Atlanta Braves
Need: a corner Out Fielder with some power
it is unlikely that Braves management will allow John Schureholtz to add payroll so getting a power hitting OF may prove difficult. It is possible the Braves could get someone like Royals OF Matt Stairs, Stairs is not the best defensive OF out there but does have 7 HR (which would tie him for second on the Braves) and could be had fairly cheap (a couple of minor leaguers).
Florida Marlins
Need: someone to get the ball to Mota and Jones
Todd Jones has excelled as the Marlins Closer and we know Guillermo Mota is one of the best setup men in Baseball but the rest of the Marlins Bullpen is a little shakey, the Marlins need someone who can pitch effectively in the 6th (when necessarry) and 7th inning. Relievers are going to be a hot commodity this july (as always!) so it is hard to predict who they could go after.
New York Mets
Need: a First Baseman who can drive in runs
Doug Mientkiewicz got off to a great start but has gone cold and is now injured, Chris Woodward and Marlon Anderson are playing out of position trying to generate some offense, the Mets need someone at 1B who can drive in runs. It is unlikely that Mike Sweeney would waive his no-trade clause to come to the Mets (not one of the teams on his list), the Mets could possibly try and take on Todd Helton's contract but i think the most likely option will be Reds 1B Sean Casey. The Reds are going nowhere and will likely start trading off players and Casey would fit nicely into the Mets lineup since he can pretty much bat anywhere in the batting order.
Philadelphia Phillies
Need: a true leadoff hitter
This is probably the hardest to come by. Jimmy Rollins is not a very good leadoff hitter and Kenny Lofton has lost more than a step. In a lineup that's 3-6 hitters are Bobby Abreau, Pat Burrell, Jim Thome and Chase Utley the Phillies need someone who can get on base ahead of the run producers, this may be difficult because there are not too many leadoff hitters that are expected to be available.
Washington Nationals
Need: a Center Fielder with power
The Nats need a CF, Brad Wilkerson is a much better corner OF'r and his offense may be suffering from playing out of position, the Nationals would like to get Preston Wilson from the Rockies. They believe they could make a deal with P's Matt Hinckley and Zach Day and maybe OF Ryan Church but can't make the money work (Wilson makes $12.5 mil). The Rockies, who would like to unload Wilson's salary would have to eat a lot of the money-and it is unlikely the other owners will allow that.
Thoughts? comments?
agree? disagree?.
Comment