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.
But, if I know I am out of the race, and am under orders to reduce payroll, I am at the mercy of the teams that are bidding.
Normally, one can count on a team like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees to be major players at the MLB trade deadline.
But Cubs GM Jim Hendry's hands may be tied, given that the team's sale is on hold.
And even the normally reliable spend-thrift Bronx Bombers are said to be on a tight budget.
What's next, the government not paying $500 for a screwdriver?
The economy is obviously on life support, yet the game has enjoyed years of prosperity. In fact, I wonder how much of this new-found economic frugality is driven by real need and how much represents teams merely taking advantage of an easy excuse not to spend their profits?
No matter. It is what it is, and what it is will likely affect this season's trading big-time.
There will be several big name players available. The A's will likely make outfielder and soon-to-be free agent Matt Holliday available. Expect the Angels, who lost out on slugger Mark Teixeira in the offseason, to express interest.
And while Jake Peavy is off the market, at least for now, due to injury, you have to wonder if the Red Sox will cash in any of their pitching surplus to fill their shortstop hole.
With Daisuke Matsuzaka possibly out for the season, even the return of John Smoltz likely won't force the Sox to trade Brad Penny.
So just who is likely to move at the deadline?
Well, the Cleveland Indians will almost certainly move super utilityman Mark DeRosa. While the Cubs could really use him, I think he may end up in St. Louis, with Jason Motte possibly being part of the return package.
The Tribe is said to be looking for major league ready pitching in return.
Jarrod Washburn is a hot commodity right now, with the Los Angeles Dodgers the most likely landing spot.
The Mariners are contenders but if they fall out of the race, not only will Washburn become available, but Adrian Beltre will too. He could possibly end up with the Giants for a young pitcher, though Matt Cain isn't going anywhere.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have pitchers Doug Davis and Jon Garland, as well as second baseman Felipe Lopez and the injured Chad Tracy as candidates to find a new address.
The New York Mets have a boatload of injuries, and one would think that GM Omar Minaya would be interested in Aubrey Huff, Mark DeRosa or Nick Johnson.
The key could be Bobby Parnell, whom Manaya hasn't been willing to move thus far.
The Chicago White Sox could be both sellers and buyers at the deadline. They have several contracts coming off the books after the season, and as the Jake Peavy discussions proved, they are not afraid to take on a long-term deal.
Outfielder Jermaine Dye could be particularly attractive to a team like the Mets. Look for GM Kenny Williams to want young pitching in return.
Dye has an option on his contract, so the Sox don't have to trade him, as they might pick up that option at the end of the year, which could also help yield a higher return via trade.
The Philadelphia Phillies certainly could use a starting pitcher, and they seemingly could afford to take on salary. Perhaps a trade of Washburn for prospects is in order?
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports, "One of the hot rumors among the scouting community is that the Reds are dangling one of their veteran pitchers in an effort to get younger and reduce payroll. Bronson Arroyo...with starting pitching hard to find, the Reds could get a decent return."
A Braves trade of Jeff Francoeur to the Royals for Jose Guillen has been in the works for some time now.
The Red Sox' Takashi Saito is on the wish list for several MLB GMs. He had been part of a rumored trade to the Rangers for Hank Blalock before Josh Hamilton went on the DL. Now, the Sox would prefer to obtain a prospect in return.
The surprising Rockies are said to be interested in the Pirates' Ian Snell.
Similar to last season, when the Brewers acquired CC Sabathia, look for them to add pitching. They are said to be interested in the Mariners' Erik Bedard. They might be willing to part with shortstop JJ Hardy in return.
The Phillies are also in on Bedard.
The Houston Astros may become sellers, though GM Ed Wade said, "We're not there yet." When they are ready, Miguel Tejada could be sent to the Red Sox for a young pitcher like Daniel Bard or Michael Bowden, though GM Theo Epstein has been reluctant to move prospects.
I do not think that Roy Oswald will be moved, however.
Yes, this could be an interesting trade deadline this year. While teams want to slash payroll, there aren't likely as many teams willing to assume additional payroll, and GMs just aren't as motivated to move top prospects as they used to be.
It could disappoint, come to think of it.
- Login to post comments