The Orioles are “trying hard” to get right-hander Andrew Cashner from the Padres in trade talks, per FOX’s Ken Rosenthal (links to Twitter), though Baltimore isn’t necessarily considered the favorite. The Marlins and Rangers are both still in on Cashner, he notes, and others recently linked to the free-agent-to-be include the Blue Jays and Giants. While MLB.com’s Jon Morosi recently reported that San Diego was making progress on a Cashner trade, Rosenthal feels that Cashner talks could stretch into Monday.
As Rosenthal points out, the Orioles and Padres had extensive talks regarding Melvin Upton Jr., so the O’s are likely already familiar with the players from their minor league ranks that are most coveted by the Padres. Likewise, San Diego is familiar with the players that the Orioles would be reluctant to surrender, though given the meager return on Upton and the fairly significant demand for Cashner, it’s safe to assume that Cashner talks would feature more highly regarded names than Upton talks. (Reportedly, the Padres sought lefty Garrett Cleavinger and righty Jhon Peluffo in Upton negotiations.)
Baltimore looked perilously thin in the rotation entering the season, and the need to augment the rotation has become even clearer as the season has worn on. Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman are the only two regular members of the Orioles’ rotation that have managed an ERA south of 5.00. Yovani Gallardo’s 5.37 ERA ranks third among Orioles that have made five or more starts. Aside from the work turned in by Tillman and Gausman, Baltimore has received a collective 5.93 ERA in the starts made by Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez, Tyler Wilson, Mike Wright, Vance Worley and Dylan Bundy. The final member of that group has at least looked solid over his past two starts, but Bundy pitched a combined 67 professional innings from 2012-15 due to injuries and is already at 52 innings pitched in 2016, making it virtually impossible for the Orioles to entrust him with a starter’s workload down the stretch.
Generally speaking, Cashner has been unimpressive for the bulk of the season, posting a 4.76 ERA in 79 1/3 innings while missing time due to a hamstring strain and a neck strain. He’s rattled off three consecutive nice starts against contending teams, however, yielding five runs with a 23-to-3 K/BB ratio over his past 17 2/3 innings.
krillin
I can see this happening. It makes sense. However, I would not expect Cashner’s numbers to get any better playing in a division with offenses like the Red Sox and Jays.
Richard 3
No mention of the Orioles offense? You sound like the national media, ignoring the small market team. Look up Trumbo, Machado, Davis, Schoop, and Jones and count the home runs.
bronxbombers
Dude if he is traded to the O’s he won’t pitch against them
krillin
Yeah… He would not be pitching against his own team
ryanh48
Would he be pitching against the Orioles offense?
osonvs
I’m pretty sure he meant if Cashner is dealt to the Orioles he’d have to face those teams. A little defensive don’t you think!?
bmcc5411
The Orioles would be the team acquiring him so quit being self centered the world doesn’t revolve around you or your orioles
capnfatback
Clearly, krillin was ignoring all the upcoming games in the schedule in which the split-squad Orioles teams play one another.
ZachPadres24
If he’s pitching for the Orioles, he doesn’t have to face the Orioles..
Sam.rhodes16
The Orioles are trading for him… Their offense won’t affect his pitching numbers.
eric e.
Well vas Cashner would be on the Orioles, so he why list them as an offense that he would be pitching to? I’m an Orioles fan and they get overlooked consistently but I don’t think this is where that comment was going.
krillin
I love the Orioles offense. When you have Adam Jones on your team and he isn’t even the 2nd or 3rd best offensive player you have, you are in a good position.
gklefto
He would be pitching for the Orioles so he wouldn’t have to worry about facing their offense
tdfriars
Cashner and Kemp (half of his future contract being paid by the Padres) for Ubaldo and Peluffo.
zippytms
My thoughts exactly.
misterb71
If (as reported) the Padres were asking the O’s to eat some of Jimenez’ contract in the deal for Upton and requiring a pair of prospects to come their way, why in the world would the Padres be willing to keep half of Kemp’s contract in a deal that now requires one less prospect in return and sent Cashner to Baltimore?
tdfriars
Because Upton was only owed about 21 million and was signed just through next year and Kemp is owed over 21 million per year through 2019. If the Orioles take on a good portion of Kemp’s money and only get Cashner for a couple months, the Padres can’t ask for too much back in terms of prospects.
zippytms
I’d like to see an older AAAA arm or corner infielder come back just for depth, but maybe that’s getting greedy. Our rotation and bullpen are thin and weak for next year, and we don’t have much depth at 3B either.
eric e.
