MLB Trade Rumors: Market “Brimming” with Starting Pitchers

In his Tuesday article, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports indicated that the trade market is “brimming” with starting pitching options.  Rosenthal said that teams searching for starting pitching, including the Blue Jays, Royals, Red Sox, Tigers and others, “do not lack for options this spring”.  According to Rosenthal, the Phillies, Nationals, White Sox, Rays and Rangers could all potentially have starters in play.

The obvious names have been well documented.  It’s being reported that John Lannan will likely be traded before Opening Day.  While the White Sox have said they are not shopping Gavin Floyd, rumors would indicate otherwise.  We found out this weekend that the Phillies are open to eating some of Joe Blanton’s salary in order to facilitate a trade.

Beyond these usual suspects, Rosenthal noted that the Rangers and Rays could also “deal from surplus” this spring.

Many expected Tampa Bay to trade one of Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann this offseason.  Both starting pitchers remain with the Rays, and one is likely headed to the bullpen to start the season.

Texas has multiple pitchers that can pitch in multiple situations.  Neftali Feliz epitomizes the Rangers staff, as the flamethrower is making the jump to Texas’s starting rotation after spending last season as the club’s closer.  With their number of starting options, Rosenthal said the Rangers could potentially send both Alexi Ogando and Scott Feldman to their ‘pen.  Ogando started 29 games for the Rangers last season, while Feldman started 78 games from 2008-10.

As expected when spring training began, there is the potential for several moves to be made before Opening Day 2012 rolls around.  What’s to be determined is if these rumors will remain just that, or if clubs will pull the trigger to improve their chances for the upcoming season.

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