A few pitching notes from around the league…
- In today's blog post at ESPN (Insider req'd), Buster Olney reports that the Yankees did not inquire about Tim Hudson. Yesterday we heard that the Braves aren't looking to move one of their starters anyway.
- Within the same post, Olney says he finds the timing of the report about White Sox ace Mark Buehrle's willingness to accept a trade interesting. It's been presumed that the Missouri native would embrace a chance to pitch for the Cardinals at some point, and St. Louis now has an opening in its rotation with Adam Wainwright headed for Tommy John surgery.
- Joel Sherman of The New York Post believes Cardinals co-ace Chris Carpenter could potentially be a fit for the Yankees, and the news of Wainwright's injury makes him wonder if Carpenter will "become available in a stronger way." I looked at how Wainwright's injury could have a trickle down effect on the Yankees over at River Ave. Blues.
timmytwoshoezzz
The Cardinals still feel, as they should, that the NL Central is still winnable. Why would they trade their only remaining “ace” pitcher, thus scuttling their chances to win in 2011? Especially with Albert about to become a FA who, by his own admission, is going to focus on being with an organization that can win.
Mark Janicik
I completely agree with you… and I also think that Buehrle would look pretty darn good in a Cardinals uniform. He would maintain a nice balance of L and R pitchers in their rotation and he would inevitably be better in the NL. It probably won’t happen but, as Olney points out, it is interesting to think about.
bjsguess
I thought that the Cards didn’t have any money? Taking on another $12-15m seems like quite a commitment. Aside from the fact that the White Sox are going all in this season makes me think that this trade potential sits at around 0%.
YanksFanSince78
I think taking on additional money is the best option. This idea that the Cards can’t spend an additional $15 mil is crazy and I would never buy that idea from them.
I thought about how the Wainwright situation might effect Carpenter and I really don’t see the Cards giving up on 2011 by trading him this early, especially since they want to paint a picture of competitivenss for the near future to try and keep AP interested in returning. If they fail and are out of it by July and they honestly don’t see themselves bringing AP back then maybe they trade him for something that can help them immediately but even that’sa longshot.
User 4245925809
Agreed. Carpenter pitches like he has the last 2 years and he is worth every bit as much as he is now in a trade vs the July 31 deadline and the Card’s have a chance to see how well they can hang in there for the playoff run to boot.
No urgency to move him now. More of the typical NYY/Red Sox, or other team wishful thinking that they can exploit another team for nothing in this story.
YanksFanSince78
I’m not sure if Sherman is a fan of the Yanks or just a bad promoter. His article reeks of arrogance.
YanksFanSince78
meant “bad writer”.
WhenMattStairsIsKing
Good point – and by taking Ken Williams’ comments this week, I doubt he’d eat salary to move Buerhle. I say the chances of such a deal at any point are 1%.
timmytwoshoezzz
Outside of Shelby Miller and Cox, the Cards have gutted their farm system. I don’t think they have the pieces to bring in a guy like Buehrle.
WhenMattStairsIsKing
They’d get him if the White Sox have an atrocious 3-month start and if they took on most of his salary. But I highly, highly doubt the odds of this.
Josh Hoevelmann
A trade for Buehrle would start with Schumaker and maybe inlcude Craig and a minor league pitcher like Lance Lynn.
chetkincaid
Please please PLEASE trade Buehrle to the Cardinals! I would be ecstatic. You guys can have him for a few low level prospects for all I care. I can’t stand the guy and I hate to see him in a White Sox uniform.
bleachercreature
the idea that either the Twins, White sox or Cardinals will be trading their aces to the Yankees is ridiculous. They are all good teams and even if they can’t compete this year, there are other years after that. The Yankees weren’t trading off Robinson Cano in 2008 were they? Not every team must give up their parts for the sake of the Yankees needs.
I’m a Yankee Fan
Sean
Even if Buehrle is available what do the cards legitimately have as a trade chip for him?
Their minor league system is extremely weak outside of Miller and Cox.
They are better off slotting McClellan, Lynn, or Walters or some combination of those arms plus the possibilities of Snell, Bautista, Tallet, ect. to play their way into the spot with an impressive spring.
No need to spend just for the point of spending
… having said that I’ll go all larry david and say that I would love to see Buehrle finally put on the birds on the bat like he has wanted to for a while
rockfordone
Cards need to look at AAAA -KC – Davis and Francis – Pittsburg – Corriea – Arizona – Saunders and Kennedy – Cost – Miller
Sean
… what?
tonyjar0502
Did anyone think of any of the Twins surplus of pitchers? Ala Baker, Blackburn, or Slowey? Or you could even give up whatever farm you have for Liriano… I’d be unhappy if we traded Liriano though. That could be an option for the Cards.
bjsguess
Man the Cards could be in some serious trouble.
