MLB Trade Rumors has an interesting round-up of the coverage on rumors that the Cubs might be looking to trade Tom Gorzelanny.
↵I say interesting, not just because they name Gorz as a trade chip — the Cubs glut of starting pitching is well known, but rather because of some facts they list about the Gorz.
↵↵↵Gorzelanny is striking out more batters (9.3 K/9 vs. 5.9 K/9 with Pittsburgh) and walking fewer batters (3.3 BB/9 vs. 4.1 BB/9 with Pittsburgh) since joining the Cubs. Those improved ratios, and Gorzelanny’s 3.66 ERA would compare well with any available starting pitcher this side of Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt.
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They also note that Gorzelanny is only making $800,000 this year and doesn’t hit free agency until 2013.
↵Wait…. the Cubs have a pretty good starter making under $1 million dollars and he’s in contract for another two years? Who knew!
↵I feel a bit of turmoil after reading this piece about the thought of trading him away. I suppose it’s sort of like that situation where you have no problem getting rid of something until somebody else wants it, and then all of a sudden it makes you wonder if you’re missing its true value.
↵I knew this phenomenon worked with relationships and old clothing, but who knew it carried over to starting pitchers as well!
↵Yet, as much as I am unsure about whether or not we want to make Tom Gorzelanny the “[starting] one that got away” I do wonder if perhaps the Cubs could get some young talent at 3B or 1B in exchange for the Gorz. Lee and A-Ram aren’t getting any younger, after all….