Ricky Nolasco Rumors Increasing in Quantity

When the Marlins played the Giants, I thought the Ricky Nolasco rumors to the Giants would really heat up to the point of the only words we can say are “Ricky Nolasco.” Fortunately, it didn’t turn out that way, but Tuesday morning, the internet whispers his name.

ASAP, huh? A June trade would be fun and everything, and we know the Giants have been rumored to be among those pursuing Nolasco, and Ken Rosenthal gives a touch more information on that.

Jun 21, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT

Basically, the NL West is interested in Ricky Nolasco. Thinking about the Giants wanting a starting pitcher when they have five names right now, but really only four pitchers, I wouldn’t mind having another pitcher on the staff, even if that means Ryan Vogelsong or Tim Lincecum (or Barry Zito) has to go to the bullpen. In case the Giants don’t/aren’t able to retain Timmy after this season, or turn down the option on Vogey for 2014, here’s a quick list of players that will be free agents after this season (thanks, MLB Trade Rumors):

Bronson Arroyo

A.J. Burnett

Jorge De La Rosa

Matt Garza

Tim Hudson

Josh Johnson

Hiroki Kuroda

Edinson Volquez

Barry Zito (I promise you they will buy out that last year)

Excited for the 2014 San Francisco Giants starting rotation yet? If Garza’s already being targeted by other clubs, you can probably scratch him off that list of “possible Giants in 2014,” for other clubs should be working to get an extension with Garza, rather than him be a rental.  Related strategy, I think the Giants would be more inclined to a agree to a trade if they can get some sort of guarantee in writing that they can get an extension with Nolasco done (see: list of SP FA after 2013 season), and I’d think it’d be for three to four years, since the guy’s going to be thirty-one in December.

As I was writing on Twitter, the only names I don’t want the Marlins to get their grimy hands on are some of the Giants pitching prospects. Those names are guys like Kyle Crick, Chris Stratton, Clayton Blackburn, Martin Agosta, Ty Blach. If Gary Brown ends up being the price of business, so be it. If Joe Panik has to go, alright. Those pitchers, though, I do not want to see them dealt at all.