Could Daniel Bard Be A Trade Target For Chicago Cubs?


Daniel Bard

Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

We all know that the Chicago Cubs will be sellers before the 2013 MLB trade deadline. Actually, according to Buster Olney, they are now open for business:

https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/status/348122574103920640

I think that they would listen to offers for any player on their roster while looking to acquire young prospects. With the higher levels of the minor leagues having a severe lack of pitching depth, near major league-ready pitching talent is at the top of their wish list. One guy that makes a lot of sense is the Boston Red Sox‘ Daniel Bard.

There is no denying that Bard has the talent. He was once considered a top prospect in the Red Sox organization and helped the team from 2009-2011 as a late-inning reliever. He had a 2.88 ERA and 9.7 K/9 over 197.0 IP during that time and had the fan base hoping he would replace Jonathan Papelbon as the team’s closer.

In 2012, the Red Sox tried to make Bard a starting pitcher, it did not go well for the right-hander and he has not bounced back. He struggled as a starter and while Boston moved him back in to the bullpen role, he still struggled mightily. He is now pitching out of the bullpen in Double-A and is scuffling with a 6.39 ERA and an incredibly bad 12.1 BB/9. Bard simply cannot throw strikes and it seems to be a mental thing.

A change of scenery would be ideal for Bard, and I think the Cubs front office would be very interested in the 28 year-old (turns 29 on Tuesday) pitcher.

Even though he is a bit older than most guys the Cubs are going to look to acquire, he has had relatively little stress put on his arm early in his career. The Red Sox will be looking for both starting and relief pitching at the trade deadline, and the Cubs have guys like Scott Feldman, Matt Garza, Kevin Gregg and James Russell that they will probably be looking to deal. The two teams match up very well as trade partners.

If they expect to compete soon, the Cubs are simply going to need more pitching. Bard is a guy that could come cheap and has nice potential to bounce back. It is unfortunate that his career has been derailed like this but maybe all he needs is a change of scenery and another chance. I think the Cubs would be willing to give him that chance.

Daniel is a Chicago Cubs writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to TotalSportsBlog.com. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer and add him to your network on Google.


We Recommend