With pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training in just a few weeks, the vast majority of player movement is over. Only one major free agent is left on the market, and most trade activity has settled down. The remaining players that could move, however, will make a big difference wherever they land.
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James Shields is still a free agent, and Jordan Zimmermann could be moved out of Washington. But probably the most important deal will be the Cole Hamels deal that many are still expecting. The Phillies want a king's ransom for their staff ace, and many think that Philadelphia is asking too much. However, if somebody does pull the trigger on a Hamels trade, it will alter the playoff landscape.
There were four teams that were considered the main suitors for Hamels. The St. Louis Cardinals likely do not have the prospects to satisfy Philadelphia's demands, leaving them likely out. The Texas Rangers just traded for Yovani Gallardo, meaning they are also probably out.
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That leaves only the Boston Red Sox and the San Diego Padres. The Red Sox were believed to be the favorites, although recently many think they are all but out of the running over their refusal to part with their best young players.
The Padres have both the prospects to land Hamels and a burning desire to make the playoffs, leaving them as the clear favorites in the race. However, with the knowledge that they may be the only team left bidding for Hamels, the Padres may also demonstrate a reluctance to part with their best prospects, which could allow a team like Boston back into the race.
According to Philly.com, Philadelphia's interim president Pat Gillick balks at the notion that their asking price is too high for Hamels. "I think it's ridiculous," he said. "What's too much for a No. 1 starter?"
Of course, other rumors insist that if the Padres offered the Phillies "one or more members of our starting pitching rotation as well as all of our top prospects, the Phillies would still most likely respond with a 'We'll have to think about it.'"
In other words, if a team wants Hamels, they will almost certainly have to drastically overpay to get him.
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