Joe Frisaro of MLB.com confirms reports that the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers are close to a trade that would send Ricky Nolasco to Los Angeles for multiple propsects. Two of those players coming back are supposedly pitchers.
hearing Nolasco deal is expected to be completed tonight. Finalizing details #Marlins #Dodgers Sounds like for 3 pitchers, 2 prospects
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 6, 2013
Frisaro also mentions that the Marlins got a better package than previously considered because of Nolasco's strong start against the Atlanta Braves, a start in which he also recorded his 1000th strikeout.
Nolasco's strong start at #Braves on Wednesday has sweetened players #Marlins expect to get in return from #Dodgers
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 6, 2013
It is odd that the Dodgers would be encouraged by just one start, even though the performance was impressive. More importantly, the Dodgers are handing back two pitching prospects out of the three rumored players, but none are expected to be upper echelon. The dreams of the Marlins snatching someone like Zach Lee or Chris Reed is simply not likely.
We discussed the potential return from the Dodgers, and it sounds as though the Fish are simply receiving more players from that tier rather than better players. From some of the prospects discussed in that post, expect Chris Withrow, who was recently promoted to the majors, Garret Gould, or Ross Stripling to be among the players involved.
UPDATE: Joe Frisaro reports that relief prospect Steven Ames is among the pitchers coming back tot the Marlins.
RHP Steve Ames to be part of Nolasco deal from #Marlins to #Dodgers
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) July 6, 2013
Ames is a former 21st round draft pick in 2009 out of Gonzaga University who is currently in the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. He has thrown 34 1/3 innings thus far and has a 3.67 ERA and 4.25 FIP, both well below his spectacular numbers from Double-A and below.
Keep it tuned to Fish Stripes for all of your Ricky Nolasco trade coverage, and stay tuned for all of your Miami Marlins trade rumors needs.