2009 MLB Trade Deadline

Now that July is upon us, the baseball world will begin focusing on the impending trade deadline at the end of the month. I think it's safe to say that the Texas Rangers can be lumped into the category of "Buyers".

Currently sitting a half game out of first in the West, the rest of the season is sure to be a battle with the Angels. So what pieces will be added—and which will be lost—to give the Rangers that extra advantage?

The NL East has proven to be the free-for-all many thought it would be. The Atlanta Braves are in fourth place, but are only three games out of first place on July 1.

The New York Mets are injured and their roster is depleted, yet they broke out of a five-game losing streak against Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo on Wednesday.

The Florida Marlins have shot up the standings to within a half-game of first place after a 17-11 June.

The Philadelphia Phillies hit the skids in June with an 11-15 mark, but are still at the top in the division.

As the 2009, Non-waiver trade deadline quickly approaches many teams scurry around to find that extra player or two that can put their team over the edge and on pace to play in October.

That July 31st deadline has brought in Kyle Farnsworth and Sean Casey over the past few season for the Detroit Tigers.

This season, the Tigers look to add a solid bat to the middle or bottom third of an already pretty stacked lineup.

As the Texas Rangers head into July and the All-Star break, they stand in second place in the American League West.

Only a game and a half separates them and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. As the Rangers and Angels get set to take part in a crucial three game set at Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington, Texas GM Jon Daniels is looking at his options internally and externally.

Mark DeRosa was a good start for John Mozeliak, but he still has work to do if he wants to make this a championship club.

There are too many struggling pieces to believe that one player will make the difference.

Many fans will be saying that if the team does not get Matt Holliday, then we are not serious about winning.

So wrong.

Matt Holliday's time in Oakland has proved that he is in fact a Coors Kid.

He will still get that ridiculous contract, but he does not need to be in St. Louis.

Who does? So glad you asked.

Josh Willingham.

Saturday was June 27th. At the end of the day, the Chicago Cubs were tied for third place in the National League's Central division with the Cincinnati Reds, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals by three-and-a-half games.

Saturday also marked 179 days since Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry traded the most versatile, and arguably the most valuable, player from last season's team to the Cleveland Indians. Mark DeRosa was dealt to the Tribe for a couple of minor league pitchers.

It's June 27, and the major league trade deadline is drawing near.

As always, there are many teams out there looking for offense. The Mets, Rays, Blue Jays, and others are looking for a quality bat to further their playoff chances.

Bad luck spread through the Phillies pitching like the Swine Flu.

It started with Brad Lidge and worked it's way through the entire pitching staff. Lidge blew saves, Chan Ho Park failed, Brett Myers suffered a season ending injury, Clay Condrey went down, and now Antonio Bastardo is hurt.

Fortunately for the Phillies, the bats were alive and kicking. Led by Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia posted the best road record in baseball. Right now, the Phils' bats have been pretty quiet, but not terrible. 

As the Giants continue to surprise people in the National League early on, and the need for an offensive upgrade becomes more evident with each passing series, a lingering question is on the minds of Giants fans everywhere:

Who do we give up to make this team better?

And the main player who is deemed expendable by a majority of Giants fans, bloggers, and columnists?

Jonathan Sanchez.

Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics

Braves send Jeff Francoeur, Kris Medlen, Jo-Jo Reyes, and Kelly Johnson to the Athletics for Matt Holliday and Adam Kennedy

The A’s and Braves have made trades before. This deal gets the A’s three major league-ready young players for a pair of one-year veterans. The Braves are desperate to unload Jeff Francoeur (.246/.281/.336), and maybe the A’s philosophy of OBP being very important could help Francoeur fix his approach.