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Some things to talk about while adding another team to the list of possible Bud Norris suitors...
1) Trades, trades and more trades
More news on the old trade front. This time, we learn that the Dodgers are "working hard" to acquire Ricky Nolasco and that the Marlins want him moved as soon as possible. From MLB Trade Rumors:
The Dodgers are deep into trade talks with the Marlins about Nolasco, a source confirmed to Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com. However, it's hard to know if anything is close right now, the source added.
A move for Nolasco would not mean the Dodgers are only targeting players to only help them this season, however. They are looking to add a starting pitcher and reliever before the deadline, but they have also talked about moving a veteran to add prospects that could help them beyond 2013.
If the Dodgers did pick up Nolasco, that would leave plenty of market space open for Bud Norris, especially with the San Francisco Giants. Something like this is probably the best-case scenario for Norris' market, since it doesn't take any of the teams who are known to be looking for pitching off the table.
Other notes from MLBTR:
- The Marlins are unlikely to trade Giancarlo Stanton. Riiiight.
- There's a robust market for first basemen, including Carlos Pena and Chris Carter.
- The Braves may be in the market for a reliever. Sure, they're linked to Kevin Gregg now, but its easy for that to turn into Jose Veras eventually.
2) LeBlanc, Seaton outrighted to minors
Two minor roster moves announced this morning. Both Wade LeBlanc and Ross Seaton were sent to the minorsafter clearing waivers earlier in the week. Seaton was designated for assignment when Marc Krauss was called up to the big leagues, because Houston needed a spot on the 40-man roster, and will report to Corpus Christi. LeBlanc was designated because Houston needed a spot on the 40-man roster, but it hasn't been filled just yet and he will head to OKC.
LeBlanc will add some depth to that OKC pitching staff that is about to play six games in three days, right? They'll need all the help they can get.
3) Cisnero gets feisty
Look, Paul Clemens may be WHITE BOY CRAZY (tm Astros County), but Jose Cisnero is plenty feisty himself. Just look at what he did to Yadier Molina last night:
Cisnero, who pitched a masterful eighth inning reminiscent of the Octavio Dotel and Brad Lidge setup days, sent Molina cowering for cover with his second pitch, a fastball high and tight. Although he fell behind in the count 2-0, Cisnero set the tone for the entire inning with that brushback pitch.
Ahh, the good, old days of baseball, when brawls get started that break $100 million pitchers' collarbones, when men were men and concussions never happened. Let's praise Cisnero for throwing at some guys head, because it hearkens back to the days of J.R. Richard.
Seriously, though, Cisnero displayed some great composure to get both Molina out and to strike out Matt Holliday. He's turning into a very fine reliever for the Astros and could be a factor for that closer's spot if/when Jose Veras is moved.
But, he doesn't need to throw at a guy's head to accomplish that, does he?
