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Scott Kazmir, LHP, Oakland A’s, 31 years old.
2015 stats: 4-5, 2.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP
Scott Kazmir is another rental piece on the market this July and he is likely to be very sought after as well. After reviving his career in Oakland last season, the veteran lefty is having an even better campaign in 2015. Although not as high profile as Cueto, Kazmir has pitched just as effectively in the AL. Kazmir is likely to be the consolation prize for whichever teams miss out on Hamels and Cueto. Kazmir won’t come in and be the ace, but he will be an excellent second or third starter. Kazmir would likely cost less in terms of prospects while producing the same excellent numbers.
Suitors: Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and
Toronto Blue Jays.
As is the case for Cueto, the Astros are said to be making a push for Kazmir. However, teams with weaker farm systems like the Yankees and Blue Jays could come into play here as Kazmir’s price tag won’t be nearly as high as Hamels or Cueto, allowing them to jump right in. With teams like the Blue Jays and Yankees having better chances here, the competition will be fiercer. Nonetheless, the Cubs could come into play here as they too are looking for starting depth. We all know the Cubs have the pieces to put together a good package.
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