I would like the idea of Jiminez being sent in return for a discounted Kemp, but I just don’t see it happening. That’s a ton of money still for the Orioles to take on. With arbitration bumps for Machado, Schoop, Gausman, Britton, Brach, Givens, etc., it’s going to be hard to find any money to spare. Not re-signing Wieters will free up ab 15 million, but all of that will be used to arbitration raises. And I would image the Orioles want to explore a Trumbo extension. So even if they shed 15 mill with wieters and 4 mill with Alvarez, they would have to significantly bump payroll to get anyone else. Possible but I don’t know how likely.
gorav114
I could see a similar deal working. The Os still get a backup outfielder and don’t have to overpay in prospects they don’t have for Cashner. I would expect though either Baltimore eats more than half like 75% or gives up a better prospect.
dwilson10
IF this deal would happen, I’d assume Kemp would become an everyday outfielder and Trumbo would become the DH. The O’s could try to dump Alvarez or just use him as a bench player. I couldn’t imagine the O’s using Kemp as a backup outfielder. I also don’t see the O’s getting Kemp in a deal unless they include Jimenez and the Padres eat about half to 60% of Kemp’s contract.
zippytms
I could see the Padres taking Alvarez in the deal.
The_Porcupine
Horrible idea. Cashner is not an upgrade over what is already bouncing around in the 4-5 slot in the rotation. He isn’t even guaranteed to give you innings given his lengthy injury history. The O’s don’t have the prospects to trade for a true difference maker. Instead they should focus on guys more of the work horse variety. Get 5-6 competitive innings and turn it over to the bullpen.. Guys like Shields, Volquez, or Santana. None are likely to be too cost prohibitive in terms of prospects and the original teams can pick up some of the salary. Look at how KC has done it the last couple years. A bunch of no namers in the rotation and a dominant bullpen. With the strength the O’s have on offense, defense, and bullpen, you just need to find some competent starters.
eric e.
The Twins won’t trade Santana for the lackluster prospects the Orioles have AND pick up money on his deal. Same for Shields. And the Royals haven’t sold out just yet. I think Cashner is a huge improvement over Wilson, Wright, and Worley. He just had an inconsistent second half of last year and a bad start to this year. The talent level he has though is way above what the Orioles have in the back end of their rotation. In fact, Cashner would absolutely have the best stuff of all the starters the Orioles have. And it wouldn’t even be that close.
The_Porcupine
So he’s been inconsistent for the last 12 months then? I agree Cashner has better stuff than what the O’s currently have, but he’s never been able to put it together. He’s no more trustworthy than what the O’s have .already.
Grey Suit
Upton was owed $22mil Kemp is owed closer to $70 mil
PhilliesFan012
Cashner and Solarte for Jomar Reyes, Parker Bridwell and Dariel Alvarez . To much ? To little ? No sense?
Steve Adams
Reyes has had an awful season, Bridwell hasn’t been much better, and Alvarez doesn’t have much in the way of value. I don’t even think that’d get Cashner in this type of seller’s market, and it definitely doesn’t net Cashner plus three-and-a-half years of Solarte.
greydog
LMFAO!!!! There isn’t a person with an IQ above 70 that would trade Jomar Reyes straight up Cashner! You want Bridwell and Alvarez too?!? You are out of your mind crazy. The only crazier idea is to think someone would add Mancini or Walker to the deal. The only reason Reyes has struggled this year is because he is the youngest player in his league. The person who would trade him is probably the same person who wanted to trade Tillman when he struggled in the low minors when he was also the youngest player at the time too.
krillin
That escalated quickly
PhilliesFan012
Lol relax internet tough guy. Orioles are in win now mode and clearly feel cashner is what they need. Add Solarte and they have another solid option up the middle of JJ can’t stay healthy. Doesn’t have to be the specific players I said but Padres can sell high if including Solarte.
greydog
If they can sell as high as you think they can, trust me they stopped talking to Baltimore days ago because it’d be obvious that Baltimore isn’t a fit for that kind of deal. You realize Cashner is a #4 or #5 at best right? In the AL East his stats will be even worse.
PhilliesFan012
Yes I’m aware of cashners ceiling but I say he’s a #3 in need of a scenery change. I feel he’s better then the past two seasons suggest. And when pitching seems at a low this deadline teams may tend to sell high, especially when it comes with a couple years of Solarte and Baltimore being a win now team. I’m not saying this is the right trade for them because it could be regretful down the road. But you really won’t know until it does/doesn’t happen
greydog
There is nothing to indicate that he is anything other than a #4 or #5 other than your hopes that he will maybe do better. That is not enough to deal a medium level or better prospect.
PhilliesFan012
Look at his 2013 season, in 2014 he suffered from injury and lack of run support. He has solid stuff. And arguing with someone like you on the internet it liking talking politics with anyone it’s pointless. He is one of the top pitching options on the market right now next to rich hill who can’t stay healthy. The Padres have a chance to sell high because of how barren the pitching market is and will be.
youknowit
Actually he has a new Slider, go check out the story on it over at Fangraphs? Did you also know Cashner suffered two different injuries and DL stints but is healthy and throwing harder? I’m not going to say he’s a tough guy but maybe he’s healthy.
greydog
Sure it’s my fault you can’t support your insane rambling with any facts and can only defend it with your wishes and dreams that Cashner will find some magic beans and suddenly grow younger and find his stuff again. The stats support that he has never regained his stuff once he got his career changing injuries. He is now #5 pitcher for a bad team and should be valued as such. Acquiring him is the same as getting a lotto ticket. Maybe there will be a payout but you have to be insane to expect it.
