Monday, May 25, 2015

Cole Hamels / Scott Kazmir Rumors

Rumors about Cole Hamels and / or Scott Kazmir coming to the Dodgers' starting pitching rescue keep abounding; and David Schoenfield of ESPN.com says the asking price is quite high (link insider only):

Cole Hamels, LHP
Philadelphia Phillies
Trade likeliness rating: 4 (on a scale of 1-to-5, with 5 being "gone")
Best fit: Dodgers

Interested teams: Astros, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees

Hamels, signed through 2018 with a club option for 2019, is the most valuable pitcher on the trade market because the acquiring club will control him through 2019 at market value. However, the Phillies don't have to trade him, and they won't if they don't get the package they're looking for. But I believe some team will pony up, especially given Hamels' postseason success.

Scott Kazmir, LHP
Oakland Athletics
Trade likeliness rating: 5
Best fit: Cardinals or Dodgers

Interested teams: Astros, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees

Kazmir, a free agent-to-be, has an impressive 8.9 K/9 rate this season, and opponents are hitting just .214 against him. The A's are not going to be able to sign him long-term, so he'll be dealt, and the A's should be able to get plenty for him. The Dodgers and Cardinals are the favorites, given their strong farm systems.

According to the same article, the Dodgers are also in the mix for Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Jeff Samardzija, Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse, and Tyler Clippard.

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