MLB Trade Rumors: Miami Marlins “Adjusting” Asking Price On Ricky Nolasco
June 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) delivers to the plate during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillis defeated the Marlins 7-3 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Getting anxious to move right hander Ricky Nolasco, the Miami Marlins are reportedly “adjusting” their asking price on the return for the 30-year old. It seems the Marlins maybe backing off of their initial hard stance on the return they are looking for, wanting to move Nolasco sooner rather than later.
Not sure if this means that the Marlins are lowering the price on the prospects they want in return of if they are willing to eat some of Nolasco’s contract. The former sounds more likely, as this is the Marlins and Olney noted that the Dodgers are still the favorites.
As we noted earlier today, John Heyman of CBS Sports has sources telling him that the Nolasco “not a giveaway.” Nolasco holds a ton of value, as he is one of the better starters on a weak starting pitching market. However, his $5.75 million remaining salary for the rest of the season remains as a major hurdle.
The Marlins reportedly have two offers on the table, one with two decent prospects coming back from the Colorado Rockies and one that is mostly salary relief without offering much in the way of prospects. My guess is the latter is from the Dodgers. The hold up in the Rockies deal is the fact the Rockies don’t want to pay the entirety of Nolasco’s salary.
The Dodgers are regarded as the favorites to land Nolasco since they are seen as the team most likely to eat the entirety of Nolasco’s contract, but the Marlins maybe holding out hope another team in the sweepstakes, the Giants or Rangers, can offer decent prospects and salary relief.
It is still very doubtful that Nolasco is traded before his start against the Atlanta Braves tomorrow night, but it cannot be ruled out at this point, as the Marlins have always acted fast when they have an offer they like. I would bet on Nolasco making at least one more start for the Fish.
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