Rumor has it that Philadelphia Phillies’ Ace Cole Hamels will be dealt in a matter of days and with pitchers and catchers reporting in just over two weeks, the time is now for Ruben Amaro to try and salvage his offseason–and likely his job. Hamels is the jewel of the trade market and the only Ace available (sorry James Shields) and Amaro should have no trouble commanding a hefty return. The real question is who among the suitors will pony up the most. My hunch is the Boston Red Sox.
The Sox’ need for a frontline arm is well documented, as is their glut of youth. While Boston won’t part with Xander Bogaerts, a massive package made up of other young pieces could suffice. Blake Swihart (C), Matt Barns (P), and Garin Ceccini (3B) would be the prospects, and all three are organizational top tens (1, 7, and 9, respectively). From the major league roster, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Shane Victorino could prove the difference.
Blake Swihart would be the centerpiece, as he has steadily climbed the rankings for the past three years and currently sits at #18 on MLB’s Top 100 (and #10 according to Keith Law). Current catcher Carlos Ruiz is still trying to relocate his pre-PED suspension swing, and even if he finds it, he could be a trade chip as early as July (he’s signed through 2016). If Ruiz flourishes, Swihart could season a year as a backup; if Ruiz flounders, Swihart could make him expendable quickly.
Matt Barnes is a borderline disappointment, but still has considerable upside. After a poor showing the past year and a half Barnes’ future isn’t clear. He began to right the ship at the close of 2014 however, and in 9 IP in Boston (4.00 ERA), he showed the ability to get major league hitters out. Barnes probably wouldn’t impact the big league squad to begin the year, but a strong spring could help him find his way into a weak Phillies bullpen.
Garin Ceccini might be heading in the same direction as Barnes, but is younger and just a season removed from projected stardom. The Phillies would hope 2015 sees him put together a complete thought offensively, tapping into the raw power he hasn’t been able to find as of yet, with OBPs consistently at or near .400. At worst he looks to have a floor as a serviceable utility 3B/LF.
Going to Philly with the prospects would be ex-stud prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. Although another player heading the wrong way, JBJ is at least an MLB proven commodity defensively. Playing Gold Glove caliber defense in center field for a full season, the hit tool he flaunted in AAA hasn’t materialized at the highest level. But he showed it in the minors, posting a career line there of .290/.394/.456.
Finally, the cherry on top, if you will: Shane Victorino. Boston would eat virtually all of the $13MM owed to the former All-Star and Phillie fan favorite, but it would free space in the Red Sox crowded outfield and provide a palatable egress for the frustrated star. In Philadelphia, he would play well with the sentimental contingent (if that exists in Philly) and provide a selling point in what promises to be a lost season anyway.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherrington has said he doesn’t expect many big changes before camp breaks on February 20th–but GMs can’t be trusted. Failing to trade Hamles this offseason would be Pete Carroll-level blunder from Ruben Amaro, and for Boston’s rotation of number 2’s, he’s just what the doctor ordered. The Red Sox have the pieces; but it remains to be seen if they’re willing to part with them.
-Ari Glantz
