2009 MLB Trade Deadline

Looks like the apparent blunder of nixing a Washburn deal with the Minnesota Twins last year was not much of a mistake. 

We keep hearing that many teams simply will not have the budget to take on the salary of some of the players that non-contending teams will want to move at MLB's trade deadline.

Yet, I'm sure that there will be some opportunistic ball clubs that take advantage of this year's lack of competition.

There may be some bargains to be had, especially if many teams stick to filling gaps from within.

Look, it's the law of supply and demand at work. If I have a player and there are multiple teams interested, it will surely drive up the price.

I am a die-hard A's fan.

I also think like a general manager.

Balancing the two can be awfully difficult. As much as I don't want to fold at this point, the chances of the A's rallying against all odds and winning their division this year are  as likely as me becoming the next baseball commisioner. Yes, I know the A's have a history over having great second-half seasons, but this I just don't see that happening this year.

To begin this column, I’d like to extend a heartfelt sympathy to Russell Branyan, Jose Lopez and Rob Johnson, who have all been impacted by family illness or death in recent days.

This article was originally published at fantasypros911.com.

After reading one too many articles about trade ideas for the "desperate" Atlanta Braves, I figured it's time we took a journey back into franchise history and remembered the types of moves we've made in similar situations.

For every McGriff deal, there's been a Teixeira.

The deal may sound good at the time (finally!

Mired in a huge four out of 45 at-bats to hit ratio is Mr.Vernon Wells, or as most of us Torontonians call him, V-dub.

Still currently hitting out of that four spot, the slugger position, Wells has earned it with his on and off talented bat and defensive seasons. He currently hits .238, with a measly five home runs, and a high left on base total. Comparing our slugger to our small ball second basemen, Aaron Hill, who has 14 home runs tells you something.

A partial tear in Jake Peavy’s ankle ligament may cause experts to shred their perception of the starting pitcher trade market as the baseball season nears the trade deadline, and it’s possible that the Mariners could become the beneficiary.

Peavy’s injury, initially expected to keep the righty out for a month, could keep him out for 8-12 weeks according to recent reports.

Year in and year out, many fans wonder how long they have with their star players, and others can't wait for their teams to trade a bundle of prospects for a high-caliber player. 

The July 31 trade deadline is still far enough away, but, as we know, trades can happen anytime, and with the beauty of no salary cap, things can get wild.

These four transactions must occur before the big three-one:

The Kansas City Royals are struggling big time. The pitching has been inconsistent, and the hitting has been horrible.

The Royals need help, but they're running out of answers. It's time for the team to make a move. Could it be to bring up a player from Triple-A? Or possibly make a trade to get a hitter?

My guess, at least for the short term, is they will call up first baseman Kila Ka'aihue.