Could the Cardinals afford to pay for another high profile starter? (photo/Phillies.com)
All of the offseason talk when it comes to pitching acquisitions in the NL Central have gone through Chicago. First Jon Lester was scooped up and then James Shields was in their sights. After the San Diego Padres finalized their $75 million, four-year contract with Shields, reports now swing to talks with the Phillies about acquiring lefty starter Cole Hamels.
However, Hamels’ partial no-trade clause allows him to block trades to all but eight teams. According to Sports Mockery, four of those eight teams, San Diego, Texas, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cardinals, have stayed in contact with the Phillies on Hamels.
As far as the Cardinals, why not? The rotation is considered one of the deepest in baseball, but that is on shaky ground.
Jaime Garcia has been limited to 16 starts over the last two seasons. He’s trying to come back following his rehab from thoracic outlet surgery.
Michael Wacha went on the DL in June with a stress reaction in his shoulder, but Wacha and the Cardinals staff feel the injury will not be an issue.
Adam Wainwright pitched the whole year but had off season surgery on his elbow.
The Philadelphia Phillies said they are willing to listen to offers for the 31-year-old Hamels, who is coming off a season in which he finished fifth in the National League in ERA (2.46). The Phillies are looking for young talent in the form of catchers and shortstops
