BD Hot Stove: Nolasco, No Greinke, No Pitching | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Nolasco, No Greinke, No Pitching | Baseball Digest

Available pitching got even slimmer over the weekend with the trade of Zack Greinke and the announcement that the Florida Marlins had come to terms with Ricky Nolascoon a three year contract. Nolasco wasn’t eligible for free agency, but the Marlins were having trouble locking him up and were taking calls on possible trades. The $26.5M deal eliminates the last two years of Nolasco’s arbitration eligibility and his first possible year of free agency.

Back to Greinke for a moment. Per the NY Post’s Joel Sherman, the Royals reportedly offered Greinke to the Yankees in return for Jesus Montero, Eduardo Nunez, and either Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos. A very steep price that GM Brian Cashman was not willing to give up for only two guaranteed years of Greinke.

Another pitcher who may or may not be back is Andy Pettitte, who’s decision making skills seem to be right up there with Brett Favre’s. At least he’s not making daily/weekly pronouncements. With the Yankees pitching so up in the air, how long until Cashman takes the Royals asking price to Seattle in a Hail Mary attempt for Felix Hernandez?

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Braves have re-signed outfielder Rick Ankiel to a one year, $1.5M deal.

The Brewers are bringing back infielder Craig Counsell for another year.

The Twins added to their depth, signing former Braves prospect Chuck James to a minor league deal.

Since George Steinbrenner took over the team, the Yankees always have had a penchant for bringing guys back a second time. Add reliever Luis Vizcaino to that list. He was inked to a minor league deal.

The Indians dealt Austin Kearns to the Yankees at the trade deadline, but have brought the free agent back with a one year, $1.3M deal.

The World Champion Giants inked veteran reliever Guillermo Mota to a minor league deal.

The Rangers added some depth by signing a trio of veterans. Outfielder Endy Chavez, pitcher Seth McClung, and infielder Brian Barden all got minor league deals and major league invitations.