With so many teams in contention for playoff spots, this year's trade deadline is certainly going to be interesting. Traditional sellers (like the Pirates) might end up being buyers, meaning there won't be as many options for those looking to add a piece down the stretch. Then there are teams like the Mets where you don't really know what's going on. It was the Mets that got the wheels in motion when they traded closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers shortly after the All-Star Game, but GM Sandy Alderson swears he wasn't waving the white flag. Still, don't be surprised if they take some sort of half-and-half approach. Carlos Beltran's probably gone.
Some likely contenders are addressing their needs via free agency (such as the Yankees signing left-handed reliever J.C. Romero), but there will still definitely be worthwhile players available that will be dealt. Here are some of my proposals (these are all strictly hypothetical):
Padres closer Heath Bell to the Reds
The Reds have a tremendous offense and a solid starting rotation, but their bullpen definitely needs an upgrade. Cincinnati's closer is Francisco Cordero, who's decent, but isn't going to win you a World Series. And the rest of that bullpen isn't anything to write home about. Trading for Bell, making him the closer and shuffling Cordero into a setup role might be all Cincinnati needs to come out of that NL Central race. If they're smart, the Reds will also make Chris Heisey their everyday left fielder instead of Jonny Gomes. In fact, since so many teams will want Bell, Gomes might be the perfect trade chip.
Mariners second baseman Chone Figgins to the Tigers
Chone Figgins has worn out his welcome in Seattle. He stopped being good the second he put on a Mariners uniform, and they have Dustin Ackley playing second now, so it's not like Figgins fits into Seattle's future plans. Maybe a pennant race will bring the real Chone Figgins back. The Tigers planned on having rookie Will Rhymes play second base this year. That didn't work out. And Carlos Guillen's been on the DL all year. They can solve their second base problem by adding the switch-hitting Figgins, who's also a nice fit in that two-spot between Austin Jackson and Miguel Cabrera.
Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to the Indians
In order to stay with Detroit, Cleveland has to get another starter at the deadline. The veteran Rodriguez can fit right in there behind Fausto Carmona. That way, the Indians don't need to rely on Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin as much. The Indians also need a bat (preferably one that plays third base), but they need to pounce on a starting pitcher first.
Royals infielder Wilson Betemit to the Angels
The Royals are (correctly) working their talented young players into everyday roles. Eric Hosmer has taken over at first and Mike Moustakas has taken over at third. As a result, Betemit has become expendable. A switch-hitter who can play anywhere on the field, he'd be a great addition to the Angels. Despite having many flaws, the Angels have somehow managed to stay with the Rangers thus far. They also need pitching, but Betemit plugs (at least puts a band-aid on) some of their offensive holes. They could put him at third, in the outfield, or as a nice option off the bench.
Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran to the Giants
Even though they're not throwing in the towel, the Mets will trade Beltran. Brian Wilson was practically begging him to come to San Francisco during the All-Star Game, and it makes a lot of sense. This team is built on pitching. That can win you a championship. They proved that last year. But with Buster Posey out for the season, they need a hitter. Beltran can do a lot of things offensively, and putting him in right field and moving Cody Ross to left also upgrades the Giants' defense. I'm sure they wouldn't mind renting a veteran catcher for two months, either, but the Giants don't need to do much to win the NL West.
White Sox starter Edwin Jackson to the Cardinals
The White Sox have six starting pitchers. You only need five. That means one of them is expendable, and Jackson makes the most sense. St. Louis needs another starter to stay with Milwaukee (which is also going to make some moves) and Cincinnati, which are both better teams. Jackson's a guy they can plug in there behind Chris Carpenter and Jamie Garcia to instantly improve their rotation. This would clearly be a two-month rental, since Adam Wainwright will be back next year. As always, the Cardinals could probably upgrade their lineup, as well, but they've still got that guy named Albert.
Athletics outfielder David DeJesus to the Yankees
Signing Romero and the return of a healthy, not-crappy Rafael Soriano might takes care of the bullpen needs. Knowing Brian Cashman, he'll still try to make a splash and land somebody like Bell or fellow Padres reliever Mike Adams, but I think the most glaring need is actually a left-handed bat off the bench. For some reason, Chris Dickerson has been on the Scranton shuttle all season, which means the only reserve outfielder on the roster is Andruw Jones. Andruw Jones isn't very good anymore. DeJesus is better and left-handed, which makes him a much better option off the bench in October.
Dodgers outfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr. to the Red Sox
The Dodgers don't have any money. Frank McCourt spent it all. As a result, they're in the position where they'll have to be sellers at the deadline. One of the easiest guys for them to get rid of is Gwynn the Younger. He's not his Hall of Fame father, but he is a decent young outfielder. He's the type of guy that would fit perfectly as a backup in Boston's system. This trade won't actually happen, though. Gwynn isn't a first baseman or starting pitcher, and those are the only positions Theo Epstein trades for at the deadline, whether he needs them or not.
Padres reliever Mike Adams to the Red Sox
This one might happen. Boston's probably going to be in the market for a setup man, and Adams is the best one that's going to definitely be available. I thought he should've been the Padres' All-Star. He's having that good of a year. And look how well things turned out for the last guy Boston got from San Diego. Of course, going from Petco Park to Fenway Park might not be as easy for a pitcher. Even still, it's scary to think about Adams in front of Jonathan Papelbon in that bullpen.
Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena to the Rangers
Yes, I do recall being one of the first people to bitch about how royally Michael Young was being screwed by this franchise when they signed Adrian Beltre, but he seems to have made peace with his stupid starting DH/super utility role (and made the All-Star team), so I guess I can as well. Pena's probably going to be traded and he's better than Mitch Moreland. He doesn't make sense for a lot of other teams, which is why I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up in Texas. However, adding Pena would also make the Rangers extremely vulnerable to left-handed pitching.
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