Oswalt Trade Should Expedite Lilly Trade

The dominoes are beginning to fall for the Chicago Cubs to trade coveted starter Ted Lilly. If you have not heard the news today, the Houston Astros traded starter Roy Oswalt to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for J.A. Happ and two prospects. Clearing the way for the Cubs to trade Ted Lilly to the Dodgers, Twins, Tigers, Mets, or Yankees. As of today, the Dodgers and Twins are the leading candidates with the Dodger showing the most interest in Lilly of any team. The Tigers, and Mets still are in discussions with the Cubs regarding Lilly. However, the Mets do not want to give up catcher Josh Thole as part of a package for Lilly. The Twins interest in Lilly has subsided, due to their unwillingness to offer what the Cubs are asking for.

As of now, the Chicago Cubs are getting a lot of action on Ted Lilly and intend to trade him by the Trade Deadline on Saturday. In fact, I have heard that the Chicago Cubs have not even put any thought into keeping Lilly beyond the deadline. Which must I say, is a good move for them. Ted Lilly’s value clearly has gone up considering the amount of teams that are interested in him, and how well he has pitched over his past three starts.

In my opinion, I think Ted Lilly will be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers within the next day, or on Saturday before the deadline. This is solely my belief that he is going to the Dodgers, as of now, the Dodgers could be considered the favorites to land Lilly.

Among players that may be in a package from the Dodgers to get Lilly, is 24 year old starter John Ely. Ely, who was drafted in 2007 in the third round by the Chicago White Sox, was traded to the Dodgers this off-season. Ely made his debut for the Dodgers and got off to a 3-1 start, although he is now 4-7. But, when it comes to starting pitchers you can never base how well they are performing by their records. In 14 starts, Ely has an ERA of 4.63 with a WHIP of 1.318, striking out 59 and walking 25. Opposing hitters are hitting .264/.322/.403 off him this year.

Ely’s numbers may not be that impressive, but keep in mind he is only 24 years old. From what I have read about him, he is a promising young pitchers that could be a solid #2 or #3 starter in a rotation. Also, he would replace Lilly in the rotation if the Cubs were to acquire him.