As of now, the Cards are sitting at $94m in payroll. It’s entirely possible that this team finish with 80 wins or so and miss the playoffs. They don’t have Pujols locked up and could easily lose him after the season. He apparently won’t waive his NTC. What a terrible reversal of fortune for the Cards from where they were just a few months ago.
WhenMattStairsIsKing
The Cardinals are still very much in contention, as are the White Sox. Olney’s silly.
jwsox
honestly im surprised olney still has a job…he never breaks anything. He is always the second or thrid guy to “break” a story then tries to take credit for it….he has no clue what he talking about ever. he always claims to be this huge baseball insider but he hardly has anything smart or relevant to say…this man needs to lose his credentials
jnolan33177
Would someone please just take Joe Blanton already?
rfffr
I think Carpenter could be on the block in July if the Cardinals fall out of contention. It would help to rebuild their farm system.
East Coast Bias
Okay, espn’s Buster Olney (insider required) – am I missing something here?
Yankees did not inquire about someone that the Braves do not want to trade anyway.
What the hell is the story there?!
WhenMattStairsIsKing
Sportswriters are starving for baseball to begin, if nonsense like this is being written. Hudson to New York is ridiculous.
YanksFanSince78
Absolutely no story. I read it and was like “what”? The next newsflash will be the Yanks didn’t inquire about Joe Mauer.
YankeePhan1234
Carpenter to the Yankees for Betances Laird and Adams.
YanksFanSince78
That borderline makes me vomit. Not sure if it’s the fan in me or if it’s too much/just enough. I just really want to see him and a few others stay in the organization and flourish.
Josh Hoevelmann
Salas is a dark horse for the rotation spot in STL. Shelby Miller could be ready by July if needed.
Sean
Salas in the pen and Miller in AA by the end of the season if he continues to progress, no way he makes it to the bigs this year
Adam
I was all for the idea of trading Carp for some prospects and then trading those prospects for a younger ace…. But I hardly think the Wainwright injury increases the chances of a trade. They need Carp now more than ever. Now if the yankees are willing to give up Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, and Jesus Montero the Cardinals should prob listen…
Adam
Before the trolls jump on my comment as being a dumb idea, I’d like to go ahead and say that I don’t really expect the Yankees to go for a trade like that.
YanksFanSince78
That trade is all over the place though. First off, no way Phil Hughes would be included. The idea is to improve the depth of the rotation and not just one spot. Montero, forget about it. Not for Carpenter. Because Nova is NOT on the same level of Hughes it might make sense because they strengthen the roation to be at least 4 deep and would then just need a vet or a rookie at the #5 spot. Obviously it would take Nova and others to get it done. In fact, unless the Cards insisted on Nova (don’t think they would but maybe) it would probably just be minor lge guys. If we could get away with something like Noesi + Laird + Adams then cool but they would probably want a Bets or Brack instead of Noesi.
Adam
I was just saying it would take a lot to get Carp away from the Cardinals now that Wainwright is out. The Yankees would be stupid to accept my trade proposal. I was just making the point that Mozeliak is gonna be like Kevin Towers was when he was listening to offers for Justin Upton.
RedSoxDynasty
you couldnt get Hughes straight up for Carpenter! Maybe Montero though!
jwsox
mark buehrle and carlos quentin for matt holiday and motte…..carlos fills the void of holliday and be a ton cheaper thus allowing for more money to be spent on albert. Matt is more expensive but would be a legit right fielder for the sox and would kill it in the cell. motte moves into sales bullpen spot and sale moves into the rotation. money should match up nicely for the next 2 years with buehrle and matt…matt being a bit more expensive but buehrle has a 16 mill option the vests once traded
The_BiRDS
That was a horrible post and idea.
chaifetz10
And the Cardinals do this why?
jwsox
why woiuld the yankees give up their #2 pitcher who is younger, and cheaper and probably will put up a similar season as carp+ a stud pitching prospect(if he can put it all together) and a legit hitting catcher prospect for a 36 year old one year rental with injury history?
Adam
See my reply to my own comment.
RedSoxDynasty
i know you answered your question but for future reference, be realistic as possible to get a point across in here, or else it can get ugly real quick!
Adam
Holiday got no-trade protection with his contract and Motte is expected to succeed Ryan Franklin next year. Can’t see this one happening but not a bad idea. I think the Cardinals would want more than Carlos Quentin…
Adam
This was a reply to jwsox. Stupid Disqus.
YanksFanSince78
At least it’s not justs happening to me..haha.
theanswer75
Michael Young for Mark Buehrle?
most likely money and/or prospect or two go to the sox. as a ranger fan, if young still really wants out id do this in a heartbeat.
SpaldingBalls 2
Brent Morel is a little worse than Young at this moment, but by next year Morel should be better. I hang up immediately if I’m KW
bomberj11
Of course Carpenter would be a good fit for the Yankees.
He can pitch, can’t he?