MLB Rumors: Chris Carpenter and 10 Teams He Could Be on at Season's End
Last week, the St. Louis Cardinals lost one of their top pitchers in Adam Wainwright. After experiencing elbow discomfort, it was determined that the big right-hander needed Tommy John surgery and would miss all of 2011.
After that news broke, trade rumors began surrounding 2005 National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Albert Pujols was going to test the free agent market after the season, so why not cut costs so that a big offer can be made?
Since those rumors emerged, Carpenter has said that he wouldn't block a trade. Yet, he remains committed to the Cardinals and wants to remain there. Just the same, here are ten teams that could make a play for the big right-hander.
No. 10: Oakland Athletics
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Carpenter is set to earn about $15 million in 2011, his contract year. His contract also has a $15 million option for 2012, so any team that traded for him would have that to worry abut.
That being said, the Oakland Athletics could be a potential destination for Carpenter if the Cardinals look to make a trade. The A's have a solid young rotation that features Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill (pictured at left), so adding Carpenter to the mix would provide the young guns a mentor and leader with tons of playoff experience.
Given Oakland GM Billy Beane's fiscally conservative approach to running the team, the chances of this trade happening are slim. Still, don't be surprised if this deal happens at the trading deadline and the A's are looking to make a final push towards the playoffs.
No. 9: Chicago White Sox
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Overall, the Chicago White Sox have a solid rotation and a good team. The only question mark pitching-wise is Jake Peavy, who is coming back from a bad shoulder injury. If his comeback doesn't go as planned, don't be surprised to see Chicago enter the mix.
Carpenter would provide shutdown pitching on a team that doesn't score a lot of runs. The team's issue the past few seasons has been lack of offense and even though they have Adam Dunn in the lineup now, good pitching down the stretch is key.
Keep an eye on the ChiSox if Carpenter is made available by St. Louis.
No. 8: Washington Nationals
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At some point last season, the Washington Nationals thought that their pitching woes were over. Stephen Strasburg had an electrifying debut and all signs pointed to him having a long and successful career. Then, the elbow trouble began.
Strasburg will miss all of 2011 as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, and the Nationals pitching is once again unpredictable. The most seasoned veteran in that rotation is Livan Hernandez and as good as he can be, he isn't a leader.
After missing out on Cliff Lee, the Nats should definitely make a play for Carpenter if he becomes available. They have money, so they'd be able to pay his salary and possibly pick up his option. He would be a bright spot on a young team full of potential.
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No. 7: Baltimore Orioles
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The Orioles, like the Nationals, are a very young team. Over the past decade, they have slowly been losing their fan base as they have not been to the playoffs since 1997.
Now, however, they have a good manager in Buck Showalter and good young pitchers in the rotation. Still, all that's missing is a leader.
In the event that Baltimore makes a run at a wild card berth, Carpenter would be a good rent-a-player to help them on the playoff push. If his tenure with the team proves fruitful, I'm sure that owner Peter Angelos could move some numbers around to pick up the big righty's option.
No. 6: Los Angeles Dodgers
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If there's one team that has made a habit of taking on expiring contracts over the past few years, it's the Los Angeles Dodgers. From Manny Ramirez to Casey Blake, Dodger Blue has never hesitated to bring on effective players for the second half of the season.
That being said, LA could be a good place for Carpenter. With a young offense and solid rotation, the Dodgers are sure to contend this season under first-year manager Don Mattingly. If the Dodgers make a deal for Carpenter and he helps them on a march to the playoffs, his option could potentially be picked up.
Keep an eye on the Dodgers if Carpenter becomes available.
No. 5: Milwaukee Brewers
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Many experts have high hopes for the Milwaukee Brewers this year. The rotation is led by Zack Greinke and the offense has many dangerous bats, so there is reason to believe that the Brew Crew can win the NL Central.
Yet, Greinke has a history of anxiety problems. Also, the only veteran on Milwaukee's pitching staff is Randy Wolf who is a fine individual, just not much of a leader. Trading for Carpenter would give Greinke something he has never had in his career: a mentor.
The Brewers can afford to take on an expiring contract like Carpenter's, and it would be worth it. Greinke can be the future of that franchise, and having Carpenter around would help him adjust to playing in a city with demanding fans.
No 4: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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The Angels are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing them last season. Their offense is solid, but their pitching rotation is very hit or miss following Dan Haren and Jered Weaver. That being said, trading for Carpenter's expiring contract at the deadline is a very good idea for them.
Having Carpenter would give the Angels a "Big Three" of sorts, and make them even more dangerous come October.
No. 3: New York Mets
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The Mets' offseason has been drowning in drama. From the incidents involving Bernie Madoff to the search for a manager and GM, 2011 is definitely a rebuilding year. Like many teams on this list, the offense is there. However, the pitching leaves something to be desired.
On their entire pitching staff, starters and relievers, the Mets do not have a leader. With some money to spend, there is no reason why they shouldn't give Carpenter a shot. He would provide valuable mentorship to young pitchers like John Niese and Mike Pelfrey, so I say give him a shot!
Keep an eye on the Mets if Carpenter is on the block.
No. 2: Boston Red Sox
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Some people have the Boston Red Sox winning the AL East this year. Honestly, I'm not convinced. The offense is there, but the pitching behind Jon Lester is just too unpredictable. Thus, it would be smart for them to consider acquiring Carpenter.
Carpenter would provide a little more stability to Boston's rotation. They are a very good team, but fans never really know what to expect from the back end. Put Carpenter in the mix, and the team will go far in both the regular season and the playoffs.
No. 1: New York Yankees
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We all knew this was coming. The Yankees have never shied away from trading for aging veterans before, so why would they balk at Carpenter?
Money is not an issue. They could easily cover Carpenter's salary. The main issue is the back end of the team's rotation.
After CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, the Yankees rotation is one big question mark. AJ Burnett is unpredictable, and Ivan Nova is still an untested rookie. If the Yankees need pitching help down the stretch, definitely look for them to make an offer for Carpenter.
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