19 Jan 2017 05:29:34
The Orioles probably do not have a roster to finish in the top 2-3 in the AL East this year. They have one of the worst farm systems in baseball (25th) so they also do not have the pieces to be able to make a trade in July. They would be wise to start thinking about the possibility of trading Britton to rebuild the system. Their biggest system needs are quality future rotation pieces and outfielders.
If the Nationals could acquire Britton, I think it puts them over the top and makes them the favorite to win the NL. They've already shown to be all-in this offseason.

Nationals get: Zach Britton LHP

Orioles get: Joe Ross RHP, Victor Robles OF (Nats #1, MLB #10), Erick Fedde RHP (Nats #2, MLB #75), Nick Banks OF (Nats #8)

1.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 11:45:37
Too much for a closer, IMO.

2.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 12:59:39
The Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller trades say otherwise, as does the Kimbrel trade, something you should know about Red Sox guy.

3.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 13:05:45
You must hate the Nats

4.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 14:29:13
the Nats just overpaid for Eaton I do not see them giving up this much and completely ruining their farm system. I see them going after a cheap reliable guy like Greg Holland who is a FA or maybe even someone like Steve Ceshick or Brad Boxburger. They would not cost a top prospect and can get the job done. Yes I understand that people would much rather have a supper star on their team but the cost is too much I am someone who prefers to get someone cheaper who can get the job done and be able to keep my prospects. Robles is going to be very useful for the Nats very soon, either when Werth retires and or Harper leaves they are going to need him to step up and fill that role. that's my thinking behind all of this and it is my thinking behind the Dodgers second base search as well.

5.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 14:43:54
Jeez I wouldn't think the Nats would have to give up Ross AND Robles. I could see a deal revolving around one of them, but jeez not both.

6.) 19 Jan 2017
19 Jan 2017 17:26:52
As we've seen with the Miller and Chapman trade, it will take a lot to get a premium closer. Especially one coming off arguably the best season in the last decade. The Cubs gave up their top prospect, a swing man, and 2 other prospects towards the top of their system for a half season of Chapman. You get multiple years of Britton, therefore requiring giving up much more. You could maybe tweak the Banks for a lower prospect, but it takes near this much IMO.

7.) 20 Jan 2017
20 Jan 2017 03:20:36
I agree that it would take a lot to get a top closer. And I didn't say that it was unfair. I am saying, from the Nationals' perspective, that is too much to give up.

8.) 20 Jan 2017
20 Jan 2017 14:48:33
Don't have the roster to finish 2-3 in the AL East are you joking? They're basically the same team as last year, the only team in the East that improved was the Red Sox! Toronto is aging and doubtful their rotation can produce similar results, Yankees while they added Chapman have huge question marks in rotation, also when the had Chapman last year they weren't that competitive now they don't have Miller so even less so. This is a team that's been told for years that they won't do well yet they've exceeded expectations, I very much expect this team to be a 85-90 win team challenging the Sox for the AL East title

9.) 20 Jan 2017
20 Jan 2017 16:58:23
They could very well make the playoffs as a wild card. However, what can they do in the playoffs? They don't have an ace. They've shown that they won't advance past the ALDS. If they want to stay where they are at, fine don't trade anyone. But they will regret that come a few years from now when they are still only a slightly above average team and have no quality prospects. The Chris Davis contract will hurt them for years to come. If they want to resign Machado also when he eligible for free agency, they will practically have no money to build a roster around him.

10.) 20 Jan 2017
20 Jan 2017 17:40:01
If they wouldn't do that for McCutchen they wouldn't do it for Britton

11.) 20 Jan 2017
20 Jan 2017 22:23:38
Tillman is very much an ace he's underrated and has been one of the best pitchers in the AL East for the past 5 seasons. IMO last year the O's could've very well made the ALCS if they pitched Britton in the wildcard, they were a better team than Texas for sure. They have 2 years left to contend, they have a Chance to be title contenders

12.) 21 Jan 2017
21 Jan 2017 15:18:33
When I think ace, I don't think Tillman.

Washington would be better off signing Holland and keeping those prospects for a future move.

13.) 22 Jan 2017
22 Jan 2017 18:20:00
Well then this gives the Nats the worst Farm in the majors. Britton is a special player, but I think Robles has a good chance to become REALLY good.