Mound Musings: The Tradewinds Blow

The non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and like it usually does, the deal deadline produced trades that could significantly impact fantasy roles over the last couple of months of the season. It looked like it might be relatively quiet until Monday when a flurry of deals shuffled some rotations, and, maybe even more so, some bullpens. There weren't really any top tier starters dealt, but some very big names in the bullpens changed uniforms creating save opportunities for some and likely eliminating them for others. Let's briefly see how some key changes shook out:

Matt Moore to San Francisco:

Moore probably isn't the safest bet to provide good fantasy numbers the rest of the way but he does have the highest ceiling of the starting pitchers who moved prior to the deadline, so he gets the top spot here. He was hugely successful in the Tampa Bay system earlier in his career, but injuries have always impeded his progress. It's all about command for him and the Giants will do everything they can to harness his arsenal. Certainly working alongside stellar fellow southpaw Madison Bumgarner could be a boost. He brings with him to the West Coast a 1.27 WHIP with a 4.08 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 130 innings, but if everything clicks all of those could improve.

Rich Hill to Los Angeles (NL):

Hill travels down the coast from Oakland to Los Angeles in a move that could be a help to the Dodgers ailing rotation. Hyun-Jin Ryu has missed the entire season, and perennial Cy Young candidate Clayton Kershaw has been out since late June with no timetable for a return. The frequently ailing mound corps also includes (at times) Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson, so adding Hill, who has been battling blister issues, seems like a natural fit. When healthy, and they expect him back this weekend, Hill should provide some quality innings for the Dodgers and his fantasy owners.

Andrew Cashner to Miami:

In the words of announcer Hawk Harrelson, Cashner is my "pick to click" from this year's trade deadline class. He simply has stuff that's just too good to produce the lackluster numbers he has posted in San Diego of late. So far this season, he has generated a 1.34 WHIP with a 4.54 ERA over 85.3 innings – not too unlike his 2015 stats. In 2013 and 2014 those numbers were considerably better. Perhaps the neck injury that cost him about a month earlier this season has yet to totally heal, or maybe he just needed a change of scenery, but I think he could enjoy a bit of a rebirth in Miami. The team is better defensively and the NL East offers a slightly softer schedule.

Francisco Liriano to Toronto:

This is one I will definitely be avoiding. Liriano moves from a friendlier venue with an extremely effective pitching coach in Pittsburgh, to a home run happy bandbox in Toronto where he will more frequently face heavy-hitting AL East lineups. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success to me. He carries with him a 1.62 WHIP and an equally horrid 5.46 ERA. Liriano can still throw a gem from time to time, and he still averages about a strikeout per inning, but his inability to consistently command the strike zone often leads to epic meltdowns that can destroy a fantasy ratio and ERA. I just don't see that tendency going away north of the border. Sure, he could surprise with some solid innings, but not for me.

Hector Santiago to Minnesota:

Here's another guy who might benefit from a change of scenery. With the Angels, he has posted an impressive 10-4 record, but that came with a less than impressive 4.25 ERA coupled with a weak 1.33 WHIP. That puts him on pace (peripherals wise) for his worst season in the major leagues (since his first full season in 2012). A few too many walks, and far too many home runs allowed have recently become his trademark traits, but I think he might curb that long ball habit in Minnesota. He is a flyball pitcher, but he hadn't served up so many long ones until the second half of last season.

Frankie Montas to Oakland:

He probably won't pitch this year for Oakland due to a couple of rib injuries, but there's a reason why teams constantly try to acquire him – and why he should be on your radar. This guy can bring it, and his pitches explode. He easily sits 96-98 mph and can hit triple digits. I think the A's still will try to develop him as a starter (he's a two pitch hurler with a plus fastball and a plus slider but a mediocre change), however, he could arrive quickly if they decide his future closing out is in the bullpen,

Different locales, but likely similar results:

These are a few recognizable names who also moved at the deadline, but despite new surroundings, these guys aren't likely candidates to enjoy a renewal of sorts for their careers. There are occasionally surprises when a pitcher moves, but show me.

