Trade rumors are stirring more and more as the trade deadline grows closer. The market started off with the blockbuster deal of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel heading over to Oakland for the stud prospect Addison Russell, outfielder Billy McKinney and pitcher Dan Straily; however, now the pitching depth on the market is much weaker. The only choices for an ace are David Price, Cole Hamels, and Cliff Lee, and the last two may not even be available. So many teams will have to suffice with a good mid-rotation starter in this trade market, which is why players like San Diego Padre Ian Kennedy and Jake Peavy of the Boston Red Sox are being pursued. Recently a set of rumors have rises that Rockies Starte Jorge De La Rosa could be traded at the deadline.
Troy Renck, a former Rockies beat writer, reported that many teams are interested in De La Rosa. One of these teams is speculated to be the Baltimore Orioles, who have been monitoring him the past few days according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun; however, the negotiations may be harder than one would think. MLB Insider Jayson Stark reported that the Rockies will not deal De La Rosa without getting a young impact starter back. Not only is that very unlikely, but the Rockies have also had success when De La Rosa has pitched. Obviously the Orioles have pitching prospects in Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy, but it is unlikely that they would let go of them for a pitcher of De La Rosa’s caliber.
Jorge De La Rosa is most likely a #3 or #4 pitcher in a contending team’s rotation. Last year the 33 year-old had a breakout year, where he posted a 3.49 ERA in 167.2 innings pitched. It seems as though he was just riding a long hot streak, as his ERA this year has lowered closer to his career ERA. This year De La Rosa has a 4.75 ERA through 96.2 innings pitched, and his career ERA is 4.70. He is certainly no ace and has had his fair share of injuries, but he would be a solid pickup for a contending team. He could eat some quality innings for a team, and be a good option when the playoffs come around. Of course, as Renck stated in his report, the Rockies may be better off resigning De La Rosa then trading him.
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