At least one executive of a club with interest in Reds starter Johnny Cueto saw significant concern in his latest outing, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports on Twitter. Though he only allowed four hits and two runs, Cueto walked six and lasted just four innings, marking his second consecutive start of five innings or less. He also generated a season-low three groundball outs. Given Cueto’s status as one of the premium rental trade pieces on the market, and some pre-existing injury questions, his next appearance could be one to watch.
Here’s more from the game’s central divisions:
- We heard yesterday that the Tigers were gearing up to sell, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes on Twitter that multiple GMs tell him they have yet to be informed that Detroit will sell. Per Rosenthal, it’s still up in the air whether the Tigers will move quality veteran assets such as David Price and Yoenis Cespedes.
- The Pirates are not only looking at possible shortstop acquisitions but continue to seek an addition at first base, Stark tweets. Pedro Alvarez has provided only average offensive production while struggling mightily with the glove. Of course, the first base trade market is not exactly overflowing with obvious upgrade candidates.
- Indians GM Chris Antonetti says his team plans to be an “opportunistic” and “open-minded” participant on the trade market, as Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer reports. One thing the team likely won’t do, however, is deal from its array of quality, controllable starting pitchers. “We are not motivated at all to do that,” said Antonetti.
- The Brewers will welcome back righty Matt Garza from the DL tonight, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. That means he ought to have two starts to show his health and regain some trade value, though Garza’s big contract makes him a viable August trade piece as well (since he’d very likely clear waivers).
- The Cubs got promising news on the injury front, as Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports (Twitter links). Backstop Miguel Montero has only a sprained left thumb, rather than something more serious, though he is still set to rest for two weeks before being evaluated again. And minor league infielder Javier Baez may appear in game action this week. That makes the high-upside prospect a more viable trade piece if the Cubs decide to pursue a significant upgrade.
scann
Price to the Yankees for Severino……would be a good trade for both teams…..As it would allow Price time to get comfortable in New York,,,,,,,, Making the Yankees the only team he wants to play for…..the rest of his career……So he ends up signing a cupcake CC type contract this Winter……….
slider32
I don’t see Cashman going after Price at this time, Severino and Judge are said to be untouchables. CC looked good in his last start, I think with the team totally healthy the Yanks play it out with what they have and bring up Severino and Judge in Sept. Price looks to be going to the Cubs next year!
scann
Price Hates the National league……So cross the Cubs off his list…….Price wants to stay in the AL……..
BucSox
Can you link an article or a tweet indicating this sentiment? As I have linked below I think the only team he really has indicated he doesn’t care for is the Yankees.
BoldyMinnesota
I seen somewhere that said Price wanted to go to the NL so he could hit
BucSox
I know this is a little older but I think it highlights Price’s feelings of the Yankees well.
espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/49654/…
slider32
I could see the Cubs trading Castro to the Mets for Syndergaard or Wheeler.
pileofsandwich
And the Mets want a guy playing worse than and making way more than what they already have why?
BucSox
Would the Cubs be adding Schwarber to this? Castro is awful Wheeler and Syndergaard are not.
mjw876
Heck no. Wheeler doesn’t even have an elbow right now. And did you see Schwarber last night??? That bat is 100% untouchable.
joshbresser
Why would anybody pay attention to what a GM who wants Cueto has to say about him? Obviously an attempt to bring his price down by spreading panic in the market. Pretty weak attempt IMO.
BoldyMinnesota
Because the arguments and stats brought up are pretty frightening for a team giving up top prospects for him
bobbleheadguru
Puig for Price and Cespedes. Quick. Make it happen.
stymeedone
If the Tigers trade Price or Cespedes, they will be looking for pitching, not Puig.