The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)

As always, pitching at premium before deadline

- By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press

Teams always seek more pitching before the trade deadline.

Whether its aces, closers, back-of-the rotation starters or middle relievers, new arms are welcome in every clubhouse.

Of the 10 teams sitting in postseason spots at the AllStar break, eight clubs are in the top 10 in ERA.

Yes, pitching is that important.

The defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs already bolstered their rotation by acquiring 2016 AllStar Jose Quintana from the White Sox on July 13.

Here are 10 more pitchers who could be changing teams before the July 31 non-waiver deadline: GERRIT COLE, PIRATES, RHP » Cole has struggled since going 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA in 2015. He’s 7-7 with a 4.43 ERA, but he’s only 26 and won’t be a free agent until 2020. His upside, age and contract could bring the Pirates a hefty return. JEREMY HELLICKSON, PHILLIES, RHP » Hellickson is 5-5 with a 4.49 ERA after starting the year 4-0. He’s making $17.2 million and will be a free agent after the season, so it won’t take too much to get him from the rebuilding Phillies. SCOTT FELDMAN, REDS, RHP » Feldman is 7-6 with a 3.94 ERA. He’s 34 and will be a free agent after the season. Feldman pitched well out of the bullpen for Houston last season so he’s a nice fit for a contender that needs a starter who could pitch in relief in a postseason series. SONNY GRAY, A’S, RHP » Gray is 10-15 with an ERA approachin­g five the past two seasons after winning 14 games in 2013 and 2014. But he’s been outstandin­g in his last four starts — 1.33 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 11 hits in 27 innings. The 27-year-old won’t be a free agent until 2020, so he’s another starter who can find a new home and be part of the rotation for a few years. EDINSON VOLQUEZ, MARLINS, RHP » Volquez is 4-8 with a 4.19 ERA after signing a two-year, $22 million contract. The well-traveled veteran has postseason experience and won a World Series with the Royals two years ago. PAT NESHEK, PHILLIES, RHP » Neshek was one of the best relievers in the first half, posting a 1.27 ERA and earning his second trip to the All-Star Game. He has 36 strikeouts and only five walks in 35 1/3 innings. The 36-year-old will be a free agent after the season. He can pitch the seventh, eighth or ninth innings. BRAD HAND, PADRES, LHP » Hand has a 2.30 ERA in 42 appearance­s but he’s more than a lefty specialist. He pitched a scoreless inning in the All-Star Game and has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball the last two seasons. ADDISON REED, METS, RHP » The big righty has 15 saves, a 2.53 ERA and is versatile. Reed had 101 saves from 2012-14 and can close or pitch in the late innings. He’ll be a free agent after the season. DREW STOREN, REDS, RHP » Storen has rebounded nicely after a tough season in the American League. He has a 2.72 ERA in 38 appearance­s and has been a successful closer in the past. DAVID ROBERTSON, WHITE SOX, RHP » Robertson is the best closer on the market. He has 13 saves this season and 123 saves since 2014. His contract, which has one year at $13 million remaining, might be a deterrent for some teams.

 ?? GENE J. PUSKAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE ?? Pirates starter Gerrit Cole’s contract could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a pitcher in the trade market.
GENE J. PUSKAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Pirates starter Gerrit Cole’s contract could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a pitcher in the trade market.

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