issues in Chicago, and missed substantial time in each of the last two seasons. Like Miami, the Cubs will be looking for top prospects for him. While he's looking very good since his return from the DL, is the combined injury and departure risk worth the potential half season reward?
Bud Norris
- Other than possibly Jose Altuve, Houston is willing to dump any player on their roster that might bring them value in return.
Pros: He's still young (just turning 28) and only 4 years in to his MLB career. He's shown gradual improvement over the last three seasons, despite playing on a crappy team. Still has some upside and was once considered one of Houston's future building blocks and top prospects. Won't be eligible for free agency until 2016, and is still on a reasonable contract ($3 mil per season). Won't cost whoever acquires him a massive amount of prospects.
Cons: In 2013, his strikeout rate is down and his WHIP is up from his career averages. Even in his best years so far, he still allows too many baserunners and doesn't have the strikeout numbers he's capable of. Had a ton of potential when called up to Houston, but hasn't always lived up to it, and while he's not exactly ancient, the clock is ticking on whether he'll ever live up to his upside. Would he be any more than a solid #4-#5 here? Is he any better than what the team already has?
Jake Peavy
- Kevin Towers familiarity with Peavy could come in to play with any move made. Chicago's looking to move to get younger. Peavy's an intriguing option for a contender.
Pros: Let's get the obvious out of the way immediately. He's familiar with pitching in the NL West Hell, in past he proved he was capable of DOMINATING the NL West. His past history obviously speaks for itself, and Towers knows exactly what he'd be getting with Peavy. He's a 4-time All-Star, won the NL Triple Crown for pitchers and was one of 10 players in MLB history to win a unanimous Cy Young Award. Made the All-Star Game again in 2012, seems to be getting back to old form. Another who I think Arizona could acquire without having to trade Skaggs, Delgado or Bradley. Under contract for another season and a half.
Cons: Had a few seasons where he fell off the map entirely. Also has an injury history. While he's under contract for the remainder of this season and all of next, at $14.5 million dollars per season, are the Diamondbacks going to be able to absorb that kind of salary?
Yiovani Gallardo
- It's been a rough year for the Brewers. With the team currently sitting in last place in the NL Central and their chances of catching St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh dwindling more and more each day, the time for the Brewers to dump and rebuild may be now.
Pros: Just turned 27 years old, and still has some upside and growth potential. Signed to an extremely reasonable contract ($2.58 mill this year, $11 mill next and a $13 mill option for 2015), and wouldn't be just a half season rental. Has had a very respectable career so far, finishing among the Top 10 strikeout leaders in the National League during each of the past four seasons, fanning an average of 203.8 batters per season and 9.4 Ks per 9 innings from 2009-2012. Already has over 1,000 strikeouts in his young career. Even in a "down year," he's in the top 30 in strikeouts amongst pitchers in the National League. Has yet to post an ERA above 3.84 in his career. Even if not an ace, at worst when he's on, he'd be a damn strong #2 pitcher.
Cons: Even when on, tends to walk a fair share of batters and has been homer prone. Also, it's been an extremely tough 2013 for Gallardo so far. Was arrested in April, and on field it's been a struggle. His ERA currently sits at around 5, his K-9 rate is down to 7.45, he's allowed 10 hits per 9 innings and his home runs allowed so far are the worst of his career. His fastball velocity is down to around 90 mph, down nearly 3 mph off his average. Also, I can't see the Brewers accepting anything less than a package surrounding one of their big three pitching prospects.
Jeff Samardzija
- The Cubs have put the FOR SALE sign on the doors of the hallowed halls of Wrigley Field. Scott Feldman was the first to go, but it's highly unlikely he'll be the only one. The former Notre Dame WR called this trade "unfortunate." Will he be following Feldman and likely Garza out of Chicago?
Pros: In just three years as a starting pitcher, "The Shark" has shown glimpses of ace potential (average ERA of 3.37, 1.24 WHIP). This year, he's put it all together, with a 1.20 WHIP, a 3.34 ERA and a 9.53 K-9 rate; ranked 8th in baseball at this category and his 120 strikeouts are 7th in all of baseball. To give you an idea, he's ranked higher than Felix Hernandez in K-9 and higher than Justin Verlander in total strikeouts. Suffice to say, he's in pretty elite company there. Also has three years left on his contract. He's wanting a new deal, one wonders if the Diamondbacks acquire him, if they might not just be able to nab him early while his value is moderate.
Cons: Still developing as a starter, not yet safe enough to call a "proven commodity." What's his price tag going to cost to re-sign him and keep him happy? Is he going to cost Arizona one of the big three?
Will get to the hitters later.
Start first with the pitchers.
Ricky Nolasco
- Reportedly, a half dozen teams have inquired about Nolasco's services. The ones that have been most actively pursuing him are reportedly the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies.
Pros: : Despite having a subpar record this season, and not exactly the most eye popping ERA (3.85 at current print), it also should be noted he's allowed three ER or less in 12 out of his 17 starts in 2013. Further breakdown, the Marlins have scored one run or been shut out in nine of those 17. Thus, could his numbers improve with more run support? The outings he's put forth this season while playing on one of the crappiest teams in baseball seem to indicate that a relocation could lead to better numbers than indicated on stat sheets this season.
Cons: First things first, looking at career numbers as a whole, Nolasco has been mediocre at best. In seven and a half seasons as a pro, his ERA has been below 4 just once prior to 2013 (2008) and has been over 5 twice. His career ERA average is at 4.44, you toss out 2008 and this first half, it's closer to 5. Secondly, Nolasco is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Marlins are asking for several top prospects for him. I question whether it's worth giving up multiple top prospects for a pitcher who's career numbers have been iffy and who is going to possibly walk at season's end.
