With the July 31st non waiver trade deadline only twelve days away. I thought it timely to start a thread discussing what moves we think teams will make between now and then. (As I know some teams have made moves already, if we want to discuss and debate those as well, let's do so).
I'll start with my own favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. I've been reading conflicting rumors as to the status of our first baseman, Mark Texiara. The Braves are currently on the fringes of the division race, behind three good teams. It is going to take a major hot streak for Atlanta to get into the divisional and wild card races. As we know, the Braves have many pitchers disabled. Hampton's status is uncertain, and he may be gone for the year , Smoltz is definitely gone for the year, and Glavine's return is uncertain. With these injuries, it doesnt seem likely that the Braves can make a run. As for Texiara, I heard a rumor on the Washington Nationals broadcast last night stating that their analysts felt that Texiara will be dealt before July 31, with the Braves likely out of the race, and having little chance to meet his agent's probable five year, 20 million dollar a year demand at the end of the season.
I also think that the on a roll New York Mets will deal for a starting pitcher. The Mets have played very well over the last week and a half, to get back into the divisional race. However, their rotation does have question marks. Johan Santana has been good for them, and John Maine and Mike Pelfrey seem set, but Pedro Martinez has been on and off the DL all year. Additionally, the Phillies acquistion of Oakland's Joe Blanton, combined with the questionable health of Pedro, would seem to indicate that the Mets might want to bolster their rotation, especially with them now back in the race, and having a good shot to win either the NL East, or the Wild Card.
So, those are some moves I think may happen. Any other thoughts?
Mitch
I'll start with my own favorite team, the Atlanta Braves. I've been reading conflicting rumors as to the status of our first baseman, Mark Texiara. The Braves are currently on the fringes of the division race, behind three good teams. It is going to take a major hot streak for Atlanta to get into the divisional and wild card races. As we know, the Braves have many pitchers disabled. Hampton's status is uncertain, and he may be gone for the year , Smoltz is definitely gone for the year, and Glavine's return is uncertain. With these injuries, it doesnt seem likely that the Braves can make a run. As for Texiara, I heard a rumor on the Washington Nationals broadcast last night stating that their analysts felt that Texiara will be dealt before July 31, with the Braves likely out of the race, and having little chance to meet his agent's probable five year, 20 million dollar a year demand at the end of the season.
I also think that the on a roll New York Mets will deal for a starting pitcher. The Mets have played very well over the last week and a half, to get back into the divisional race. However, their rotation does have question marks. Johan Santana has been good for them, and John Maine and Mike Pelfrey seem set, but Pedro Martinez has been on and off the DL all year. Additionally, the Phillies acquistion of Oakland's Joe Blanton, combined with the questionable health of Pedro, would seem to indicate that the Mets might want to bolster their rotation, especially with them now back in the race, and having a good shot to win either the NL East, or the Wild Card.
So, those are some moves I think may happen. Any other thoughts?
Mitch