MLB 2013 Trade Deadline - Shamhat1915's Blog

Shamhat1915's Blog

MLB 2013 Trade Deadline

Posted on July 19, 2013 at 09:02 PM.

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With the Major League Baseball trade deadline less than two weeks away, teams are rushing to get deals done for those final pieces to put them over the top. Perhaps the biggest name certain to be moved is Matt Garza, who will certainly solidify any starting rotation. The Texas Rangers seem to be the forerunner for Garza's services, but don't be surprised to see Colorado or Arizona make a bid to steal him away. Both have some depth in the minors to dangle as a key piece in any trade, and the Cubs need to shed Garza and build for the future.

The Detroit Tigers, (whom I am partial too since they're my hometown team) also are in need of pitching help, but from the bullpen. The rest of the team is solid all around, and another piece in the bullpen would put them over the top and give them the edge in the Central division. Bobby Parnell, Jesse Crain, Luke Gregerson, and Huston Street are all mentioned in rumors, but only Street may be a viable option for the Tigers. Crain is part of a divisional rival, which may up the price for his services, while both Parnell and Gregerson are signed through several more years and putting up decent numbers. Street has struggled this year as a member of the Padres, posting a 4.15 ERA in 30.1 innings pitched. His true value to the Tigers, however, would be his history as a closer seeing as he's racked up 216 saves in his career. The hope would be that with a good offense, in a pitchers ballpark, Street could return to form and be a viable cog of a potential World Series team. Unfortunately, the Tigers have little they are willing to part with in terms of prospects aside from outfielder Danry Vasquez, who shows potential power from the left side of the plate.

The Pirates are another team looking to find that last piece towards ending their drought, and are potential buyers for the White Sox outfielder Alex Rios. For the season, Pirates right fielders for a .235/.309/.394 line this season and played below replacement level as a whole. Rios would solidify that spot for Pittsburgh as he has posted a .270/.326/.429 line on the season. Adding Rios' bat to a lineup consisting of Walker, McCutchen, Alvarez, Jones and Martin would bring the Pirates into position to threaten the Cardinals for the NL Central division crown.

Perhaps the most intriguing name in trade rumors this year is Miami star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. His name is being thrown out there simply as wishful thinking, but it wouldn't be too big a surprise to see Miami move him. The Marlins are known for blowing up their team and getting rid of star players (just see Miguel Cabrera, the best hitter in the league today) and Stanton would only be the next guy they traded. It would take a huge offer and many near-ready prospects to get the Marlins attention, but watch for his name to pop up.