Milwaukee pitcher Zack Greinke could be switching uniforms as the non-waiver trade deadline quickly approaches on July 31. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
MILWAUKEE -- A baseball person familiar with the situation said Wednesday the Milwaukee Brewers were taking calls from teams interested in trading for right-hander Zack Greinke.
"It sounds like he's as good as gone," said that major-league source. "There's no reason for them to keep him now."
The developments of the past couple of days in Philadelphia moved the Brewers from waiting mode to selling mode with Greinke, as well as any other expendable players they can move. On Tuesday night, Greinke pitched brilliantly against the Phillies, showing he was healthy and back in top form after having a turn skipped. A slew of scouts were on hand to watch, and you can bet those working for interested clubs gave them the green light after watching that performance.
On Wednesday morning, news came that Philadelphia's Cole Hamels agreed to a six-year, $144 million contract extension, making Greinke the top available pitcher on the trade market. By raising the bar one more time for top pitching free-agents-to-be, it also further lessened any slight chance the Brewers had of working out an extension with Greinke.
Further influencing the Brewers to deal Greinke, the Brewers then went out and blew their third consecutive game to the Phillies, capping a 0-6 trip that quashed any faint hopes they had of climbing into the playoff race.
The teams believed to be making the strongest push for Greinke were the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers
also hoped to be able to move left-hander Randy Wolf and reliever Francisco Rodriguez, but poor performances, especially by the latter in Philadelphia, have greatly lessened their value.The Brewers also could move backup catcher George Kottaras, with No. 1 catcher Jonathan Lucroy due back Thursday and Martin Maldonado performing well since coming up from the minors. Teams have expressed interest in first baseman Corey Hart and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, but the Brewers would have to be bowled over by offers to move either.
Greinke's next scheduled start for the Brewers is Sunday, two days before the July 31 trade deadline. Some believe he'll be making that start for another club. With that in mind, here's a look at the teams believed to be most interested in acquiring Greinke and what they might have to offer in return:
Texas Rangers
The Rangers' primary target was Hamels, and now that he is off the market they will have even more interest in Greinke. Their top prospect is shortstop Jurickson Profar, whom the Brewers would love to have, but Texas considers him an untouchable. Third baseman Mike Olt is another coveted prospect, but the Brewers have a three-year commitment to Ramirez, who would have to be moved to make room. The Brewers would be very interested in obtaining left-hander Martin Perez, the Rangers' top pitching prospect, and also have scouted right-hander Justin Grimm.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves thought they had a deal for Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster but he apparently exercised veto rights and nixed it. Atlanta has scouted Greinke heavily and would like to sign him as a free agent this winter no matter where he is traded. The primary trade bait is a trio of young pitchers -- Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado and Mike Minor. The Brewers are thought to rank Teheran first and probably would want another prospect as well.
Los Angeles Angels
The Brewers would love to get the Angels and Rangers, rivals in the American League West, into a bidding war. The Angels have dangled right-hander Garrett Richards and center fielder Peter Bourjos as trade bait in other talks. Richards could be plugged right into the Brewers' rotation, but they would much prefer shortstop prospect Jean Segura. If the Brewers intend to move Corey Hart back to the outfield, they'd be interested in first base prospect C.J. Cron.
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are thought to covet Greinke to the point of trying anything to get him. Because their farm system is a bit thin, however, there has been speculation that a third team would have to be included in any swap. General manager Kenny Williams is known for his creativity but this could prove to be too much of a challenge.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles would love to add a difference-maker to give them a better chance to end their long playoff drought. They aren't expected to make either of their top prospects available -- shortstop Manny Machado and right-hander Dylan Bundy -- which would make it difficult to meet the Brewers' asking price. Baltimore could go for quantity over quality, but the pitchers they have to offer are hardly overwhelming.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers showed they are thinking big by acquiring infielder Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins. They are reluctant to trade right-hander Zach Lee, their top pitching prospect, whom the Brewers certainly would seek in exchange for Greinke. Right-handed prospect Allen Webster, a converted shortstop, would be more likely to be offered by L.A. than Lee.
Other possible suitors
Washington Nationals: The Nationals don't want to let an opportunity to finally break through to the postseason get away but aren't likely to part with third baseman Anthony Rendon or right-hander Brad Peacock, two of their top prospects.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays picked up three arms from Houston but none of them would have the impact of Greinke. They have some pitching depth in their system but none close to the big leagues, and the Brewers want pitchers they can use now or next year.
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox were a surprise presence at Greinke's banner outing Tuesday night. Their level of interest is murky but they do have some interesting prospects, such as shortstop Xander Bogaerts and right-handers Anthony Ranaudo and Matt Barnes, though all are at low levels in the minors.
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