Forgive the brevity, but I’m out with a friend to watch the game and have a beer, so I just wanted to get this in front of you, since it sounds like things are ticking up in intensity and proximity to the Cubs:
Sources: #Cubs targeting Zach Britton as trade deadline approaches. https://t.co/9I1hNV5mWc
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 21, 2018
Sources: Orioles doing their business with alacrity — they are looking to move Zach Britton this weekend or early in the week ahead. Lots of contenders continue to be involved in the conversation.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 21, 2018
Britton is a one-of-a-kind item on the market right now, so the Orioles will likely get good return — tons of closing experience, power stuff, lefty, and because he didn't pitch in first half, should be relatively fresh for stretch drive/October.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 21, 2018
So, then, things could move quickly, perhaps especially now that Jeurys Familia has been dealt.
Still feels like a lot of the heat there is coming from the Orioles, doesn’t it? By that I mean, it sounds like Olney has heard what he’s heard from the Orioles, who’d love to keep the market for Britton robust and intense, despite his two so-so, injury-filled seasons the last two years. Don’t get me wrong, I still think he’s worth a roll of the dice because of the upside, but I don’t know that he can be sold as a guy who is definitely going to be fresh and awesome in the second half.
Mooney’s piece is worth a read, as it’s the most direct connection between the Cubs and Britton as a top target outside of Bruce Levine’s reporting. Suffice to say, although there are many teams involved on Britton and there are no guarantees, the Cubs are certainly very interested. The words “deeply involved” make an appearance.
Sorry for the short take. Gotta get back to my friend and the Cubs. For more on Britton, start here.