Cubs contacted TB about Crawford per ESPN1000

[USSoccer]

As a starter Marmol's trade value is only a small fraction of Crawford's. Marmol hasn't proved anything at the big league level except as a reliever.

 

Neither has Joba but he's widely considered to be an untouchable than most anybody would love to trade for. Just because he hasn't "proved" capable as a major league starter doesn't mean he holds minimal trade value.

 

Comparatively minimal trade value is what I'm talking about. Crawford is a very good and proven everday position player in the prime of his career with an extremely desirable contract situation. In terms of trade value he's in whole different class from Marmol.

 

Again, though, look at it from TB's point of view. They want cheap, young, pre-arb pitching. Crawford is getting expensive for them, and they have a glut of OF's that need playing time. They could deal Baldelli, but not get as much in return.

 

Now, look at what they would get in Gallagher, Marshall and Marmol. In Gallagher they get a guy who could step in and start right away, with only 1 year of service time and have a ceiling anywhere from Paul Byrd to Fausto Carmona based on minor league numbers. Marshall is a somewhat proven commodity to give you decent production as a starter, and is a couple years away from arb. Marmol, at the least, gives them a guy who can close games effectively, or they can stretch him out and start him.

 

They'd get 3 arms. 2 starters and a closer, or 3 potential starters, two of which have enjoyed success at the ML level, who are all making league minimum. That's going to be appealing to TB.

[Mephistopheles]

The Rays said they want proven veteran pitching too you know

[USSoccer]

The Rays said they want proven veteran pitching too you know

 

Did they?

 

I'd send them Marquis if they want him.