The Major League Baseball game schedule is taking a few days off, but the rumor mill continues to turn. Two of the three hottest pitchers, Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel, are off the market, and the third, David Price, seems to have new destinations almost daily. While many teams would love to add a starting pitcher, others have bullpen needs. The San Diego Padres may have what contending teams want in closer Huston Street.
CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that The Los Angeles Angels lead a list of teams interested in having Street close out games for them down the stretch. Street is available, and he expects the Padres to trade him soon as ESPN’s Jim Bowden relayed Monday night.
Huston Street told us he expects to be traded at deadline&he said the Padres have communicated w/ him on this subject #Angels #O‘s # Tigers
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 14, 2014
Even though the Padres are in third place and 12 games out in the N.L. West, do not blame the bullpen. The Padres have the second-best bullpen ERA — 2.56 — in the Major Leagues at the All-Star break behind only the Seattle Mariners. Street is 1-0 with a 1.09 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 24 saves (in 25 opportunities) in 33 appearances. One can easily understand why any contender, especially one in need of bullpen help, would covet him.
Heyman discussed the Angels’ interest in Street, particularly since they have had some trouble in the bullpen. The Angels are 24th in bullpen ERA (3.89), and Angels relievers have blown 12 of 38 save opportunities. They made a change recently when they traded Ernesto Frieri and his then 6.39 ERA to Pittsburgh for Jason Grilli, who has pitched well for them. Still, Grilli is past his days as a dominant closer because of injuries, and current closer Joe Smith is 15 for 19 in his first year as a closer. Street would bring experience and domination to a team only 1.5 games out of the A.L. West race and holding the Majors’ second-best record.
Street is well on pace to surpass his career high of 37 saves (2007). He has made two All-Star teams in the past three years (including this year), and at age 30, he is in his prime now. He will also become a free agent after the season, which gives the Padres even more incentive to move him now and get something in return.
Heyman cites a few other teams also interested in Street (although they each need a starter): Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and San Francisco Giants. Mark Melancon (16 for 19) is doing very well in Pittsburgh, prompting the Grilli trade. Zach Britton (15 for 17) and Tommy Hunter (11 for 15) have shared the job well in Baltimore. San Francisco has Sergio Romo (22 for 27) — enough said there. Romo had a rough June, but he has recovered well since then, plus he has World series experience. All three teams may go the starter route after all.
Heyman calls a trade likely, and Street expects it to happen. It looks like there may be a new Street in Anaheim before long.
PHOTO CREDIT: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE
