Peter Christian, Paul M. Banks & Soxman break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.

Since they have already been the league’s most active team in trades it appears that the A’s are trying out an unorthodox theory of winning while rebuilding. Billy Beane is one of the most active GM’s in the league in the effort to sell high and buy low. The dealing of Rich Harden, Chad Gaudin and Joe Blanton netted the A’s 7 prospects and should allow Beane a chance to utilize his already deep farm system to put the best team on the field down the stretch. However, Beane might not be done wheeling and dealing yet. With injuries to the bulk of their veterans (Eric Chavez, Frank Thomas, Mike Sweeney and Keith Foulke) the A’s only have four active players over the age of 30 on their roster (Alan Embree, Justin Duchscherer, Mark Ellis and Emil Brown). All of those active players have been mentioned in trade rumors. It is pretty unusual that a team still in the thick of the Wild Card race (and 10 games back of a team that I get the collapse vibe from) would be in such a “fire sale” mode, but with the stockpile of talent that Oakland has built up it might just be time to let the kids play.
–Peter Christian

This may be the most interesting team to watch these last few days because everyone in need of pitching will covet them; they possess the best starter (Justin Duchscherer) and bullpen guy (Huston Street) still available. I’ll be honest: the Athletics are quickly becoming my third favorite team. (Cubs are second) As an MBA grad, I have a soft spot for the “Moneyball” approach and enjoy watching good baseball mix with good financial discipline and they’re also the parent club of my Kane County Cougars, the minor league team that I’ve covered extensively and grown affection for….Doesn’t hurt that my final two years of little league the team I played for was the A’s as well.  It will be also be fascinating to see what happens when the A’s move in to Cisco Field in 2012, will this bring in a new stream of revenue? Will it change their economic philosophy?
–Paul M. Banks

Despite being in second place at the break, it is completely obvious GM Billy Beane is waving the White Flag on the 2008 Season and re-stocking with top prospects.  With the trades of Dan Haren, Rich Harden, and Joe Blanton, it would be a miracle to see the A’s make the play-offs.  The biggest rumor surrounding the A’s is” “Who will be traded next?”  Huston Street could draw a great deal on interest as could Mark Ellis.
–Soxman

Peter Christian and Soxman and break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
 
 
With their starting rotation looking healthy, it would be hard to see any team overtaking the Angels in the AL West.  The Angels have coveted a legitimate, power-hitting first baseman for years.  Could they place a call to GM Kenny Williams about Paul Konerko?  With Konerko’s awful season that seems unlikely.  They could try to net Mark Teixeira from the Braves.  They have also been linked to Brian Fuentes.  Perhaps the Angles could be persuaded to take Todd Helton in the deal?  I know it’s a stretch.  The Marlins Mike Jacobs is another possibility for the Angels.
–The Soxman

I’m not sure what it is about this 60 win team but I’m not sold on them being a legitimate World Series contender. With their mix of high priced contracts and young prospects their ceiling should be high but I just get an ’07 Mets-like vibe from them. The thing is that they are winning now and aren’t showing signs of falling apart which also means that GM Tony Reagins is going to be hesitant to break up the good mix. They have a good bunch of young players that are contributing, plus a few prospects waiting in the wings so it isn’t entirely out of the question that the Angels would go out and get a high profile bat. However, the Angels top 3 prospects all play positions that the team is already relatively deep at and could invoke some roster moves that don’t have a huge impact on the club. Players like Erick Aybar, Robb Quinlan and Mike Napoli might be moved to make room for the likes of Brandon Wood and eventually Hank Conger. The Angels would probably be seeking out some outfield prospects to wait in the wings as Vladimir Guerrero (32), Torii Hunter (33) and Garrett Anderson (36) all play into the end of their careers.

–Peter Christian
 
7/17- Red Sox
7/18- Yankees
7/19- Rays
7/20- White Sox
7/21- Twins
7/22- Tigers
7/24-Angels
7/25- A’s, Rangers
7/26- Phillies, Mets, Marlins
7/27- Cubs
7/28-Brewers, Cardinals
7/29- Dodgers, Diamondbacks

Peter Christian, Soxman and Paul M. Banks break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
 
