Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Ricky Nolasco is going to land in the National League West it seems because every team is interested in him. The Los Angeles Dodgers became the fifth and final team of that division to make known its interest for the Southern California-born player.
Nolasco would be a big addition to the Dodgers who already have a decent rotation for a last place team with Clayton Kershaw and Josh Beckett heading it. The Dodgers interest in Nolasco makes sense because if they can get him, he cannot fall into the hands of the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies or Arizona Diamondbacks. Not exactly sure if that had to be explained or not.
The Dodgers going after Nolasco is something that can be worked out now instead of waiting for either the Milwaukee Brewers to shop Yovani Gallardo or even the Philadelphia Phillies to shop Cliff Lee. However, it could become a double-edged sword if Lee and Gallardo happen to fall in the division as well.
Miami aggressively shopping Nolasco is something that both parties want and something that was inevitable since November when Nolasco asked for a trade. His time with Miami is over and with the Marlins slated to call up Henderson Alvarez soon, a move is going to have to be made anyway.
It will be interesting to see who the Marlins get in return for a pitcher that has been with the organization for so long.
Ryan Gaydos is a MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. He writes about Miami Marlins rumors as well. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
