How many players that the Cubs desperately don’t want can they possibly pawn off on the Orioles?
The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about the Cubs’ left-handed starter Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the two teams have had ongoing talks about Hill, a one-time top pitching prospect who is struggling to regain his command.
One industry source said it’s a “strong possibility” that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named who could be contingent on Hill’s success in Baltimore.
“We are talking to them,” Orioles club president Andy MacPhail said about the Cubs. “We are talking to a lot of teams about a lot of players.”
The Cubs have spoken to several teams about Hill, including the Seattle Mariners, but a source said the Orioles are in the lead to land the lefty. The Orioles would have to shuffle their 40-man roster, which is currently full. baltimoresun.com.
The return for a guy like Hill will be very interesting. A low-level, high ceiling, low likelihood of success type prospect makes sense, given that Hill, himself, is a high ceiling, low likelihood of getting it back type pitcher.