That possible Rick Porcello three-team trade, involving the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles and Chicago Cubs?
Not happening. If it was ever floated, it didn’t get far. RT @geoff_bitson: @beckjason Any news on this Orioles/Cubs/Tigers trade?
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) January 14, 2013
That’s MLB.com Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck, shooting down any lingering possibility that the rumored deal hits. But FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi tweeted early Monday morning that at least two other teams have kicked the tires on Porcello:
#Mariners and #DBacks have had talks with the #Tigers about acquiring Rick Porcello, sources say.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 14, 2013
There’s no telling how far those “talks” have gotten — are the Tigers actively looking to deal Porcello? Or are teams just calling Dave Dombrowski to gauge Detroit’s interest in possible deals?
With spring training set to begin in a month, Porcello currently in penciled in as a potential fifth starter, alongside Drew Smyly. The loser of that battle likely would inherit the Tigers’ long relief duties.
While it would be nice to have Porcello around, since the Tigers’ rotation is a thin (albeit very talented) one, keeping him on the roster to eat innings as a reliever would be a bit of a waste. That’s especially true if the Tigers could swing him for any piece of substantial value.
With Anibal Sanchez re-signed, there also does not appear to be much chance — barring an injury — that one of the top four spots in Detroit’s rotation will come open anytime soon. Max Scherzer cannot become an unrestricted free agent, without the Tigers declining to offer him arbitration, until 2015; Doug Fister would not hit the market until 2016.
So, dumping Porcello might wind up being Detroit’s decision. It’s just a matter of finding the right deal.
Original Story:
|
January 16, 2013
