AL East, Baltimore Orioles and Trades to be made
By Nate Wardle
Jun 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) sits in the dugout during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. The St. Louis Cardinals won 12-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The AL East in which the Baltimore Orioles play is the only division in baseball where everyone has to realistically still feel like they can win the division. And because of that, I think the moves made at the trade deadline (or lack thereof) could determine who wins the division.
Let’s look at each team, based on their current spot in the standings, and see who could be just a few of the potential trade targets.
New York Yankees – Ben Zobrist, Dan Haren, Bartolo Colon
I documented in my post on each team’s weaknesses that middle infield is a true weakness for the Yankees. Well, Zobrist can play both 2B and SS. While it appears Rob Refsnyder is going to remain with the club, I still think another player may be wanted. The Yankees don’t seem to want to spend a lot of money, which is why I, and many other writers, think Zobrist makes sense.
Haren and Colon are two pitchers who have experience and are veterans. Haren would not be a huge upgrade, but would come much cheaper than Colon. However, the Mets are likely willing to move Colon, who has experience pitching in the Big Apple. Either pitcher would help the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Tampa Bay Rays – Delmon Young
There isn’t much talk about possible moves for the Rays because they likely are going to stay pat. They are going to hope Steven Souza Jr. can cut down on his strikeouts and keep hitting home runs. They are going to hope their pitching staff can stay healthy and Chris Archer continues at his Cy Young-caliber pace.
But, one intriguing name is Delmon Young. Young, the former Oriole, is a veteran hitter who would be a solid DH/OF for the Rays. He has played for Tampa in the past, and would bring a veteran presence to the lineup. Other than a move similar, I could see a minor trade for a bullpen piece; but I think as long as the Rays’ pitching stays healthy, they are set to make a run where they are.
Baltimore Orioles – Scott Kazmir
The Orioles said on Tuesday they will not trade Chris Davis as long as they are in contention. While I do think that they either have to trade or release one of their outfielders and some people in their bullpen, I don’t think there is much value to be had there.
If Dan Duquette wants to pull off a big trade, it is going to have to be trading an expiring contract and risking throwing in the towel for the rest of the season. There just isn’t enough in the minor leagues to get a Johnny Cueto, or David Price, or Cole Hamels without really depleting the farm system, something I don’t think happens.
The team will likely make a few trades, with players like Brian Matusz, Wesley Wright, and Chris Parmelee all potential trade bait. But honestly, how attractive are those players. Not very. So, I think it might be the minor moves the Orioles make that could help them. In all honestly, they just need more consistency, but I don’t know if it is going to happen.
Their biggest need does appear to be a starting pitcher, and a player like Kazmir would make sense for the Orioles. The question is whether they have enough to get him without trading top prospects, which they won’t do.
Toronto Blue Jays – Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels,
Jonathan Papelbon,
Steve Cishek,
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Name a pitcher on the trade block and the Jays are likely interested. Although their GM has said he doesn’t want to trade for a rental player, he also has said he is willing to deal major league talent.
The Jays are thought to be one of the leaders in the chase for Cueto, and they have interest in Hamels. In needing a closer, Papelbon may be the best available, and of course has pitched in the AL East extensively.
Cishek and Reed are cheaper options who are closers who could pitch for the Jays. The Jays are likely to make a move for pitching, so it will be fascinating to see who they go after.
Boston Red Sox – Cole Hamels
I think the Red Sox could make more moves, but they have been rumored to be interested in Hamels for months. I think he is the best fit in Boston, and Hamels is going to be moved. Could it be Cueto, yes. Could it be Colon, or someone else, yes. But, the Red Sox are going to go get a starting pitcher, and I think Hamels is the best fit.
What do you think? I only mentioned a few players, but there are many other options.