Now before you have a heart attack from seeing the title of this piece, just hear me out for a second.
*I love Drew Storen and I am not at all advocating trading him*
That being said, let's talk about trading Drew Storen.
It was reported last week that Mike Rizzo was "taking calls" on both Clippard and Storen, and NatsTown freaked. I am glad that he was taking calls on Storen - that's his job. I would be pissed if Rizzo decided to not take a call from another exec because one of his RELIEVERS was untouchable.
Here is a sample conversation of "taking calls":
Other Guy - "Hey Mike, what would it take to get Storen?"
Mike Rizzo - "Troy Tulowitzki/Evan Longoria/etc."
Other Guy - *Hangs Up*
That's taking calls.
Anyway, Storen is one of the best relievers in the National League. His ERA is a miniscule 2.37 and his WHIP is a fantastic 0.93. In Saber-lingo he is tied for 4th in the NL in Shutdowns (+0.060 WPA) with 28 of them - tied with Tyler Clippard.
Drew Storen has a ton of value to both the Nats (and any potential suitors). He is in just his 2nd year and has already ascended to the closer's role (though I don't think Riggleman ever actually announced that...). In a statistical sense, relievers aren't worth near the price as starters (WAR proves it), but in terms of monetary value Storen is one of the cheapest relief options out there because he is under club control for the next 5 years.
Mike Rizzo would charge a ton for his services, so it is highly unlikely that he will be traded - but that won't stop the teams from asking.
Would anyone out there actually trade Storen? If so, what would you want in return?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I can't even think about it. However - maybe Dustin Pedroia, Asdrubal Carera or the above-named Troy or Evan. Nothing less - he's ours. Have we heard from any experts on what accounts for his success? He's not big physically or very experienced. Is it speed, movement, deception? I know the guy is very smart. I don't think I have ever heard an analysis of why it works. I am kind of glad he is flying under the pr radar a little, though. Better for him in his first full year, although he handles the media quite well.
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