Jimmy Nelson

[Mudville9]

If the Brewers traded Nelson to the Cubs, the guy I'd target is Candelario. If they want to throw in Szcsur, that'd would be great.

 

No idea if the Cubs would go for this, but I would do this trade in a second. If Candelario keeps going the way he has been it will take a lot more than Nelson to get him. I'm thinking he is probably more worth Guerra though.

[jerichoholicninja]

Other than age what would Nelson do for the Cubs that they don't already have?

[sveumrules]

Their current projected fifth starter Mike Montgomery has a career high of 150 innings back in 2011/12. Next in line behind him is living, breathing DL stint Brett Anderson.

 

Nelson would give them some depth and an innings eater to pencil in as the 5th starter allowing Montgomery to move back to the bullpen. I doubt it's enough of an upgrade (or even an upgrade at all) that the Cubs would want to surrender anything of value for it.

[brewcrewdue80]

Other than age what would Nelson do for the Cubs that they don't already have?

 

Sveum notes below, but also, 38year old John Lackey 2017 is a FA after the season, and currently Jake Arrieta is a FA to be after 2017 as well. I'm pretty sure Nelson has options to use and would fit a backup/starter for 2018 should both those 2 find homes in FA elsewhere. I would only think of it happening around trade deadline if the Cubs would need Nelson or next offseason. If it happens now, it's on the fact Nelson has little value ongoing after 2016 and they are buying Low as possible from a division foe.

 

Looking at Stl's salary situation and Lance Lynn is a FA after this season, so probably a 100% certainty that's who the Cubs will sign to take over for Lackey. Seeing as that's been their actions lately.

 

 

As to Nelson's BB rate spike/ that isn't surprising seeing as he wasn't known for control in the minors. The fact that he reverted back to a higher BB rate, would indicate concern he's not going to improve above being a #3 starter, as I spoke of him having #2 stats with his lower Hit rate and control after 2015. But at this point he fills a #4 for a ML rotation.

[Matt Breen]

Analysts have pretty much noted what others are saying about the Cubs pitching - it lacks depth.

 

While even with mediocre pitching that team will be really good, they are potentially vulnerable if there are some injuries in the rotation. Not that they couldn't make a trade if something happens. They certainly have the resources for it. But if there is a weakness, that's where it is for Chicago.

[adambr2]

Analysts have pretty much noted what others are saying about the Cubs pitching - it lacks depth.

 

While even with mediocre pitching that team will be really good, they are potentially vulnerable if there are some injuries in the rotation. Not that they couldn't make a trade if something happens. They certainly have the resources for it. But if there is a weakness, that's where it is for Chicago.

 

Don't know why they don't just bring Hammel back on a short term deal then. That makes a lot more sense for them than trading for Nelson.

[MrTPlush]

Jimmy Nelson isn't going anywhere. It just makes zero sense from the Brewers perspective. He will start the year in the rotation and go from there.

[Matt Breen]

Analysts have pretty much noted what others are saying about the Cubs pitching - it lacks depth.

 

While even with mediocre pitching that team will be really good, they are potentially vulnerable if there are some injuries in the rotation. Not that they couldn't make a trade if something happens. They certainly have the resources for it. But if there is a weakness, that's where it is for Chicago.

 

Don't know why they don't just bring Hammel back on a short term deal then. That makes a lot more sense for them than trading for Nelson.

Some people have speculated that Hammel was hurt in the 2nd half of last year - when he was pretty mediocre. The Cubs deny that - but who knows.