Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy reacts after giving up a run to the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been a huge disappointment this season. The team is simply more talented than their record shows. However, the facts remain that 2014 is lost. Whatever hope still existed for 2014 ended when A.J Pollack, the Dbacks hottest hitter was put on the D.L with a fractured hand, he could be out for as much as 2 months. Of course this team was dealt a big blow before the regular season even started when Patrick Corbin tore his UCL requiring Tommy John Surgery. The facts remain that the Dbacks are in last place in the N.L West and have to be sellers at the deadline, unless they make a miraculous run before the end of July. Bronson Arroyo’s name has already been mentioned and now Brandon McCarthy is on the rumor block. Chris Costillo of mlbdailydish.com talked about two possible destinations for McCarthy come trade deadline time:
"“Diamondbacks’ righty Brandon McCarthy would make sense for a lot of teams looking to add a veteran arm to their rotation. The 30-year old has struggled this season, posting a 5.20 ERA in twelve starts so far, but is a free agent after the season and would be a fit for a team like the Blue Jays, who are looking for rental starters. Sources indicate that the Jays have had interest in McCarthy in the past, and that it’s “very likely” that the D-Backs shop him given his contract status and the team’s position as sellers on the trade market.”"
"“Another team to watch on McCarthy is the Red Sox, who were finalists to sign him at the Winter Meetings two years ago. Before inking a two-year, $15.5M deal with the D-Backs, McCarthy had serious discussions with the Red Sox, who were willing to offer the same deal as he got from Arizona–without the second guaranteed year. He chose the D-Backs and the Sox signed Ryan Dempster, but the sides could finally unite if the Boston is looking for starters this summer.”"
The Diamondbacks are going to be a seller on the market come trade deadline time, and it makes sense to move McCarthy. The Blue Jays would be a perfect team that is looking for rental starters. I dont know about the Redsox, but the Blue Jays would be a great fit. Brandon McCarthy simply has not worked out in Arizona. In 2013 he went 5-11 with a 4.53 era, and so far this year he is 1-7 with a 5.20 era. It just seems like when ever he pitches he either pitches horribly, or he pitches well and he gets no run support. I think McCarthy needs a change of scenery and frankly I dont think Brandon is part of the Dbacks plan going forward, and frankly I dont think the fans would care if McCarthy left. I dont think the Snakes would get much for him, but I’m sure the team would be glad to take him off the books.