The Trade Deadline is creeping up on us baseball fans. July 31st is only a week from tomorrow. As is always the case, rumors swirl and fans hang on every word that Buster Olney or Jayson Stark utter in the weeks heading up to the deadline. Half the time, these reporters blow a little bit of smoke or don’t know what they’re talking about. It’s interesting to read the rumors but honestly some of them will never happen. Here’s 5 trades that I think are going to happen.
1) James Shields and Joel Peralta to Cincinnati for Devin Mesoraco and two lower level pitchers. Let’s be honest, Cincinnati can’t stand the fact that Pittsburgh is ahead of them in the NL Central. Also, as poor as they’ve played, they’re only 5 games back but, they need pitching. James Shields has never been worth more on the trade market and the Rays need catching help. Devin Mesoraco is major league ready and could bolster the Rays offense immediately. Additionally, the fact that Matt Moore is still in the minors is laughable. This trade will happen.
2) Aramis Ramirez to the Angels for a bunch of lower level talent. Aramis has been the games best third baseman this year. Run the numbers: Angels third basemen have combined for 4 home runs and 36 RBI while slugging .361. Aramis has 18 homers, 60 RBI and slugging .525. Its quite clear the Angels need help at third and are still contenders in the AL West- only 3 games back. The Cubs meanwhile are not good at all. They need farm system help and major league help. Don’t be surprised if Matt Garza is included in this trade or in a separate trade.
3) Matt Garza to the Yankees for Gary Sanchez, Eduardo Nunez and a lower level pitcher. I’ve been over how the Cubs need help but so do the Yankees. Max explained why yesterday. Consider this my prediction for the Yankees pitching problem with Max’s prediction Derek Lowe.
4) Mike Adams and Ryan Ludwick to the Braves for SS prospect Matt Lipka and C prospect Christian Bethancourt and another pitching prospect. The Braves really don’t want to get rid of their top pitching prospects given the uncertainty of pitchers’ elbows and Jair Jurjjens longterm role with the club.
5) The Rangers get a starting pitcher. Poor Brandon Webb just underwent surgery and the Rangers need starting pitching help in October. I don’t see Tommy Hunter making any World Series starts again. Wandy Rodriguez will make a great addition and has been one of the most under appreciated pitchers in the game.
Now the Trades that probably will not happen. I don’t see
- Carlos Beltran going to the Braves
- Hunter Pence going anywhere
- The Red Sox making any trades for players you know
- Ubaldo Jimenez going anywhere
- The NFL lockout being good for trade deadline coverage on Sportscenter. Stupid football
Stat of the Day: Todd Helton is second in the NL in batting average. The 37 year old is hitting .322
-Sean Morash