 Wow. The Tigers are probably the most disappointing team in baseball. The puddle of crap they call a team is such a waste. They were predicted to be one of the fiercest line-ups ever created on paper. Instead they’ve just become a bunch of names of players who had great years before this one. Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Carlos Guillen, Gary Sheffield, Justin Verlander, Nate Robertson, Kenny Rogers, Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya just to name a few. Still they have the talent (I think) to put together a great run. The Tigers need to shore up the back end of their rotation (Verlander seems to have turned a corner and should be a .500 pitcher by the first week of August) and bullpen. They also need to get healthy as injuries to Renteria, Sheffield, Curtis Granderson and Magglio Ordonez have curbed the Tigers expected offensive production. With the injuries however, the Tigers (and the rest of the league) have had a chance to see some of the young prospects that the Tigers might be looking to deal in order to get back into the race. Matt Joyce has come alive with the bat in his hands and Clete Thomas (worst American name in baseball) has shown prowess in both the field and at the plate. Another couple of veteran names that may get tossed around are Brandon Inge and Marcus Thames. Inge has gotten a lot of playing time lately with Pudge Rodriguez trying to get healthy and may be on display for other teams. Thames, on the other hand, had one of the biggest power surges in recent history when he hit something like 8 home runs in 7 games (which is good, but when you add to the fact that in those 7 games he only had 8 hits… yup, all homers. Amazing). That kind of reminds me of the Ricky Bobby line, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”  If it ain’t gone, it’s out.” Thames could be a solid addition to a team like the Rays if the Tigers slide out of contention after the break.
–Peter Christian

Experts have all picked the Tigers to make the biggest push in the second half.  I think they still have too many injury problems and a huge payroll to make any additional significant moves.  Bottom line: they need pitching.  They have also expressed interest in Freddy Garcia and have scouted Damaso Marte and Jon Rauch very closely.
–The Soxman

Talk about your ultimate fantasy team…that it a nightmare team on paper. Is this Yankees West or something? Their pitching got old and decrepit overnight and the best way to stave off the degeneration is with some bullpen help. NOW! As disappointing as this season has been in “the D,” the Twins and Sox may not have the staying power Did their If I’m trying to catch a Tiger by the toe, I’d first try to replace closer Todd Jones, his 4.78 ERA is the third worst among all closers in baseball.
–Paul M. Banks

7/17- Red Sox
7/18- Yankees
7/19- Rays
7/20- White Sox
7/21- Twins
7/22- Tigers
7/23-Angels
7/24- A’s
7/25- Rangers

7/26- Phillies, Mets, Marlins

7/27- Cubs

7/28-Brewers, Cardinals

7/29- Dodgers, Diamondbacks

Peter Christian and Soxman break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
 
 

Now this is actually a pleasant surprise. The Twins were expected to hover at .500 and be looking up at the Indians and Tigers. Instead they are playing above expectations and sticking their nose in both the AL Central Race and the Wild Card race. Their starting pitching and clutch hitting have been carrying this team through the last two months, the same two things that were supposed to be the Achilles heel. The bullpen and defense, however, were supposed to be solid. This has been inconsistent. The Twins could use a fresh, reliable arm in the bullpen but they also need a consistent bat at third base and designated hitter. Brian Buscher was key during the Twins eleven game winning streak, but he needs to develop against lefties (especially in the Twins lineup which is heavily left handed) and the Craig Monroe/Jason Kubel platoon at DH doesn’t ensure a whole lot of consistent production from the position. The emergence of Denard Span, a flash of what Jason Kubel can be puts the Twins in a position that they are familiar with: too many outfielders. A few years back the Twins were plagued with the same problem and were largely ineffective at getting anything for their surplus. This time around, the Twins new GM Billy Smith should be a little more aggressive than former GM Terry Ryan was. He needs to go out and find a buyer rather than waiting for one to come to him. The Twins have already inquired about the availability of Seattle’s Adrian Beltre, but a better answer might be a bit closer to home in former Twin Casey Blake. The only problem with going and getting Blake is the fact that he plays for division rival and it would be tough to give up any valuable asset to the Indians for a rental player. However, if the trade included a reliever as well (say, Rafael Betancourt?) the juice might be worth the squeeze.

–Peter Christian 

Looking at this roster, you would think “they need a ton,” but somehow the Twins just keep on winning.  The Twins have an internal answer to bolster their pitching: Francisco Liriano.  He’s been dominating in the minors and it’s hard to understand exactly why the Twins have not given him a shot.  The Twins could also use another power bat as they have the 4th worst homerun production in the majors (65).  Adrian Beltre, Hank Blalock, Garrett Atkins, and Casey Blake could all fit the bill.  The Twins have discussed Beltre for weeks internally and it is obvious that the Mariners are sellers.  Beltre is hitting .269 with 16 HR and 46 RBI on the season.  Casey Blake seems to fit the Twins “scrappy” profile though and he has been a White Sox killer over the years.  Juan Rivera could be another intriguing possibility at a lower cost.
–The Soxman

7/17- Red Sox
7/18- Yankees
7/19- Rays
7/20- White Sox
7/21- Twins
7/22- Tigers
7/23-Angels
7/24- A’s

