Padres Editorial: Drew Pomeranz Will ONLY Be Dealt for the HO– USE
Credit: AP Photo
Miami Marlins
The Marlins have come out of nowhere to become a very relevant team in the National League East. They have some rotation needs as the team has little behind ace Jose Fernandez. Drew Pomeranz would be a great fit for the Marlins but there is a problem. The Marlins farm system is not exactly loaded with talent at the moment. Their #1 ranked prospect Tyler Kolek injured his elbow in the Spring and underwent Tommy John surgery in April. He was nearly major league ready and his loss was huge for the Marlins.
Right handed pitcher Jeff Brigham is a decent mid level prospect. He is currently 3-5 with a 4.54 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP for the Jupiter Hammerheads at the High A-Ball level. In his 17 games, 13 of them have been out of the rotation. The 24-year-old has lively fastball that can touch 97 on the gun. He also has an above average slider and a change up that is progressing. His future could be in the rotation or he could be an excellent setup man or closer. Brigham was originally drafted by the Dodgers but dealt to the Marlins in the Mat Latos trade in 2015. He by himself would not be nearly enough for Pomeranz.
Luis Castillo is an interesting option for the Padres. The power right handed pitcher has a great fastball and is showing improved command. This season he is 6-3 with a 2.39 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 17 games and 15 starts. He has been transitioning into the rotation after pitching in relief for his entire pro career. The 6′ 2″ 170 lb right hander has a triple digit fastball and a n excellent slider. Castillo has a developing change up which has been showing much progress against left-handed hitters. In 83 innings this season Castillo has struck out 65 while walking only 12. The 23-year-old has also only allowed one home run. His maturity and ability to pitch to contact shows that this young man has great ability and upside. He should progress relatively fast but overall the Marlins lack the upper level talent the Padres need to move Pomeranz. A Cashner deal could also be in the works with the Marlins as they search for rotation options.
Texas Rangers
This team makes the absolute most sense for a Drew Pomeranz deal. The Rangers G.M. Jon Daniels and A.J. Preller were fraternity brothers at Cornell University and the two friends could very easily pull off a monster trade. There are reports that the Rangers are indeed scouting Pomeranz and they have done their home work on him too. Pomeranz as well as Derek Norris, Andrew Cashner and Ryan Buchter make sense for the Rangers as they look to make a playoff run. They have two perfect prospects that are seemingly blocked at the major league level. Jurickson Profar and Joey Gallo would be ideal acquisitions for the Padres. There have been reports that the Padres G.M. covets Profar, but has yet to come up with an adequate package for the speedy shortstop. Pomeranz could easily change things.
Gallo also makes sense as the Padres are starved for left-handed hitting power and also lack a third baseman for the future. Could you imagine a heart of the order that consists on Wil Myers, Joey Gallo and Hunter Renfroe. That sounds like a great heart of the order. Add Profar and Manuel Margot to the top of the order and the Padres are set for years to come from 1-5 in their order. Adding both prospects will cost more than Pomeranz though. The Rangers are in no rush no move Gallo and Profar is just beginning to get his value up to where it once was before two injury-plagued seasons. Pomeranz and Derek Norris would be a great starting point for both Profar and Gallo, but this potential deal really could get super-sized if the Rangers are willing to go all-in.
Besides Profar and Gallo the Rangers system is loaded with talent. Lewis Brinson, Leody Taveras, Andy Ibanez, Travis Demeritte, and Yohander Mendez are all great prospects and with a system loaded like the Rangers currently are, it is only matter of time before they unload talent to improve their major league team. If Pomeranz is to be dealt my money is on the Texas Rangers being the team he is moved to. Profar and Gallo are legit prospects and Preller’s familiarity with the Rangers system makes a potential deal with the Rangers exciting. Don’t fret Padres fans. The team is not executing a fire sale. Drew Pomeranz will only be dealt if moving him makes the team better. The Padres would be foolish not to listen to offers. Just because they are, doesn’t mean a Pomeranz deal is inevitable. Only time will tell.
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.