Trade Series PT 3: Cole Hamels Blockbuster to the Yankees

Yankees:


As always, the Yankees are one of the top teams in baseball. Their offense is nearly unstoppable, and despite an injury to Michael Pineda before the season and Mariano Rivera, their pitching staff has been putting it together, with only a few headaches. The Yankees have been known to make big splashes in trades, but this year may be different because of Brian Cashman's declaration that he will not be making big moves at the deadline this year. The Yankees may not pull the trigger on Hamels because they aim to get under the luxury tax threshold next year, and having Hamels on the payroll may cost them an additional $22-26 million per year that they won't be able to spend. As stated in earlier posts, the Phillies are starting to age and it seems that they may be getting closer to the point of selling as each day progresses.

LHP Cole Hamels to the Yankees for LHP Manny Banuelos, RHP Dellin Betances, C Gary Sanchez, OF Slade Heathcott


The Yankees get another big name to put into their rotation, and Hamels would fill a huge spot for the Yankees, who are missing CC Sabathia and Pettitte with injuries right now. If the Yankees were to trade with him, they would be fully capable of signing him to an extension. The only thing that may keep them from doing this is if they do not want to go over the luxury tax threshold next year. The Yankees do not need to drop big on Hamels to keep themselves in the race and secure their playoff spot, but he sure as hell would help.

The Phillies, once again need to get prospects for Hamels, as their chances of resigning him are getting smaller. This trade would net them two near-ready pitchers to put into their rotation and a great catching prospect in Sanchez, who might ready in time for when Ruiz might leave in free agency or not be good enough to start. Heathcott is a good talent to have around for the future, as his ceiling is pretty high, and he might develop into a good hitting outfielder to eventually replace Victorino.

It has been stated in different blogs that the Phillies asking price might already be too high for the Yankees, who are reluctant to part with prospects and increase payroll much this year.

Trade Idea Series PT 1: Cole Hamels Blockbuster to the Rangers

Cole Hamels is the best pitcher on the trading block right now. He is only 28 and in a contract year, only 5 months away from signing a contract worth well over $100 million. He has some great stuff combined with determination and the old school pitching style and grit. When the Phillies start actively shopping him, they are assured to be berated by offers from other teams that want Hamels leading them down the last stretch of the season. Some teams may want to complete a trade only if Hamels signs an extension, so that may hamper the trade package that the Phillies will receive for him. In my opinion, there are 6 teams that will actively pursue and try to acquire him. I am only excluding the Nationals because of the incident with Hamels earlier in the year with Harper. The teams include the Rangers, Dodgers, and the Yankees.

Rangers:
The Rangers are always in the market for improvements even though they have the most formidable team in the league. It is already rumored that they have scouts at the games of the top market stocks in Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels. The Phillies are getting close to the point where they might be selling off their aging stars that are about to hit free agency and maybe even the ones that are under contract for a couple more years(ie Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Placido Polanco, Carlos Ruiz, Joe Blanton)

Here is my trade proposal...

LHP Cole Hamels to the Rangers for LHP Martin Perez, 3B Mike Olt, RHP Neil Ramirez, RHP Tanner Scheppers, C Jorge Alfaro

This is a pretty hefty package for what might only be a half season rental of Cole Hamels, but the Rangers are not afraid to make big impact moves to improve their ball club down the stretch and make moves that will matter mostly in the playoffs. They have made a move similar to what I have proposed for Hamels when they traded for Cliff Lee. The Rangers are itching for their first World Series championship, and they will make sure every facet of their team is as solid as can be going into the playoffs so they do not falter again as they have the past two years.

The Phillies are starting to age, and the chances of them resigning Hamels seem to get smaller and smaller as each day passes. The Phillies are getting old, and this year is showing what weaknesses they have and what they need to improve to keep in the running with the NL East, which seems to get more competitive every week. They have said that they want a 3rd basemen, catcher, and high upside pitcher, and this trade brings in all three. It would be wise for them to trade Hamels and shore up their franchise instead of waiting until the offseason where there is a high chance that they will not resign him.

Trade Reaction: AJ Burnett to the Pirates

Hey everyone that is reading, sorry I haven't been posting in such a long time, I suffered a bad concussion in wrestling and haven't been able to look at a computer for a long time. I hope to get back to writing more and spreading my ideas!

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A.J. Burnett, cash to the Pirates for Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones

The Pittsburgh Pirates have set in place a deal with the New York Yankees to acquire AJ Burnett and cash for two lower ranked prospects(Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones). Moreno has been said to be able to reach 98 MPH on the radar gun but has many control problems and Cayones has had trouble developing as a hitter.

The Pirates have finally been able to acquire a big name, proven starter to incorporate into their rotation. I think that this is a good trade for the Pirates because they have not been able to draw any good pitching free agents, but this move shows that they are willing to expand payroll to take a shot at the division title. They did not have to give up any superb prospects and are paying Burnett what would have been set to give to any free agent starter, so they have filled their needs. Many say that going back to the National League helps a pitcher's numbers and may put him back into his old pitching ways.

The Yankees have been trying to free up payroll to add some bench bats to their team. They did pickup two prospects, that if they get their act into order, good provide some good upside. The trade also benefits Burnett, because he has a chance to start in the rotation again instead of being relegated to mopping up for the Yankees. I think the Yankees just wanted to move on from Burnett and free up the little amount of money they could to fill in their bench.

Overall Verdict: Pirates Win

The Pirates do not have to pay much to keep Burnett in the rotation and gave up two prospects that haven't been working out for them. They are still able to keep their budget going, because they money they had saved for a free agent starter that didn't sign with them. I don't think there is much room for the Pirates to screw up on this deal unless one of the prospects they traded away turn into a great player. Had free agent starters decided to not avoid Pittsburgh like its a plague, Burnett would not be on his way out of New York.