MLB Shopping Lists
By Jonathan Wachs
Inspin.com
Contributing Writer
As we head toward the July 31 trade deadline, the playoff contenders are all taking stock and trying to see what little boost they may need to get them to the promised land of October baseball. With many of the races wide open, there will be many more buyers than sellers. Still, some would be wise to remember the tragic Scott Kazmir mistake the Mets made two years ago and not kid themselves that they are in contention.
Let’s take a look at what should be on the shopping lists of some of the contenders. Remember, any potential deals can suddenly shift the balance of power and alter your betting strategy.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox lead the AL in on-base percentage and are third in runs, so the offense is in good hands. If Josh Beckett can pitch up to his capabilities and Jon Lester can handle the pressures of a pennant race, even their rotation is pretty good. They could definitely use a veteran reliever to help out Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin as they are relying on too many kids (Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen and, yes, even Papelbon). Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez just aren’t cutting it.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are starting to round into shape. Randy Johnson, while no longer the dominating ace he was, is pitching better. Chien-Mang Wang, Mike Mussina and a rejuvenated Jaret Wright have pitched consistently well of late. They could use a fallback No. 5 in case their long shot Sidney Ponson bet doesn’t work out. Unfortunately, they don't know how much Octavio Dotel will help when returns. Kyle Farnsworth, the Yankees know will not help, so a good righty setup man (Roberto Hernandez?) should be tops on the Yankees' shopping list. As far as hitting, the Yankees are still scoring runs, so they can afford to wait for Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield to return. If the Phillies just want someone to pay Bobby Abreu’s salary and don’t want top prospects, why shouldn’t the Yankees add his bat? Reggie Sanders might provide a cheaper solution.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were expected to have the best starting pitching in the division, but injuries to Gustavo Chacin and A.J. Burnett ruined that plan. Burnett is back and pitching well, but the Blue Jays would be wise to add a starter if they want to keep pace with the division’s heavyweights. Russ Adams has been a disaster in the field and at the plate, so a shortstop has to be high on the Blue Jays’ shopping list as well. The Blue Jays have asked about the Devil Rays' Julio Lugo.
Detroit Tigers
It’s been a great year for the Tigers. Still, they have been doing it with a very young staff that has a very large amount of innings pitched. A work horse in the pen would help alleviate some of the stress. The lineup also is too right-handed, so it would be smart to acquire a lefty even if it is only a platoon player. Actually, Bobby Abreu makes even more sense for the Tigers than the Yankees. Sean Casey is a possible backup plan.
Chicago White Sox
The defending champs lead the league in runs scored, so offensively they appear to be in good shape. This past weekend’s series with the Yankees exposed some bullpen issues, and Cliff Politte was designated for assignment. Trading a starter for some bullpen help also opens up a rotation spot for Brandon McCarthy. Freddy Garcia for the Mets’ Aaron Heilman has been mentioned in the rumor mill.
Oakland Athletics
The A’s could use some offense, particularly an outfielder with power. However, who would fit into their budget? With the health of Rich Harden still an unknown, Greg Maddux is a possibility to provide a veteran presence down the stretch.
Texas Rangers
Although the problems are not as bad as recent years, the Rangers are looking for starting pitching. Livan Hernandez, Cory Lidle and Kris Benson have all been mentioned as possibilities.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have been hesitant to part with any of their many prospects, but all of a sudden, it looks like they may be just a big bat away from winning the AL West despite their slow start. If they are going to go for it, they should swing for the fences and add either Miguel Tejada or Alfonso Soriano, each of whom they have inquired about.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York Mets
With the NL East seemingly in hand, the Mets' trades are more in mind for October. While much has been made of the age (Tom Glavine) and fragile nature (Pedro Martinez) of the starting staff, it might wise to add some help in the pen. Duaner Sanchez, Aaron Heilman and Darren Oliver all ranked in the top 10 innings pitched in the first half of the season. Livan Hernandez, Rodrigo Lopez, Freddy Garcia and Gil Meche have been mentioned as possible starting pitchers the Mets have their eye on. As far as the bullpen, the Mets have looked at Roberto Hernandez and maybe even Tom Gordon. The Mets also may prefer a younger Julio Lugo to Jose Valentin, but smart money is that Lugo goes to the Blue Jays.
Atlanta Braves
Like a killer in a horror film, they never die. Suddenly the Braves seem at least alive for a wild-card berth, but they are going to need a few reinforcements. Even during the recent winning streak, their bullpen has been a disaster. Scott Linebrink has been named as their top target with Wilson Betemit going to the Padres in return.
St. Louis Cardinals
A couple of years back, the Cardinals added Larry Walker’s bat to a potent offense. With Jim Edmonds slowing down, the Cardinals could use another left-handed bat like that to boost the offense for a deep October run. Look for the Cards to also make a run at Bobby Abreu, with David Dellucci as a backup plan. Even a run at a right-handed slugger like Alfonso Soriano is not out of the question.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds struck early and addressed their bullpen needs by acquiring Eddie Guardado, Gary Majewski and Bill Bray last week. They paid a steep price in Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez, but who’s to say the Reds will have this good an opportunity for a wild-card berth in the next couple of years? After all, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are likely to take big steps forward because of their strong farm systems.
Houston Astros
Is Huff enough? That’s what Houston is asking after it acquired Aubrey Huff to help their anemic offense. With Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, everyone expects the Astros to make a run at some point. They could definitely use another bat, but how much is left in the budget after all the money they shelled out to bring Clemens back?
Milwaukee Brewers
If the Brewers want to have any kind of chance in the wild-card chase, they obviously cannot trade Carlos Lee. They do need to add some right-handed relief as Derrick Turnbow’s overachieving ways are coming to an end.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are in search of another bat and are likely going to be involved in the Alfonso Soriano sweepstakes. After the injuries to Eric Gagne and the inconsistency of Danys Baez, look for the Dodgers to try and make a run at Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates.
San Diego Padres
No. 1 on the Padres' list is a third baseman. Vinny Castilla simply is done. Corey Koskie, Andy Marte, Billy Hall and even Morgan Ensberg are names that have come up, along with the previously mentioned Wilson Benemit as the Padres look to add offense to complement their solid pitching and defense.
San Francisco Giants
Because of their age, the Giants are definitely in a win-now situation. After all, only two every-day hitters are under 30. Look for the Giants to add a bat or two. Sean Casey, Todd Walker and Phil Nevin have all been mentioned as possibilities. Armando Benitez has been erratic since coming back from an injury, so the Giants may be in the market for a closer.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Here’s a team that needs to be careful. While the division seems wide open, the Diamondbacks have many holes, but they have as bright a future as any NL team. They just need to avoid the temptation of making a trade. They have looked to unload Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green for prospects, which would be a far better course of action.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies actually have a good starting pitching nucleus for a change (Jason Jennings, Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis). They could use some bullpen help and have looked at LaTroy Hawkins, Jeremy Affeldt and even a couple of Red Sox busts (Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez).
With so many teams in contention, not everybody will fill their needs, but keep an eye on the teams that do before making your bets. Often a new addition will show players that ownership is behind them and will provide teams with a big boost toward the playoffs.
By Jonathan Wachs
Inspin.com
Contributing Writer
As we head toward the July 31 trade deadline, the playoff contenders are all taking stock and trying to see what little boost they may need to get them to the promised land of October baseball. With many of the races wide open, there will be many more buyers than sellers. Still, some would be wise to remember the tragic Scott Kazmir mistake the Mets made two years ago and not kid themselves that they are in contention.
Let’s take a look at what should be on the shopping lists of some of the contenders. Remember, any potential deals can suddenly shift the balance of power and alter your betting strategy.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox lead the AL in on-base percentage and are third in runs, so the offense is in good hands. If Josh Beckett can pitch up to his capabilities and Jon Lester can handle the pressures of a pennant race, even their rotation is pretty good. They could definitely use a veteran reliever to help out Jonathan Papelbon and Mike Timlin as they are relying on too many kids (Craig Hansen, Manny Delcarmen and, yes, even Papelbon). Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez just aren’t cutting it.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are starting to round into shape. Randy Johnson, while no longer the dominating ace he was, is pitching better. Chien-Mang Wang, Mike Mussina and a rejuvenated Jaret Wright have pitched consistently well of late. They could use a fallback No. 5 in case their long shot Sidney Ponson bet doesn’t work out. Unfortunately, they don't know how much Octavio Dotel will help when returns. Kyle Farnsworth, the Yankees know will not help, so a good righty setup man (Roberto Hernandez?) should be tops on the Yankees' shopping list. As far as hitting, the Yankees are still scoring runs, so they can afford to wait for Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield to return. If the Phillies just want someone to pay Bobby Abreu’s salary and don’t want top prospects, why shouldn’t the Yankees add his bat? Reggie Sanders might provide a cheaper solution.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were expected to have the best starting pitching in the division, but injuries to Gustavo Chacin and A.J. Burnett ruined that plan. Burnett is back and pitching well, but the Blue Jays would be wise to add a starter if they want to keep pace with the division’s heavyweights. Russ Adams has been a disaster in the field and at the plate, so a shortstop has to be high on the Blue Jays’ shopping list as well. The Blue Jays have asked about the Devil Rays' Julio Lugo.
Detroit Tigers
It’s been a great year for the Tigers. Still, they have been doing it with a very young staff that has a very large amount of innings pitched. A work horse in the pen would help alleviate some of the stress. The lineup also is too right-handed, so it would be smart to acquire a lefty even if it is only a platoon player. Actually, Bobby Abreu makes even more sense for the Tigers than the Yankees. Sean Casey is a possible backup plan.
