We're closing in on the quarter pole of the 2015 MLB season and we're starting to get a clearer picture of who's a potential long-haul contender and who may be sellers come this summer. From those destined to sell, here's our list of 4 Pitchers Set To Be Moved Before The 2015 MLB Trade Deadline.
RHP Kyle Lohse -- Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers are languishing in the cellar of the NL Central, and the Brew Crew's inconsistent (sometimes horrid) starting pitching is part of the problem in Wisconsin. Scouts have tabbed Lohse as a potential gem out of the rough Milwaukee, attributing his struggles so far in 2015 to a need for a change of scenery. Lohse is actually holding opposing hitters to a lower batting average and is posting a lower WHIP than his career averages, belying his current 5.85 ERA. He'll be gone before July.
LHP Scott Kazmir -- Oakland Athletics
Kazmir has a bright spot for what has been a dismal start to the 2015 season for the 2014 AL Wild Card participants, which pretty much means that Billy Beane is going to trade him without a second thought. Beane tore through the roster like a tornado this offseason, purging his stars for younger, cheaper options under a longer stint of team control. Kazmir and his 3.08 ERA are next.
LHP Cole Hamels -- Philadelphia Phillies
We're just as confused as everyone else about Phillies GM Ruben Amaro's hardline stance on Hamels. Amaro is seeking the equivalent of most of a franchise's vital organs (prospects, MLB-caliber talent, draft picks) to give up three more years of control over Hamels plus an option year at a robust maximum of $87.5 million. Philadelphia's in full rebuilding mode, so we hope they'd maximize a return on Hamels before the deadline -- just not as big a haul as Amaro has publicly longed for.
RHP Johnny Cueto -- Cincinnati Reds
His teammate Mike Leake will likely follow him out of town, but we're convinced that Johnny Cueto will be a high-retun rental for a contending team willing to mortgage their future for the present. Cueto's making a criminally low $10 million this year for his current 2.93 ERA and miniscule 0.91 WHIP. Cueto won't return to Cincy for the premium he'll command on the open market next winter, so expect the bidding to be fast and furious for him before the deadline.
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