I think you might be underselling martes. His stuff is electric. He is 21 years old. He, at worst, is a setup/closer type giving him a very high floor and obviously a very high ceiling of a TOR guy. I for sure don't want him in our own division where we have to see him 4 to 5 times a season for the next 5 years. We should not include him in any Gray or Darvish deal.
Other than the last time he experienced playoff pressure during the 2015 playoffs, allowing 2 runs in 6 1/3 innings for a QS against the eventual WS champions.
McCullers pitched great early in season when Astros will still trying to get in playoffs. If McCullers is having a mental slide...it is from lack of pressure. Most likely, his command is a little out of whack with plenty of time to get back in the groove. Only worry should be that command issue is because something is physically wrong or that he gets hurt again.
I can't imagine a scenario in which they would make Bumgarner available...but if they did, SELL SELL SELL. Not sure how much he'd want to play in the AL as he likes to hit. but man would that be awesome to be able to go into series in which the opposing team might have to face Keuchel and Bumgarner twice each. That said, I have to think that the Giants FO believes this season is an outlier and won't be looking at a total tear down.
I'd forgotten about that showing. I stand corrected. That only diminishes my concerns slightly though.
Price on DL now.... curious to see if the Red Sox jump into the fray. It would never happen.... but how baller would it be if Luhnow decided to sell high on Fiers/Peacock to some other contender in need of playoff pitching? (he'd have to have virtual assurances that Keuchel, LMJ, McHugh were all just fine).
I could definitely see a senario where Fiers was dealt. What if a team like TB was winning to sell Archer but only if they could get a replacement for this year. A prospect package plus Fiers for Archer might be something good for both sides
I would understand Luhnow not making a move due to the asking prices on some of these guys, but I'm not gonna lie and tell you I'd be happy about it. Sitting around watching your assets lose value isn't exactly maximizing return on them, and the odds are astronomical that even HALF of our top 10 prospects pan out to be solid contributors to the major league team in the next 2-3 years. At some point, you have to pay to play, and 67-34 suggests that NOW is the time.
Is there a true ace out there that's worth 2 great prospects? Look at what David Price went for 2 years ago (and look at where those prospects are now)....that pales in comparison for what lesser pitchers are going for now. I'm right there with you.... I think its silly to hoard, silly to not strike when you have the best chance in franchise history to do noise... but the asking prices (for not much return) are also just as silly right now. I have no doubt, they're trying. They're not just standing pat saying this team is good enough simply because they've been fortunate to have an offense that carries them at times due to 3 MVP caliber players, along with unexpected step-up performances from Fiers/Peacock. At the same time, they're not going to pay an exorbitant amount for lesser players. Luhnow wants a big fish... and will trade/pay for one. There's no Price, Hamels, or even Kazmir on the market right now. Doesn't mean there may not be somebody made available that hasn't been leaked yet...
Jerry Crasnick: Big weekend for the #Orioles and #Rangers in Texas. Lots of scouts expected to be on hand to watch Zach Britton and Brad Brach. Britton is throwing 96 mph, but teams want to see him pitch back-to-back games. He hasn't done that since return from DL July 5. #Orioles Big question for clubs: How will Britton's velo hold up on 2nd day? If it's still 96 or so, that's a good sign. Dip to 93 ... not so much. Late-developing market on Britton still possible. Several contenders have been monitoring him. #Cubs #Dodgers #Astros and others. #Nationals could use Britton as well, but there are no indications there's anything brewing between them and #Orioles at the moment.
Pretty sure Verlander isn't traded until August when some team loses a starter and is willing to pay more of his salary. Why try to compete with teams with better pitchers when you will have best pitcher that can get through waivers? If someone claims him, let them have him.
Tucker, Tucker, F Perez, Feliz and Fiers For Archer and a low level guy who Luhnow really likes Rays get two top prospects, a replacement for Archer for now in Fiers, a quality pen arm they need in Feliz, and older Tucker gives them a lefty bench bat We get our game 2 starter who we control for 4 more years after this
