Trade Season is in full Swing... But it's the pitchers who look to steal the show
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by user Jagsinbowlxl
Monday, June 25, 2007
Trade Season is in full Swing... But it's the pitchers who look to steal the show
Every summer around the middle of June, teams start to realize exactly how bad they are. An example of such horrific realizations belong to teams such as the White Sox, Rangers, (I'm not gonna mention the Royals, I'm not gonna mention the Royals) Reds, Giants, and Orioles--not to mention the surging Royals and Nationals...who are still in last. In this post I will give you guys some examples of trades that would make sense. It doesn't mean these trades real or have any influence from outside sources, but they are trades that I feel would benefit both sides. (If i get any of the trades right, it is because of my skill; not my luck)
First things first, let's deal with the Last place Rangers...
Rangers Trade
Rangers:Mark Teixeira, 1b Josh Rupe, rhp (Prospect)
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Kendry Morales, 1b (Prospect on major league roster) Joe Saunders, lhp(Prospect on major league roster) Tommy Mendoza, rhp (Prospect)
I think this trade works well for both sides. I know the Rangers don't want to trade within their division but this might be the best offer they can get. The Angels are getting a very strong bat that could help from the Left or Right side as Tex is a switch hitter. The Angels are a very dynamic team, but sometimes lack that pop from the plate. Tex would most definitely pang that hunger and make this strong team stronger and most certainly make them a World Series contender. But as you all know, in order for trades to work out, they must satisfy the conditions of both sides, which is why the Rangers are loading up on prospects. As you all know Ballpark at Arlington is a home run powerhouse making pitching a priority for the Rangers. They get 2 solid pitchers and one (Saunders) who is ready for the major leagues. They also got the future replacement for Tex as Morales is batting .294 for the Angels this year in fill-in role.
Rangers: Eric Gagne, rhp
Phillies: Greg Golson, of (prospect), Cash Considerations
The Phillies have a horrendous bullpen and Tom Gordon is getting up there in age. Even if Gagne wouldn't be the closer, he would greatly help the back end of the Phillies' pen. This is an easy deal for the Phillies to make, the problem is getting the Rangers to bite on Golson who has tremendous upside but hasn't really produced yet. He will give you 5-10 homeruns and he has a good eye at the plate. He will also put a youth movement to the old OF of the Rangers. I think that the cash considerations make the deal for the Rangers as they can use the money to help rebuild their roster. This deal would make sense for both sides, but I don't see it going through as both sides are very stingy when it comes to prospects.
Next up the Chicago White Sox.
White Sox: Mark Buehrle, lhp
Red Sox: Jed Lowrie, ss (prospect), Kris Johnson, sp(major league prospect)
This trade makes perfect sense for both teams. Buehrle will greatly help the Sox as they start their playoff push and can serve as a huge insurance policy for years to come. Rumors have it that if this deal goes through, then the Sox would sign Buerhle to a 5 year extension giving them a fallback plan if Schilling leaves. They could also move Tavarez or Wakefield to the pen if this deal goes through and Wakefield has no problem with that. Lowrie is a big shortstop prospect and could eventually become the starter, as only Juan Uribe stands in his path. Kris Johnson is also a very strong prospect and could help their depleted pitching staff.
White Sox: Jermaine Dye, of,Scott Podsednik, of
Padres trade: Terrmel Sledge, of, Yefri Carvajal, of (prospect), Andrew Brown, rp (prospect)
In order for the Padres to win the NL West, they have to start pumping in some runs. They arguably have one of the best pitching staffs in the game, but their offense lacks some power. A healthy Jermaine Dye in a new setting would definitely thrive, and if they can get Podsednik back to form they would have come out with a steal. Sledge is a great LF, but is slacking some this year and could pay dividends for the Sox. Carvajal and Brown are also high prospects in the Pad's system at #13 and #22, respectively. This trade would help the WSox for the future, and the Pads for their important playoff push.
Cincinnati is up...
Reds: Adam Dunn, 1b/of
Dodgers: James Loney, of (major league prospect), Scott Elbert, sp (prospect), Matt Kemp, of (major league prospect)
This trade would definitely make sense for the Reds, but it will take some major work by the Reds to get the Dodgers to accept this. The good thing for the Reds is that the Dodgers continue to get major prospects into their system so they have some leeway when it comes to that point. Adam Dunn would most definitely add a huge pop to the Dodgers offense, but this trade, if completed, most likely wouldn't be finished until the off-season. This would be a good trade for both sides, but I'm not sure if it is feasible.
San Fran is up:
Giants: Ray Durham, 2b
Cardinals: Mark Hamilton, 1b (prospect)
This trade would make sense for both sides. The Giants get an up-and-coming power hitter (they need one greatly) and the Cardinals get a solid all-around 2b who can help them for their hopeful playoff push. Durham can do it all and has been the only consistent Giant this season. He can hit for power, average, and has pretty good speed, especially for a guy of his age. He will also bring some leadership in the clubhouse. This will make the already old Cardinals older, but they need to win now, and waiting for this old roster to win won't do much. On the Giants side they will get a power hitting 1b who will be a better option that Klesko. This deal works out for both.
Last but not least, Baltimore.
Orioles: Miguel Tejada, ss
Cubs: Ryan Theriot, ss (major league prospect), Donald Veal, sp (prospect)
This is an interesting trade for both sides as the Cubs have already spent 300 million this offseason to get better. The Tribune company said no more spending, but with a player of this caliber I think they might reconsider. The Orioles get their SS of the future with Theriot and Donald Veal is a superb pitching prospect and would fit nicely with the under the radar staff that Baltimore put together. This would be a really good trade for both sides, and the Orioles should jump all over it.
So that wraps up all of the trade possibilities. Now we sit, wait, watch, and wonder for what happens next....
Check out my blog (along with redsoxfaithful38) at http://mlbreviews.blogspot.com/
