Things Heat up as the Trade Deadline Approaches

          Things are starting to heat up as we enter into the trading period.  If history has taught us anything over the years there are a few things we can assume as we head into the stretch:  A lot of big names will be rumored to be moved and very few will change colors, people will pay attention to the Red Sox and Yankees as if they are the only two clubs that exist, the media will continue to debate what the Bonds record means long after the feat is accomplished, and someone from the Cubs pitching staff will undergo season ending surgery.  We’re selling dates for the last one in the office pool; get your square while you still can!

Handicapping the Arms Race          

Since the league expanded the biggest problem for teams year in and year out has been pitching, and this season is no exception.  The Braves, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Padres would love to add another arm, but nothing major is likely to happen.  Anyone of those teams would love to add a Carlos Zambrano or Dontrelle Willis, scabs and all, but those guys won’t be available.  Neither will Joe Blanton, Roy Oswalt, or Jon Garland, as many have hoped. 

            This isn’t 1998 and Randy Johnson won’t be showing up with a cape to save the day.  Teams just aren’t willing to pay the price to win the arms race, so the contenders are going to have to pluck their help from the likes of:  Matt Morris, Jason Jennings, Kyle Lohse, Scott Elarton, Steve Traschel, and Jose Contreras.  Those guys might eat up some innings, but they aren’t going to mean a World Series for the club that gets them.

            Those in need of bullpen help might have a few more options, but it is yet to be revealed who is actually available.  The Astros still have to decide who their closer of the future will be, meaning that the struggling Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, or Dan Wheeler could become available in the coming weeks.  The Rangers are still shopping both Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka, the Pirates would like to move Salomon Torres, and the Royals still want too much for Octavio Dotel.  It has also been rumored that the Twins would consider an offer for Joe Nathan, but that is yet to be seen.

            The players who will have to most impact on the pennant races won’t be found in the sweepstakes, they are the guys that are trying to fight their way back from injuries.  The Yankees might be six games out of the wild card, but they have no reason to panic as Phil Hughes continues to dominate at the minor league level and is probably about a week or two away for being recalled.  The only move Brian Cashman is likely to make is for infield help.  They also have high hopes for Joba Chamberlain out of Trenton and expect to use him in long relief situations down the stretch.

            The Red Sox are still awaiting the return of Curt Schilling, and the Mets should get a major boost from Pedro Martinez who is yet to pitch this season.  Omar Minaya continues to get all kinds of offers for Lastings Milledge, but he refuses to deal him for anything but a proven starter.  The Braves and Phillies don’t have any help on the way, so they are likely to be the most active players come July 31.

Deadline Rumors

The Mets and Red Sox have shown great interest in him, but the price tag is too steep. Both of these clubs would likely use him as a set-up man, and the Nationals are looking for closer value.

Verdict:  Rumor for now, but stay tuned

Wilson Bentemit, Dodgers                                                                                                                   

 The Yankees have been after him for two years, losing out on the sweepstakes last year while he was with the Braves.  The Dodgers are looking for help in the bullpen to help eat up innings for Johnathan Broxton and Takashi Saito, but apparently they haven’t been impressed with anyone in the New York organization.                                                                                                                                           Verdict:  What the boss wants, the boss usually gets.  I can’t see him being denied two years in a row.  I’d be surprised if this didn’t get done.

Adam Dunn, OF, Reds

There have been several reports that the Brewers are close to closing in on a deal that would send Tony Gwynn Jr. and reliever Matt Wise to the Reds.  Brewers GM Doug Melvin has denied early reports.

Verdict:  I think this deal is going to get done soon.  The Brewers have to win now and the Red’s bullpen has been relatively ineffective.  They’re going to lose Dunn when his contract is up anyways so this is a win-win for both sides.

Mark Teixeira, Texas

Everybody and their brother is interested in Teixeira, but he is signed through 2008 so it makes him that more valuable.  The teams rumored to be in the sweepstakes are the Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Angles, and Braves.

Verdict:  It’s looking like he’s this year’s Alfonso Soriano.  He’s been rumored to be going everywhere, but the price tag is too steep.  The Rangers still have to decide if they’re having a fire sale or not too.  If so Sammy Sosa would likely be the first one out of town, and my instincts are telling me that a reunion with Omar in New York is likely.