Ryan Dempster, Shaun Marcum, Johan Santana, and Cole Hamels' trade value
I've written several times that I can't see the Phillies trading away Cole Hamels, but that doesn't mean they won't trade him, which does mean we have to keep an eye on the potential market for him. Last week, we broke down what the Phillies should be in a position to demand in return from the star left-hander, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. Of course, a lot depends on the market, specifically what other options there are for teams who are looking to upgrade their rotation for the stretch run. In that light, a few recent developments would seem to bolster Hamels' current market worth. Yesterday, the Brewers scratched starter Shaun Marcum from a start due to soreness in his right elbow, the latest health concern for the starter. Marcum, who is 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA, has the potential to be on the market given the Brewers' struggles this season.
Ryan Dempster, Shaun Marcum, Johan Santana, and Cole Hamels' trade value
David Murphy
I've written several times that I can't see the Phillies trading away Cole Hamels, but that doesn't mean they won't trade him, which does mean we have to keep an eye on the potential market for him. Last week, we broke down what the Phillies should be in a position to demand in return from the star left-hander, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season. Of course, a lot depends on the market, specifically what other options there are for teams who are looking to upgrade their rotation for the stretch run. In that light, a few recent developments would seem to bolster Hamels' current market worth. Yesterday, the Brewers scratched starter Shaun Marcum from a start due to soreness in his right elbow, the latest health concern for the starter. Marcum, who is 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA, has the potential to be on the market given the Brewers' struggles this season.
--More significant is the Cubs' decision to place righty Ryan Dempster on the disabled list because of tightness in his lat. A free agent after the season, Dempster has had an outstanding campaign thus far. According to the Chicago Sun Times, there is no timetable for his return, but the injury definitely raises questions about his availability at the trade deadline.
--For most of the first two months of the season, I thought Johan Santana had a shot at becoming 2012's version of 2010 Roy Oswalt, a renowned pitcher with a year-and-a-half left on his contract who emerged as one of the top guns for hire on the trade market. This is a guy who pitched a four-hit complete game shutout with seven strikeouts on 96 pitches six days BEFORE he pitched a no-hitter.
But Santana still has to prove he has rebounded from his 134-pitch effort in that no-no on June 8th. In two starts since, he has allowed 10 runs on 13 hits with 11 strikeouts and five walks in 10 innings. There are other factors that could limit his return -- he has pitched on normal rest in only four of his 13 starts, and has pitched on six days rest twice. Most significant, though, is the roughly $40 million that any team who trades for him will owe him through next season. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause.
Hamels has'nt looked looked dominating in his last three outings. Very shaky at best. Hope he is healthy.
I definitely see him getting traded at the deadline if the Phillies are out of it.
They could then reevaluate their interest in hin when he hits free agency.
Should the Phillies get reasonably close by the deadline, where even a wild card is a possibilty, Hamels is here till season season end.
They have about a month to make that happen.
Atlanta has hit their second rough patch this season and now looks like Beachy is gone for year.
The Yankees have taken some of the sail out of the Nationals high flying run.
The Marlins have been a mystery to even themselves - good and bad.
Few of the experts expect the Mets to hang on much longer. ( Would'nt it be wild if the Mets hang in there, the Phillies falter, and the Mets are in the market for Hamels and Victorino to push them over the finish line ).
There may be some hope for the Phillies but not with the way they have been playing. Their game would have to greatly improved to have any chance.
— candidly- Just looking at the ages of the Phillies other key players, and the lack of ready or near ready replacements available in the system, I think Hamels status of being the organization's only elite level player (or at least above average if your not fan) makes it imperative that they find a way to re-sign him.
Those pointing to the Phils seeming abundance of prospect level pitching should keep in mind that most are a long ways away from reaching the big leagues, and even further away from, and even less likely of reaching the level where they are above average level major league performers, and to win pennants the Phils don't just need "major leaguers", but "elite major leaguers".
Hamels is the only one they have that's on the right side of thirty.
Pay the man.— andyd - I agree with andyd. You don't let a pitcher of that caliber go, you just don't.— DaveCicc
- @carlnidray, because that "philly" persona has really brought this city so many championships the past 30 years...— smiggs13
- Hamels should get his payday, and from the Phillies. Lee might be a better trade prospect. He needs a change and is signed long term already, so he should bring more.— Paul SoTX
- Hmels is from San Diego- not LA Einstein- big difference.
I would trade Cole so you can begin to rebuild. Need some young talent. Should never have signed Rollins.— Manny Trillo - Hamels to the Texas Rangers for Josh Hamilton straight up.— sonnybuoy01
- these pitchers can not wait to get out of here...and who can blame them with numbnutz like rollins and amaro running this team?— 1stamendment
- @1stamendment, I love when morons like you post their "opinion" as fact. Please document when and where you've had discussions with Phillies pitchers where they shared with you that they "can't wait to get out of here". You're a dope.— JBinPA
- They should try hard to sign Cole right up to the deadline. Then, trade him if he doesn't sign...it's that simple. I see Toronto as a possible destination. They have some good young position players where we need them: Lawrie (3B) and Rasmus (CF)...plus, the Phils would love to get d'Arunad back.— Phront_Runner
- An Angels trade would be the perfect match for Cole and the Phils....I would start with getting Trumbo (1B/3B/OF) and then raid their minor leagues for a pitcher, outfielder and infielder with some pop.— ginzo
- Angels could use a boost to catch the Rangers. How about Hamels and Victorino for Trout and their third base prospect Kaleb Cowart ( we need to find Polanco's replacement sooner rather than later ) . I would even throw in another prospect if that's what it would take to get one of the most dynamic young players in the league. Trout comes home and Hollywood and Shane go back to the west coast.— bigkahuana
- Hamels, D Brown, + to Angels for Trout, Trumbo & V Wells (if nec.)— jdlam
- If Trout was on your roster would you for a second consider trading him. Dont bother answering it's a rhetorical question. A Trout comes along very very seldom. Trout would be high in conversation for best young player in game.... Minor leaguers Quinn has 6 SB and Cousins has 3 HRs in 10 games. Unfortunately a few years away.— Don w
