Just the fact that there is an argument of where they need help more accentuates the fact that they shouldn't deplete an already weak farm system for a 2 month rental.
Skubal or Miller alone won't win a championship.
I have also figured out how long a Cub will be out when he first goes on the IL. Take how long the Cubs originally say and multiply it by 3.
Miller wouldn’t be a rental — believe he has 2 or 3 more years of arbitration — but cost would be too high IMO. I disagree though that because there is argument about where help is needed means don’t trade for a rental(s). Every team needs pitching and there are few if any teams each year that don’t need pitching at this time of year.
Obviously one doesn’t want to go crazy and trade half of the Cubs top 15 prospects for rentals and players with some team control are preferred, but the latter also cost you more in prospects and are in great demand. But refusing to trade prospects who may or may not become effective major league players instead of improving your team for a stretch run is a recipe for being perennial also rans.
Not all the trades at the deadline last year worked out, but who are the prospects that were traded then are you pining for?
Wilfri De la Cruz — Now Orioles #22 prospect and hitting .221 in Rookie ball?
Ronny Cruz — Now Nationals #5 prospect who started out season very well but only hitting .217 since promotion to A+?
Christiano Franklin — Now Nationals #29 prospect hitting .245 at AAA?
Ryan Gallagher — Now Twins #16 prospect who has a 6.82 ERA and opponents BA of .286 at AAA?
Sam Armstrong — Not in Twins top 30 with a 4.92 ERA and less than a K per inning at AA?
Ivan Brethowr — Not in Pirates top 30 and batting .194 at AA?
