A starting pitcher might be available for the Phillies, he’s a southpaw, but will general manager Matt Klentak have something to offer that the other organization will have interest in?
One portsider:
While the Philadelphia Phillies continue waiting for a bargain, the cost for Yu Darvish dropped to $126 million over six campaigns. Ergo, it lowers the asking prices of other starters and leaves the Chicago Cubs without a rotation slot for a hopeful left-hander.
"IN OTHER WORDS: “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.” – Orison Swett Marden"
Darvish was the first signing of the top four pitchers available, and Scott Boras represents the top three remaining. But the best unsigned starters also affected franchises willing to trade a rotation piece because they raised their anticipated return accordingly and held out for better proposals.
Unfortunately, some front offices want a moundsman for their starting staff, not just bargain hunters. Meanwhile, other clubs went in another direction to set their rosters and are now out of the picture for Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, and Lance Lynn.
Without question, though, late movement tends to benefit the industry vultures: those teams with the reputation of exploiting a valuable asset. Yes, previously overpriced talent still available might have to choose between accepting less than they’re worth or sitting out half a season.
Klentak’s situation is unusual because he has the money and the openings, but he also has young in-house candidates. That stated, he won’t hesitate for a bargain, but what is his most significant need? A lefty!
With Darvish under contract, no free-agent pitcher will exceed his deal dollarwise or lengthwise, and the Cubs now have an extra starter: left-hander Mike Montgomery. But general managing 101 teaches execs to underbid for a player where a franchise has a talent overage.
Since Chicago (NL) doesn’t have many weaknesses, interested organizations will have a difficult task: finding a piece the northsiders will want. But a leadoff man is a possible hole in their offense. Roman Quinn?
Cubs and Phillies leadoff hitters OBA (on-base average):
- Jon Jay (free agent): .325 (77/237) and a .296 Avg.
- Ben Zobrist: .330 (60/182) and a .232 Avg.
- Kyle Schwarber: .312 (54/173) with a .211 Avg.
- Cesar Hernandez: .371 (212/572) with a .294 Avg.