PhilliesFan012
He’s better then his stats suggest, and San Diego just got a good haul for him so I rest my case. He’s now miamis number 3. Have a good day
krillin
Man, people’s feelings sure do get hurt easily over trade proposals. Maybe they aren’t aloud to speak at home so they let is all out with the use of a keyboard?
greydog
His stats are his stats, the last few years speak for themself. It’s too bad you get so bent out of shape when presented with a factually based argument and your is based on wishes and hopes.
PhilliesFan012
His career era is a very respectable 3.73 and his record is poor because of no run support so tell me again how there’s no stats to support that he is better then the past two seasons suggest
greydog
Pete Rose has very respectable stats too but much like Cashner he hasn’t produced the last few years either. I suppose you would trade a bunch of prospects to get him as well. By the way a lack of run support isn’t way Cashner has an ERA near 5.00. Obviously you have no idea what you are talking about. I’m not going to waste more time on dealing with a person who so clearly doesn’t have a clue about baseball and how stats are measured and used. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
PhilliesFan012
You compared cashner to rise lol your an idiot he has had two or three awful starts that have inflated his Era and if that’s the only stay you use value pitchers then you have no clue how stats are measured. Not only does two starts inflate his era close to 5, he’s allowing less hits then the years prior and has the same solid strike out rate he’s carried, which in fact is at a better rate then it was in his best 2 seasons. He has left the ball up a lot this season resulting in his home runs allowed total being risen. And his win loss again reflects on no run support. Again your an idiot
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
Now why would the Padres want to trade Solarte? He is the only Major League capable 3rd baseman in their entire organization and can’t see free agency with a telescope.
PhilliesFan012
Because he could be something they can use to get a good return, they aren’t going anywhere and need to trade what they can to get ahead in a year or two. People are saying to trade trout off the Angels to compete in a few years. I’m not in any way comparing Solarte to trout. They’re not in the same universe. But could serve as a trade chip to bring back younger players to help shape the future seasons
PhilliesFan012
Reyes still has a lot of potential in my mind though, and replace Bridwell with cleavinger. Maybe add Mancini or walker?
comebacktrail28
This should help he’s got a 5 era in San Diego I’m sure once he gets to Al East hell lower it to Around 3.5
Fenway North
LOL-ing
krillin
lol I sure hope he is being sarcastic
osonvs
macclean47
Am A O’s fan and i wouldn’t give u the time of day for Cashner !
Raptors Rampage
Pereonally, Preller should put REALLY high demands on the Orioles for cashner just for the sake of them backing out of the upton deal.
Even if it means taking a somewhat lesser deal elsewhere the way the orioles backed out last minute cause the owner had a change of heart after an agreement had been in place is shady business dealings.
Trade Cashner elsewhere even if it means lesser, but given the reported demand for cashner could still net a nice package. Orioles want him should pay a high price.
eric e.
The reports I read showed the Padres backed out due to finding someone who didn’t want them to take a big salary back in return and the prospect has a higher upside.
TD272
Not all that interested in Cashner, especially if it would take any real sort of prospect. But that might change if we have to see them roll out Ubaldo tomorrow as announced. Getting Kemp makes sense if the Padres would eat much of the salary owed but the O’s can’t tie up a lot of money given the guys they really need to sign coming up.
rivera42
Well, it depends. Does Baltimore have a middling low-A prospect to throw San Diego’s way? If yes, he should be theirs.
Howard-NY13
I don’t even know why the Padres want Jimenez
tdfriars
The thought is that the Padres would take Jimenez and the $13 or so million owed to him instead of simply sending the Orioles that money. That way the Padres can see if they can turn Jimenez around and extract some value from him instead of just eating the money in the deal.
afenton530
The Orioles entire pitching development/coaching staff needs to go. Otherwise any starter that comes thru Baltimore will regress and/or never reach full potential
krillin
That does seem to be an issue for sure. It has been quite some time that I can remember the O’s being known for having a stellar pitching staff.
The_Porcupine
Agree completely. They haven’t been able to draft and develop any notable pitchers for what seems like forever. And they don’t like to spend money on pitchers within free agency unless they are a “bargain.” Britton developed, but it took a move to the bullpen to do it. Mussina might have been the last good pitcher to come through.
krillin
Wow, Mussina was forever ago lol. I am feeling older just hearing that name.
easternshoreorioles
You realize Tillman developed in the O’s farm system right? Gausman still has a lot of potential. Bundy has looked like the pitcher the O’s thought they were getting when drafting him. He was perfect through 5 innings last night. Just ran out of gas in the 6th. Still working on getting his stamina back. Mychael Givens. Hell Zach Davis and Josh Hader would make the O’s pitching look a lot better if they didn’t trade them away. Hurts losing those 2 especially for who they were traded for.
krillin
I think he was more talking about starters. I personally think Guasman is better then how he is pitching in Baltimore. I am absolutely no expert though. Especially with the O’s.