FanPost

Hamels to the Cardinals?




Recently, Ken Rosenthal reported the cardinals were interested in 3 aces; Free Agent RHP Max Scherzer, and trade targets LHP David and LHP Cole Hamels. What would it take the acquire the ace lefty Hamels? Let's take a look.

The Cardinals would for sure have to move one of Marco Gonzales/Carlos Martinez in a deal. I think the Phillies would prefer Carlos Martinez, but it's Ruben Amaro, so you never know. Also would have to be included are one of Stephen Piscotty/Randal Grichuk. Again, I think the Phillies would prefer Piscotty, but Amaro.

So, a deal would have to be headlined by Martinez/Gonzales or Piscotty/Grichuk. Lets take a look at what else it would take.

Along with the package I mentioned above, I think the cardinals would have to include 2-3 lower level minor leaguers. So we're talking someone like C Carson Kelly (Yes, I know he isn't really a lower level prospect) and SP Nick Petree. While the Cardinals don't really have a need for Petree, Carson Kelly could be the Yadier Molina replacement. While I am a huge fan of Kelly, there are some questions about his offense, but his defense was better than expected in 2014 in his first year at the catching position. I think the Cardinals need to draft a catcher.

So the package would look like Martinez/Marco, Grichuk/Piscotty, Carson Kelly and Nick Petree. To complete this deal, I would expect the Phillies to take off 20-25 mil of Hamels contract, to make it look more appealing to the Cardinals.

Would the Cardinals give up this much? Would Ruben Amaro Jr. accept this deal? That's another story. But this probably is a fair deal.