The Pirates added Ivan Nova from the Yankees, but even though the coaching staff of the Pirates has built a pretty impressive reputation for improving the overall performance of several pitchers, I'm not sure Nova has the raw stuff to move up much. Conversely, the Angels picked live-armed Ricky Nolasco. He's made a career out of throwing pitches with limited movement to the middle of the plate with predictable results. It's possible things could click in Anaheim, but I need to see it. Wade Miley moves from pitcher-friendly Seattle to hitter-heaven Baltimore in the AL East. I'll pass. Jarred Cosart moves to San Diego, but that won't change the fact that he doesn't miss nearly enough bats. Jon Niese moves back to the Mets where he enjoyed some modest success, but he's fringe viable in most fantasy formats. Scott Feldman in Toronto? That's like throwing lit matches into the dynamite shed. Finally, one to watch. The Pirates also acquired Drew Hutchison from the Blue Jays. I have my doubts whether he can contribute much as a starter at the major league level, but the Pirates have made inroads with less talented arms so he needs to be monitored.

Some Notable Rotation Ramblings:

• The Reds welcomed Homer Bailey back to their rotation, and his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery wasn't bad at all. His command wasn't quite there yet, but that's to be expected. Unfortunately, his focus wasn't quite there either, as he fell asleep and allowed a steal of home.

• The Rays are anxiously awaiting the return of Alex Cobb who looked sharp in his first rehab outing. He worked a couple of scoreless innings, so there will be more rehab appearances to come as he builds arm strength. The Rays aren't in the playoff hunt so there's no hurry, but he could be back in September.

• I watched the Cubs' Kyle Hendricks dismantle the Miami Marlins earlier this week. During the broadcast they mentioned that he leads the league in soft contact, which isn't too surprising. He's certainly not a power pitcher, but he is proof that you don't need a huge arm if you spot your pitches consistently.

• It's possible that Toronto's Marcus Stroman is finding his stride after a season that has been more than just a little frustrating. In his last start he struck out a career-high 13 while allowing just one run over seven innings. He's too talented to stay down for long, so look forward to better days ahead.

• The Phillies may be in innings conservation mode soon. Vince Velasquez is thought to be about 40 innings from his stated cap, but with Aaron Nola now out; they may not need to go to a six-man rotation in order to get a look at their best pitching prospect, Jake Thompson.

• I'm often asked why I'm not higher on the Indians' Carlos Carrasco, and his most recent outings tell a lot. In his last two he has allowed 11 runs in 9.2 innings, including a major meltdown against the anemic Twins. He's just too inconsistent for my taste. I prefer Danny Salazar if he can stay healthy.
  

Starting pitching wasn't the only show as the deadline passed. Quite a few closers came and went, clouding roles in some cities, and opening up opportunities in others. The biggest name was Aroldis Chapman going to the Cubs and taking Carlos Rondon out of the saves game, but the Yankees weren't done with the fire sale as they then sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland. The Indians say Cody Allen could still close, but I think it's only a matter of time before Miller takes over. Dellin Betances steps into the vacancy for the Yankees. The Brewers also trimmed their bullpen sending their closer, Jeremy Jeffress to Texas where he becomes the first option for Sam Dyson, and lefty Will Smith to San Francisco. The Giants have been in the market for a closer for a long time, so the acquisition puts Santiago Casilla on notice to perform. Tyler Thornburg probably benefits from the house cleaning in Milwaukee. The Nationals grew tired of the Jonathan Papelbon circus so they secured the services of Pirates All-Star closer Mark Melancon. He definitely steps into the closer role while Tony Watson now likely gets the call in Pittsburgh. And, it didn't even require a trade for some changes to take place. Jake Barrett takes over in Arizona while his primary competition, Tyler Clippard moves to the Yankees. I still believe Daniel Hudson could be the best fit when he's right, but he's far from that right now. Steve Cishek was an all or nothing closer in Seattle, and after a few too many nothing appearances, they've decided to take a look at Edwin Diaz. He has the skillset to succeed. Speaking of skillsets, the Angels say their struggling closer Huston Street, who just hit the disabled list, is still their guy, but Cam Bedrosian has been waiting in the wings while a super sleeper could eventually become a consideration. They picked up Alex Meyer in a deadline deal, and if they can get his mechanics in line he does have closer stuff. Finally, Ken Giles will be stepping back into the closer role replacing Will Harris. It was only a matter of time.