Chicago White Sox
The defending champs lead the league in runs scored, so offensively they appear to be in good shape. This past weekend’s series with the Yankees exposed some bullpen issues, and Cliff Politte was designated for assignment. Trading a starter for some bullpen help also opens up a rotation spot for Brandon McCarthy. Freddy Garcia for the Mets’ Aaron Heilman has been mentioned in the rumor mill.
Oakland Athletics
The A’s could use some offense, particularly an outfielder with power. However, who would fit into their budget? With the health of Rich Harden still an unknown, Greg Maddux is a possibility to provide a veteran presence down the stretch.
Texas Rangers
Although the problems are not as bad as recent years, the Rangers are looking for starting pitching. Livan Hernandez, Cory Lidle and Kris Benson have all been mentioned as possibilities.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have been hesitant to part with any of their many prospects, but all of a sudden, it looks like they may be just a big bat away from winning the AL West despite their slow start. If they are going to go for it, they should swing for the fences and add either Miguel Tejada or Alfonso Soriano, each of whom they have inquired about.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York Mets
With the NL East seemingly in hand, the Mets' trades are more in mind for October. While much has been made of the age (Tom Glavine) and fragile nature (Pedro Martinez) of the starting staff, it might wise to add some help in the pen. Duaner Sanchez, Aaron Heilman and Darren Oliver all ranked in the top 10 innings pitched in the first half of the season. Livan Hernandez, Rodrigo Lopez, Freddy Garcia and Gil Meche have been mentioned as possible starting pitchers the Mets have their eye on. As far as the bullpen, the Mets have looked at Roberto Hernandez and maybe even Tom Gordon. The Mets also may prefer a younger Julio Lugo to Jose Valentin, but smart money is that Lugo goes to the Blue Jays.
Atlanta Braves
Like a killer in a horror film, they never die. Suddenly the Braves seem at least alive for a wild-card berth, but they are going to need a few reinforcements. Even during the recent winning streak, their bullpen has been a disaster. Scott Linebrink has been named as their top target with Wilson Betemit going to the Padres in return.
St. Louis Cardinals
A couple of years back, the Cardinals added Larry Walker’s bat to a potent offense. With Jim Edmonds slowing down, the Cardinals could use another left-handed bat like that to boost the offense for a deep October run. Look for the Cards to also make a run at Bobby Abreu, with David Dellucci as a backup plan. Even a run at a right-handed slugger like Alfonso Soriano is not out of the question.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds struck early and addressed their bullpen needs by acquiring Eddie Guardado, Gary Majewski and Bill Bray last week. They paid a steep price in Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez, but who’s to say the Reds will have this good an opportunity for a wild-card berth in the next couple of years? After all, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are likely to take big steps forward because of their strong farm systems.
Houston Astros
Is Huff enough? That’s what Houston is asking after it acquired Aubrey Huff to help their anemic offense. With Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, everyone expects the Astros to make a run at some point. They could definitely use another bat, but how much is left in the budget after all the money they shelled out to bring Clemens back?
Milwaukee Brewers
If the Brewers want to have any kind of chance in the wild-card chase, they obviously cannot trade Carlos Lee. They do need to add some right-handed relief as Derrick Turnbow’s overachieving ways are coming to an end.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are in search of another bat and are likely going to be involved in the Alfonso Soriano sweepstakes. After the injuries to Eric Gagne and the inconsistency of Danys Baez, look for the Dodgers to try and make a run at Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates.
San Diego Padres
No. 1 on the Padres' list is a third baseman. Vinny Castilla simply is done. Corey Koskie, Andy Marte, Billy Hall and even Morgan Ensberg are names that have come up, along with the previously mentioned Wilson Benemit as the Padres look to add offense to complement their solid pitching and defense.
San Francisco Giants
Because of their age, the Giants are definitely in a win-now situation. After all, only two every-day hitters are under 30. Look for the Giants to add a bat or two. Sean Casey, Todd Walker and Phil Nevin have all been mentioned as possibilities. Armando Benitez has been erratic since coming back from an injury, so the Giants may be in the market for a closer.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Here’s a team that needs to be careful. While the division seems wide open, the Diamondbacks have many holes, but they have as bright a future as any NL team. They just need to avoid the temptation of making a trade. They have looked to unload Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green for prospects, which would be a far better course of action.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies actually have a good starting pitching nucleus for a change (Jason Jennings, Aaron Cook and Jeff Francis). They could use some bullpen help and have looked at LaTroy Hawkins, Jeremy Affeldt and even a couple of Red Sox busts (Julian Tavarez and Rudy Seanez).
With so many teams in contention, not everybody will fill their needs, but keep an eye on the teams that do before making your bets. Often a new addition will show players that ownership is behind them and will provide teams with a big boost toward the playoffs.
