MLB Trade Rumors: Wandy Rodriguez and Carlos Quentin
By Editorial Staff
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports gave his thoughts on two players who’ve become extremely familiar with Major League Baseball’s rumors mill; Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez and Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin. Rosenthal pegged both players as trade candidates this summer and expects each to garner their fair share of attention.
Quentin was traded from the White Sox to the Padres this past New Year’s Eve for a pair of prospects. Even so, with the way San Diego has started the season, the veteran slugger could find himself on the trade block once again not even a full calendar year later.
Quentin has yet to take the field for the Padres as he’s recovering from surgery on his right knee. The two-time All-Star is expected back in early May, and if he’s able to return to form early he could be a highly-coveted player come deadline time.
Over his six major league season, Quentin has maintained a line of .252/.346/.490. The slugger has surpassed the 20 home run-plateau in each of the past four seasons and tallied 36 long balls in 2008.
Another player that’s no stranger to trade rumors is Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros starter has logged eight seasons in Houston despite seemingly being continually on the trade block.
Rodriguez’s contract figures to turn off potential suitors, as Wandy is owed $10 million this season and $13 million in 2013. Rodriguez’s deal also includes a $13 million option for 2014 which turns into a player option if he’s traded.
Still, Rosenthal notes how consistently good Rodriguez has been since 2008. Over that span, Rodriguez owns the 14th best ERA-plus in the majors, placing him ahead of high-profile pitchers such as John Danks, Mark Buehrle, Matt Garza and James Shields.
Rodriguez is off to a hot start this season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 1.42 and 1.026 over 25 1/3 innings pitched. If Wandy’s able to keep it up, Rosenthal believes that, despite his contract, the right-hander will garner trade attention this summer.
For more on the Astros and Padres be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill and Chicken Friars.
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