I do remember when Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes were 'untouchables' though ... halcyon days, for sure.
OR.........OR..................OR................
They can sign one of the 20 Free Agent pitchers that won't cost them Joc, Seager or U.
They will sign one of them for sure. But according to at least 1 reporter, they aren't interested in tying up 60 million per year on 3 starters. Also, there is no guarantee that either Greinke or Price sign there. And Miller is a better pitcher than any of the other pitchers available.
But, I have to wonder would a Simmons and Miller trade for Seager, Barnes and Holmes trade been workable? Especially at the deadline when they were looking for a shortstop and a SP and we sent them Wood and Peraza for some magic beans and a box of chocolates?
I highly doubt that.
I do remember when Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes were 'untouchables' though ... halcyon days, for sure.
No. Absolutely not.
Let's put it this way - when Heyward was a prospect, would you have traded him for those guys? Or to take the Braves feelings out of it, would you have traded him for Brandon Crawford and Michael Wacha?
The Dodgers are an interesting case. While the depth of their financial wherewithal can't be understated, it's pretty clear that Friedman values fiscal responsibility and is trying to build a powerhouse that is both deep and lean. Sinking $50MM + per year into two guys on the wrong side of 30 seems like something Ned Colletti would do, but I don't know if the new regime will ultimately tie their hands in that fashion.
Simply put. If the Braves trade Shelby Miller and don't get at least one major league ready player in return the John's better be getting the axe.
Right now, they have Kershaw, Ryu, McCarthy, Anderson as a top 4, they can sign a FA SP.
Not like LA is short on money.
Hopefully you are not serious. Ryu had a torn labrum or aka Minor.. may never pitch again. McCarthy had TJS and won't be ready until mid summer and even then innings limit and unsure how effective since he is already 32.. That leaves you Anderson and Woods.. The Dodgers are ready to compete NOW!!!!! they can not go into next season with a Kershaw/Cueto/Woods/Anderson rotation.. If they don't get Price or Grenkie then they have to get Miller or Julio PLUS another 2nd tier pitcher.. They can claim that X player is untouchable.. but they are in a situation that if they don't over pay for a top flight pitcher in FA.. then their entire farm has to be open for the pickings..
Maybe they dont get one of Greinke, Cueto, Price but they'll get one of the lower tier arms below that if they dont. Friedman isnt stupid.
Not like they're pitching pennies here, i think they keep Greinke anyway.
And McCarthy had TJ early in the year, he should be back by May or so.
No chance they are banking on McCarthy. He is 32 right now and would be on an innings limit at the very least. I seriously doubt He is ever effective again...
So again that would leave you with Kershaw/Wood/Anderson (who is coming off his first season since injury)/ FA signing.. You still need one more guy for that 5th slot and probably a safety net like a Fister signing.. They are hurting at pitching this year no doubt. They can throw some money at the bullpen and hope to get good there.. Hopefully big U is ready to step in..ha..
sorry..but the Dodgers don't hold any cards when dealing with the Braves for Miller or Julio... They can stand their ground and hold on to their talent, but they will not go anywhere this next season unless they fix that pitching I mentioned above.
Oh, and I don't think Zack resigns with the Dodgers. I think he is ready for a change of scenery. He likes to be out of the spot light... I am sure some of the personalities on the Dodgers rub him the wrong way as well..
Greinke doesnt even get that much spotlight really, its pretty much on Kershaw, others.
Greinke doesnt even get that much spotlight really, its pretty much on Kershaw, others.