Let’s close out the week with a look at potential NL sellers over the next several weeks as the march toward the trade deadline continues.
The Nationals are the most obvious sellers. They were eliminated from contention in spring training, and their eyes on the future. The idea for Washington right now is to build the organization. They’ve got some good young pitching with Jordan Zimmerman already showing well against big league hitting, and there’s reason to believe Ross Detwiler has a good future. Stephen Strasburg will hopefully be signed before too much time passes. But if the future arms look good, the bats don’t. This team needs to pick up some good young position talent. Adam Dunn should be offered for the best package of prospects. He’s really their only attractive bargaining chip at this point, and considering how extensive this team’s needs are, they need to explore moving Dunn.
The Pirates have already dealt away one of their legit talents in Nate McLouth, but I don’t think they’re done. I think there’s a strong possibility Freddy Sanchez ends the season wearing a different uniform. Sanchez has managed to stay healthy and he would draw interest. Teams looking for bullpen help might contact the Bucs regarding Matt Capps or John Grabow. If the Pirates figure they can realize a profit dealing anyone on their roster, they’re up for a deal.
Despite their remarkable recent hot streak, I still believe the Rockies are potential sellers. They’ve been showcasing Garrett Atkins in hopes of sparking interest. But the player most likely to generate big interest is Huston Street. The closer has had a good year and his stock is back up after a down 2008 campaign. I’m not convinced at all that Colorado is suddenly a wild card contender off their recent play, and any regression to their norm should convince management it’s in their best long term interests to be selling.
The Padres are in dire need of a legitimate prospect or three. They already tried to move Jake Peavy, and although that deal with the White Sox fell through via Peavy’s veto, he was still on the market. Unfortunately, the injury to Peavy ends any possibility of a headline deal. And the bad news for the Friars is that they don’t really have any other marquee talent aside from Adrian Gonzalez, and I don’t see San Diego offering him. While I still think the Padres will try and make a couple of deals, don’t look for anything that’s of a marquee nature.
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Here’s a look at Friday’s free opinion. Remember that my Saturday and Sunday free plays are available on a recorded message at 1-888-567-7660.
The streaking Marlins try for their sixth straight win tonight as they open their weekend rivalry series with the Rays. Tampa is coming on strong, as they continue to score loads of runs and they’re getting strong pitching from James Shields. But Josh Johnson has been money all season long for the Marlins and here’s an opportunity to back Johnson at dog money. Tough game for sure, but at the price, I think the Marlins are worth a shot.