Matt Garza
- A trade from Wrigley is almost guaranteed. Question is, how much will his asking price entail? Could he come cheaper than what Miami is asking for Nolasco or what Milwaukee might for Gallardo? Or even what the Cubs might ask for another of their SP (Jeff Samardzija)?
Pros: Does have a proven track record of respectability and has shown glimpses of being a very good pitcher (led the AL in shutouts in 2008, was the ALCS MVP in 2008, has thrown a no-hitter in his career). He's also got that October experience that might be appealing to a contender, and on the numbers look, he's had a respectable career ERA (3.82) and an equally impressive WHIP (1.28). He's capable of going deep in innings when healthy, which for a team with a questionable bullpen would be a nice plus.
Cons: Like Nolasco, he's a free agent this off-season and is looking at a big payday. Also has battled some injury issues in Chicago, and missed substantial time in each of the last two seasons. Like Miami, the Cubs will be looking for top prospects for him. While he's looking very good since his return from the DL, is the combined injury and departure risk worth the potential half season reward?
Bud Norris
- Other than possibly Jose Altuve, Houston is willing to dump any player on their roster that might bring them value in return.
Pros: He's still young (just turning 28) and only 4 years in to his MLB career. He's shown gradual improvement over the last three seasons, despite playing on a crappy team. Still has some upside and was once considered one of Houston's future building blocks and top prospects. Won't be eligible for free agency until 2016, and is still on a reasonable contract ($3 mil per season). Won't cost whoever acquires him a massive amount of prospects.
Cons: In 2013, his strikeout rate is down and his WHIP is up from his career averages. Even in his best years so far, he still allows too many baserunners and doesn't have the strikeout numbers he's capable of. Had a ton of potential when called up to Houston, but hasn't always lived up to it, and while he's not exactly ancient, the clock is ticking on whether he'll ever live up to his upside. Would he be any more than a solid #4-#5 here? Is he any better than what the team already has?
Jake Peavy
- Kevin Towers familiarity with Peavy could come in to play with any move made. Chicago's looking to move to get younger. Peavy's an intriguing option for a contender.
Pros: Let's get the obvious out of the way immediately. He's familiar with pitching in the NL West Hell, in past he proved he was capable of DOMINATING the NL West. His past history obviously speaks for itself, and Towers knows exactly what he'd be getting with Peavy. He's a 4-time All-Star, won the NL Triple Crown for pitchers and was one of 10 players in MLB history to win a unanimous Cy Young Award. Made the All-Star Game again in 2012, seems to be getting back to old form. Another who I think Arizona could acquire without having to trade Skaggs, Delgado or Bradley. Under contract for another season and a half.
Cons: Had a few seasons where he fell off the map entirely. Also has an injury history. While he's under contract for the remainder of this season and all of next, at $14.5 million dollars per season, are the Diamondbacks going to be able to absorb that kind of salary?
Yiovani Gallardo
- It's been a rough year for the Brewers. With the team currently sitting in last place in the NL Central and their chances of catching St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh dwindling more and more each day, the time for the Brewers to dump and rebuild may be now.
Pros: Just turned 27 years old, and still has some upside and growth potential. Signed to an extremely reasonable contract ($2.58 mill this year, $11 mill next and a $13 mill option for 2015), and wouldn't be just a half season rental. Has had a very respectable career so far, finishing among the Top 10 strikeout leaders in the National League during each of the past four seasons, fanning an average of 203.8 batters per season and 9.4 Ks per 9 innings from 2009-2012. Already has over 1,000 strikeouts in his young career. Even in a "down year," he's in the top 30 in strikeouts amongst pitchers in the National League. Has yet to post an ERA above 3.84 in his career. Even if not an ace, at worst when he's on, he'd be a damn strong #2 pitcher.
Cons: Even when on, tends to walk a fair share of batters and has been homer prone. Also, it's been an extremely tough 2013 for Gallardo so far. Was arrested in April, and on field it's been a struggle. His ERA currently sits at around 5, his K-9 rate is down to 7.45, he's allowed 10 hits per 9 innings and his home runs allowed so far are the worst of his career. His fastball velocity is down to around 90 mph, down nearly 3 mph off his average. Also, I can't see the Brewers accepting anything less than a package surrounding one of their big three pitching prospects.
Jeff Samardzija
- The Cubs have put the FOR SALE sign on the doors of the hallowed halls of Wrigley Field. Scott Feldman was the first to go, but it's highly unlikely he'll be the only one. The former Notre Dame WR called this trade "unfortunate." Will he be following Feldman and likely Garza out of Chicago?
Pros: In just three years as a starting pitcher, "The Shark" has shown glimpses of ace potential (average ERA of 3.37, 1.24 WHIP). This year, he's put it all together, with a 1.20 WHIP, a 3.34 ERA and a 9.53 K-9 rate; ranked 8th in baseball at this category and his 120 strikeouts are 7th in all of baseball. To give you an idea, he's ranked higher than Felix Hernandez in K-9 and higher than Justin Verlander in total strikeouts. Suffice to say, he's in pretty elite company there. Also has three years left on his contract. He's wanting a new deal, one wonders if the Diamondbacks acquire him, if they might not just be able to nab him early while his value is moderate.
Cons: Still developing as a starter, not yet safe enough to call a "proven commodity." What's his price tag going to cost to re-sign him and keep him happy? Is he going to cost Arizona one of the big three?
Will get to the hitters later.
