Last week, Miniaci had a post about phenom Stephen Strasburg.
Strasburg is almost a lock to be taken with the first pick in the draft, held by the Washington Nationals, who as we know, have a history of failing to sign draft picks, allowing Aaron Crow to get away last year. Additionally, the Nationals are desperate for talent, and probably need quantity over quality, even quality like Strasburg.
What if the Nats could trade their pick?
Right now, baseball rules forbid draft picks from being traded, a topic that generates a fair amount of debate.
Hypothetically, if the Nats could trade the top pick, what sort of haul get they get in return? On one hand, Strasburg is considered the next Dwight Gooden or Roger Clemens, but on the other, he's never thrown a pitch in professional competition. So, the Nats would likely want major league ready talent in return, and they would likely want more than one player as well. Would other teams be interested in giving up multiple major-league pieces for an unproven, albeit ultra-talented player?
One scenario I envision would involve the Nats and Yankees making a deal. (Giving up loads of resources for a top pick is likely territory for only the big-market teams).
If the Yanks sent Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy a hitting prospect like Jesus Montero or Austin Cormine and their own first rounder (the 28th pick), I think it could work. The Nats would acquire some players with potential, while the Yankees would get their phenom.
MLB probably won't allow teams to trade picks anytime soon, but it's interesting to think about.
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