Report: Trade Of Porcello For Cespedes Still Possible
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Rumors of the Detroit Tigers trading starting pitcher Rick Porcello for Boston Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes have swirled for some time, and Jayson Stark of ESPN reports the swap could happen.
Other teams say #RedSox working on a number of other deals for starting pitching. Still hearing Cespedes for Porcello package is possible
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 10, 2014
Porcello pitched the best he ever has in 2014, recording an ERA of 3.43 over 204 2/3 innings. He also threw three shutouts, including back-to-back complete-game shutouts around the season's midway point. His performance nearly earned him an All-Star berth. Porcello will turn 26 in a couple of weeks, and 2015 will be his seventh major league season.
Cespedes, whom the Oakland A's traded to the Red Sox at the deadline last season, has hit at least 22 home runs in each of his three seasons in the majors. He made the All-Star Game last season with a batting average of .260 and an on-base percentage of.301.
While the Tigers might like to keep Porcello around, he could be leaving soon anyway since he becomes a free agent after the 2015 season. Also, Detroit - after the departure of Torii Hunter - could use an outfielder.