Padres Editorial: Drew Pomeranz Will ONLY Be Dealt for the HO– USE
Credit: AP Photo
There are rumors swirling that the San Diego Padres are gauging interest in Drew Pomeranz as teams search for help in their respected playoff push. The left-handed pitcher has been dominant at times this season and teams are beginning to really recognize his abilities. His scoreless inning of relief in the 2016 MLB All-Star Game was an indication that he can get anyone out. He is truly coming into his own as a pitcher.
Most Padres fans certainly do not want Pomeranz to be dealt, but those same fans can certainly be assured that he will only be dealt for nothing less than a boat-load of talent. The Padres have no need to deal Pomeranz as he is under contract for the next few seasons at a reasonable price. He is also certainly progressing as a player and at the right moment for the Padres team in development. If A.J. Preller is going to move the left-handed starter, a team will have to pay the hefty price tag.
There are many potential teams that could use the services of Pomeranz in their rotation. He is currently 8-7 on the year with a 2.47 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 102 innings pitched. The left hander is currently tied for 15th in strike outs in all of major league baseball with 115 K’s. He has been very consistent this season with his performances and that bodes well for his future. He is 4-2 in his last seven games and has thrown at least six innings in his last four starts. Pomeranz is showing no signs of slowing down even though he has pitched more innings than he ever has as a professional.
The numbers are really impressive for the young man who was supposed to be a bullpen piece when the team acquired him with Jose Torres and Jabari Blash from the Oakland Athletics for Yonder Alonso and Marc Rzepczynski. A truly great deal for the Padres young G.M. A.J. Preller. He went from bullpen piece to rotation member, to staff ace. Pomeranz has only failed to go less than five innings once in his 17 starts this season. He has also only eclipsed the 105 pitch mark five times in his 17 starts. The Padres have wisely not extended him too far and that should do well for the future of this young man.
The following teams have already been linked to Pomeranz already and could make a run at him come late July. Again, the Padres would have to be completely overwhelmed to pull the trigger. They are really in a great place as the pitching market is really weak right now. The next free agent class is virtually non-existent as far as pitchers go and there really aren’t very many quality pitchers available for trade either. If they intend to move him, they should have no problem finding a suitor.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles really have a need for starting pitcher, but their farm system is really weak. They don’t have much to offer for Pomeranz unless they are willing to part with their #2 prospect Jomar Reyes. The 19-year-old third baseman is on the fast track to the major leagues. He could fit well on the Padres as they lack quality third basemen in their minor league level. He was selected in 2014 as a 16-year-old in the International Draft. He has excellent size at 6′ 3” and 220 lbs to easily develop more power into his bat. Currently he is hitting .231 in High-A Ball with seven home runs and 33 RBI. Reyes is raw and has much work to do, but he is an excellent prospect at the hot corner.
The Orioles also have Tanner Scott, a left-handed pitcher who has opened some eyes this season and could be of interest to the Friars. He is 21 and is currently 4-1 with a 3.77 ERA for the Frederick Keys (Advanced A-Ball). The reliever has struck out 61 batters in his 45 innings pitched while recording four saves. He was the Orioles sixth round selection in the 2014 draft and throws absolute gas. He constantly hits tripe digits with his fastball and like most fire ballers, his control is an issue. Scott has walked 39 this year in his 45 innings, as he has to develop consistency and a better secondary pitch. Right now his slider is serviceable, but his change up is a work in progress. He by himself would not be enough to acquire for Pomeranz, but he is an intriguing option for the Padres.
Another name to remember to a lesser degree is relief pitcher Oliver Drake. The 29-year-old was drafted in the 43rd round of the 2008 draft and spent a long time in the minors before making his debut this season with the Orioles. He was throwing well in Triple-A as he went 0-1 with a 2.03 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP in 30 games while recording 10 saves. Last season Drake recorded 23 saves and had an ERA of 0.82 in Triple-A. He is an effective two-pitch pitcher as he comes at batters with a 90-94 MPH fastball and a split-finger fastball. You cannot deny his numbers and despite his age, he could be serviceable to a team looking for relief help. Overall the Orioles would have to come strong for a Pomeranz deal. I’m not sure Reyes is worth Pomeranz at this point for the Padres. The team would likely want a larger return for the lefty. Reyes is an excellent prospect, but his uncertainties are a bit troubling. The two teams don’t seem like a match for Pomeranz, but Andrew Cashner could be an option for the O’s.
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James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.