The Max Scherzer Derby won’t really begin until after Jon Lester chooses his new home, expected to be either the Giants or Cubs. But teams are starting to position themselves to make a run at Scherzer, and while the Yankees possibly jumping in isn’t shocking, the Cardinals getting involved would be. Via Jon Heyman of CBS….
The Cardinals met at some point on Scherzer, and word is that at least a couple of Cardinals players or former players have called Scherzer to make a pitch about the team. Scherzer, as a product of suburban Chesterfield, Mo., Parkway Central and the University of Missouri, obviously is already familiar with the town.
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The Yankees are also considering a run at Scherzer and the three losing Lester finalists would also have to be considered at least candidates to become involved for Scherzer, as well as other big-market teams.
The market for Scherzer is so strange because of its lack of development through the first month of free agency. Yeah, Scott Boras likes to drag out talks, but the market surrounding Scherzer has been more quiet than anyone expected this winter.
As for Heyman’s report that the Cardinals and Yankees could be involved? It doesn’t shock me. The Cardinals have questions about their rotation – Adam Wainwright is 33 and had a minor elbow surgery this winter. John Lackey is 36, and while he’s been great over the last two years, his 2012 Tommy John surgery still looms large.
Lance Lynnn is probably the best sure thing in the Cardinals rotation after back to back 200 inning seasons. Michael Wacha famously dealt with a fractured shoulder last year. Carlos Martinez is expected to slide into the rotation following the trade of Shelby Miller, but hasn’t even thrown 110 innings in a season as a professional.
The Yankees could obviously use rotation help, but adding another massive contract to their ledger is a fool’s errand. C.C. Sabathia’s knee may be completely screwed. Masahiro Tanaka partially tore his UCL last year. Michael Pineda has never been the pinnacle of health during his career with the Bronx Bombers. Ivan Nova is still recovering from Tommy John. Questions, questions, and more questions surround the Yankees.
Buckle up – the Scherzer Derby is going to be chaotic.
[CBS]
