The Phillies are demanding Carlos Martinez from the Cardinals in a Cole Hamels trade.
It’s not exactly a secret that the St. Louis Cardinals would like another top of the rotation starter. They were allegedly somewhat involved in the bidding for James Shields and Jon Lester, now they’re apparently involved in the Cole Hamels trade rumors.
Of course, the price is going to be pretty high – possibly too high – as it’s been reported the Philadelphia Phillies have demanded that Carlos Martinez be involved in any Cole Hamels trade, this according to USA Today.
And the Phillies won’t listen to the St. Louis Cardinals unless pitcher Carlos Martinez is in a deal.
It remains to be seen if Carlos Martinez will ever be as good as Cole Hamels, though I’m venturing to guess the Cardinals don’t want to find out the hard way. Sure, a Cole Hamels trade might put St. Louis in heavy contention for a World Series birth this season but it’s a mighty fine price to pay considering Martinez could evolve into one of the best pitchers in baseball.
Of course, elite level prospects have been known to flame out and it’s also possible Carlos Martinez could never live up to the hype, but it doesn’t sound as if St. Louis wants to take the chance of Martinez becoming a star for the Phillies and understandably so.