Peter Christian, Soxman and Paul M. Banks break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
 

The first week out of the All-Star break will be key to the Devi… ahem I mean, Rays willingness to make a move at the deadline. Less than two weeks ago the Rays had the best record in baseball and a 5 game lead over the Red Sox, showing they have the ability to get hot and put it together for a good run, but 7 straight losses into the break display the streakiness of their youth. There is little doubt that they can get hot again but what do they have to do to ensure they don’t get too cold and fall apart? A veteran not named Cliff Floyd could help the clubhouse with bench power as well as be a guiding force for the youngsters that are currently carrying this team. There is also a little concern as to whether the Rays bullpen can hold up for the entire season. The good news is they have the most talent-filled farm system of all major league clubs (7 of Baseball America ’s Top 100 Prospects are property of the Rays) and they have plenty of pitching depth within the system. They could roll the dice and give one up for a veteran presence either on the bench or in the bullpen and make a solid run or they could simply play out the season and reload for next season with another year under the young team’s belt. Do not be surprised if Edwin Jackson gets mentioned as being on the block or one of their pitching prospects not named David Price (Jake McGee, Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann).

–Peter Christian
 
They need a big bat in their line-up and have the prospects and payroll to pull it off.  Their bullpen could also use bolstering with Troy Percival often injured.  You could see them go after Adam Dunn or address both of their needs by trading for Brian Fuentes and Matt Holliday.  They are in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories.
–The Soxman

What a difference a name change makes. Last year they wear the Devil Rays, suffering through another season of ineptitude that matched every other year of their short pathetic history. Then they changed to the “Rays” and quicker than a ray of light they became the sunshine of my life for the people of Florida’s Gulf Coast. With their stocked farm system, the future indeed looks like luminescent. Especially if a couple of the other highly regarded prospects fast track their way to the show just like Evan Longoria did. The #3 overall draft pick in 2006 became an American League All-Star this season. That said, if there is one club I would predict to certainly stand pat at the deadline, it’s this squad. They have too much future potential to ruin things by mortgaging it off, and they are also too small-market (lacking in fiscal resources) to be excessively aggressive in buying any rent-a-players.
–Paul M. Banks

Last Thursday- Red Sox
Last Friday- Yankees

Sun- White Sox
Mon- Twins
Tue- Tigers
Wed-Angels

Peter Christian, Soxman and Paul M. Banks break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
 

Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches.  The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
  
 

Now that the All-Star game is done buzzing in the Bronx, Yankee fans are going to start itching to push the panic button. Who cares if the team has clawed back from large mid-season deficits in each of the last two seasons, this team is not the same team nor does it have the same mystique. Outside of Jeter, Posada and Riviera there isn’t a single player who has fully developed the Yankee aura about them (even Andy Pettitte doesn’t have it back). Joe Girardi’s team may have been hit by the injury stick the hardest as eight of the players on the Opening Day 25-man roster have landed on the DL. The injuries make it difficult for GM Brian Cashman (aka The Steinbrenner Stooge) to trade any pieces. After the Johan Santana tragedy it is apparent that the Yankees are not willing to give up Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy, which means that names like Austin Jackson and Alberto Gonzalez might get tossed around in an effort to get some starting pitching that can stay healthy. Overall, the Yankees are in a tough spot because they have needs but they don’t necessarily have the means to fill those needs (SP, RP, OF).
–Peter Christian

I would pursue pitching first and foremost if I were the Yankees, they are not going to be able to just bludgeon teams to death down the stretch and should they make it to the postseason, they will NOT be able to out-slug their way to a November ticker-tape parade. The old cliché “to make an omelet, you need to break a few eggs certainly applies in their case” because any available pitching help will require moving their key prospect pieces or sacrificing crucial components of their prolific offense. The asking price for pitching may be too high. Although no team in baseball has more financial resources and/or the aggressive shopping strategy employed by New York, I still think this is it: the first Yankee-less postseason since 1995. That thought make my toes curl. Well, not literally, but you get the point. No wonder George Steinbrenner is starting to look like the host of HBO’s “Tales from the Crypt” these days.
–Paul M. Banks

The last season in “the House that Ruth Built” means the Yankees will have to make a run, even if they are 6 games back.  They tried to address offensive needs by turning to Richie Sexson as a low-risk option. He hasn’t really done much since he left the Brewers.    Aubrey Huff could be another possibility if the Yankees heat up.  While the Yankees deny it, they really could turn to Barry Bonds if they are within striking distance.  They could also use another starting pitcher.

–The Soxman 

Yesterday-Red Sox
Sat- Rays
Sun- White Sox
Mon- Twins
Tue- Tigers