Tuesday Links: Any trade with the Nationals will come at a high cost for Red Sox

With Max Scherzer now in the fold, the Washington Nationals “super rotation” is something that should only be tampered with should an irresistible deal slide across GM Mike Rizzo’s desk. In adding the former Cy Young Award winner to an already formidable rotation, the Nationals were awarded with the luxury of having too many quality starters.

The old saying, “you can never have enough pitching” should be taken to heart by Rizzo while fielding trade inquiries. Even with two starters entering their walk season, Washington has all of the leverage in trade discussions, and can rightfully ask for anything the desire in a potential trade. In a rotation lead by Scherzer and capped by Gio Gonzalez, the Nationals don’t need to trade away anyone, and would be perfectly content with standing pat.

However, there is always a chance a team desperate for an ace presents a package too good to say no to. The Red Sox are obviously one of the teams that could assemble such a package, considering their depth in both the minor and major league. Jordan Zimmermann or Doug Fister, both of whom finished the 2014 season in the top 10 in NL Cy Young voting, would tie Boston’s rotation together nicely. However, the pair of right-hander’s expiring deals should make Ben Cherington reluctant to trade away the top tier talent the Washington would ask for. Conversely, young right-hander Stephen Strasburg should be a name seriously pursed by Boston, despite the haul it would take to land the former first overall draft selection.

Whether it’s Fister, Zimmermann, or Strasburg, any deal for a Nationals starter will hurt. With that being said, the Red Sox’ deep system allows them to seriously consider meeting the Nationals asking price. While parting with the likes of a Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart would be ill advised for a one-and-done starter, Boston should weigh the pros and cons of somewhat depleting their farm system for a elite arm like Stephen Strasburg.

• With Max Scherzer now a member of the Washington Nationals, rumors of Stephen Strasburg’s availability have dominated Boston headlines. Strasburg, a 26-year old former first overall selection, has been one of the leagues best arms since recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2012. However, for Boston to acquire the right-hander, they’ll need to part with a significant haul of prospects, similar to the group that was traded back in 2005 for Josh Beckett. (Could the Red Sox trade for Stephen Strasburg)

• Fresh off a four year, $88 million contract extension, Hanley Ramirez is projected to assume the clean-up spot in the Red Sox order this season. According to manager John Farrell, putting the 31-year old between David Ortiz and Pablo Sandoval not only lengthens the line-up, but gives it more continuity. After receiving little production from the cleanup spot last season, Ramirez figures to be a consistent middle of the order threat. (Hanley Ramirez can be a potent cleanup hitter for Red Sox)

• Sure Boston has hit on their fair share of minor league talent, but they have also been quick to dispose of once highly-coveted prospects. Former highly touted prospects Lars Anderson, Ryan Lavarnway, and Will Middlebrooks, among others, now find themselves on the outs in Boston after failing to latching on at the major league level. In hindsight, selling high on these once top prospects could have resulted in acquiring serious major league talent, but despite the hits and misses GM Ben Cherington believes in building the team through a constant stream of minor league talent. (With top prospects, Red Sox have been selling low lately)

• The Nationals don’t necessarily have to deal one of their starters, but with reports of the team listening to offers, the Red Sox could finally get the ace they’ve wanted. While Stephen Strasburg remains the apple of Red Sox fan’s eye, the price to acquire him might be too high for Ben Cherington’s liking. Still, the Red Sox can turn to alternatives such as Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister, who, due to expiring contracts, could carry a lower price tag. (With Max Scherzer in D.C., where will the Red Sox find their ace?)

• Tweet of the day: Hopefully this can be used for the Sox offense.