Major League Baseball has already seen the trade market heat up as the trade deadline fast approaches. Cole Hamels will be staying in Philadelphia for the next six years, but we've already seen Omar Infante, Anibal Sanchez and Hanley Ramirez traded by the Miami Marlins.
Miami is said to be listening to offers on their ace Josh Johnson, but another ace is also available, and that's Zack Greinke of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Greinke was excellent on Tuesday night, boosting his trade value and showing the baseball community he is indeed healthy. He pitched seven brilliant innings against the Phillies, allowing just one run on three hits, walking none while striking out five. For whatever it's worth, he also homered.
Now, with Greinke unlikely to sign a long-term extension with the Brewers, there's an excellent chance that Greinke is dealt, according to FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi.
It's unlikely - but not impossible - that Greinke will agree to an extension with the Brewers during the next several days, according to one source familiar with the conversations. He already turned down an offer of more than $100 million, according to CBSSports.com.
So, there's an excellent chance Greinke will be dealt before next Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline. He might even be traded before his next scheduled start, Sunday at home against Washington. Accordingly, scouts from teams in need of starting pitchers - the Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, Braves and White Sox - were in attendance at Citizens Bank Park.
I've been a firm believer that Greinke is a top-five pitcher in baseball, and his acquisition could shift the balance of power in the 2012 baseball season. With the Rangers needing another pitcher after losing Colby Lewis, Texas just seems like the most logical landing spot for Greinke.
We'll see if the Rangers make a move for Greinke, or another pitcher, in the coming days.