The Colorado Rockies are less than five games out of the National League West and that strong play during the latter part of the first half of the season could mean that the team is going to be involved in the trade deadline and one option could be White Sox relief pitcher Jesse Crain.
According to the Sporting News, Crain is set to be a free agent after this season and that makes him a very interesting trade target, despite the fact that he is injured. Crain had a shoulder problem and went on the DL in July, but his stats may force the team to make a deal, as he has a 2-3 with a 0.74 ERA in 38 appearances with Chicago, who will be sellers as they are in the cellar of the AL Central.
The team already dealt Matt Thornton to the Red sox and now Crain looks like the next man down, as he is a reliever, one of the most valuable things to postseason teams. Crain said he could also end up in Boston to the Sporting News and he said that he is happy to get back in uniform for the White Sox even with the rumors. The Rockies appear to be an option for the right-handed pitcher, as they need more bullpen depth as well. Michael Cuddyer could get dealt by the Rockies as well and some teams that are interested include the Pirates and the Dodgers.
"I've obviously heard Boston being a potential place," Crain told Bostons' WEEI.com "They already took one of our relievers. I would actually be surprised if they took another one. First-place club, it would be fun to play for. Right now I'm not trying to worry about that. I'm just trying to get healthy because I can't do anything or help anybody until that happens."
