Post by Bryce-KC on Oct 21, 2019 15:02:33 GMT
You asked for it, here it is. An in depth look as we approach the trade deadline in the second season of the BRHLO.
PSA deadline night will be 11pm EST on October 29th.
Another PSA – IF YOU ARE RETAINING CONTRACT IN FUTURE YEARS, YOU MUST HAVE PAID FOR THOSE SEASONS!
We will focus on what is available from the sellers, and then look at the contending teams, for the article sake, the contenders are those within 5 games of a playoff spot on July 20th in game, and what they should be looking to add. Of course, for all, any insight we have via trade blocks, or discussions will be added. Without further ado.
THE SELLERS
1. New York Yankees
a. Available pieces – LF Ryan Braun, RP Wade Davis, 1B Jose Abreu, 3B Anthony Rendon, 2B Scooter Gennett, RP Felipe Vazquez, RP Xavier Cedeno
b. Diagnosis – Despite optimism prior to the year, things have not gone well for the Yankees. The offense has been poor, the pen a disaster. It’s time to get what they can for their big-ticket pieces. Rendon has been terrific and should warrant a nice return. Others like Abreu and Braun, they’d be happy to get anything.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
a. Available pieces – LF Yoenis Cespedes, 2B Dee Gordon, SS Elvis Andrus, CF Billy Hamilton, RP Ken Giles, RP Dellin Betances, RP Trevor Rosenthal
b. Diagnosis – Can’t hit, can’t pitch. Everything than went abnormally perfect last year has regressed to the mean.
3. Chicago White Sox
a. Available pieces – CF Charlie Blackmon, DH JD Martinez, SP Nathan Eovaldi, 3B Justin Turner, 1B Brandon Belt, LF Michael Brantley
b. Diagnosis – We knew the pitching would be bad, and it has been, but what happened to the offense? JD Martinez has been tremendous, but other than him, there’s some massive disappointment. Most everyone is signed up long-term, the ChiSox may be where you need to go for a big name
4. Minnesota Twins
a. Available pieces – RP Juan Nicasio, RF Avisail Garcia, LF Howie Kendrick, RF Adam Jones, RP Shawn Kelley
b. Diagnosis – The offense has underperformed, in every category they’re middle of the pack, except runs. The pen has been OK. The rotation has been terrible. A 5.65 ERA for the starters. The Twins aren’t this bad, but they aren’t good either
5. Oakland Athletics
a. Available pieces – 1B Paul Goldschmidt, SS Didi Gregorius, C Kurt Suzuki, LF Shin-Soo Choo, SP Mike Leake
b. Diagnosis – The offense has been way better than they should be, they walk a lot, but everything else is poor to terrible. Yet have the 4th most runs in the league. The pitching hasn’t been good either, which is killing the team. There are some good pieces here though.
6. Seattle Mariners
a. Available pieces – SP Gerrit Cole, LF Matt Kemp, CL Brad Hand, CF Ben Revere, RP Zach Duke, 2B Ian Kinsler, SP Jake Arrieta
b. Diagnosis – It was supposed to be different. The starters were supposed to carry this team. They’ve been mediocre at best with the 8th best starters ERA. The pen has been a disaster, the hitting awful from top to bottom. Literally no one outside of Astudillo and Nimmo have been what they needed them to be.
7. Houston Astros
a. Available pieces – 1B Edwin Encarnacion, 2B Ben Zobrist, SP Josh Smith, C Welington Castillo
b. Diagnosis – Last in runs scored, last in runs allowed. Not much else to say. There’s plenty of pieces who can move to help bolster the future though. Zobrist will undoubtedly be in demand amongst others.
8. Atlanta Braves
a. Available pieces – RF Kole Calhoun, SP Miles Mikolas, 3B Zack Cozart, SS Adeiny Hechavarria, LF Ian Desmond, 1B Lucas Duda, RP Drew Pomeranz, RP Ivan Nova
b. Diagnosis – Was never supposed to be a good year for the Braves, they’re bottom 5 in runs and runs against, though the starters have been passable. The Braves should be one of the more active teams at the deadline.
9. Chicago Cubs
a. Available pieces – SP Masahiro Tanaka, LF Justin Upton, SP Adam Wainwright, C Jason Castro, CL Tony Cingrani, CL Robert Osuna, 2B Jedd Gyorko, CF Michael A Taylor
b. Diagnosis – The offense is there, with the 5th most runs in the NL, the bullpen has been good ranked #4, the starters have been awful, 14th in the NL. Not hard to see why the team is where it is. Tanaka has been bad, as has everyone but Wainwright. Cubs will be active sellers.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates
a. Available pieces - SP Rick Porcello, RP Adam Ottavino, 3B Jake Lamb, C Robinson Chirinos
b. Diagnosis – Kudos to the team as they’ve been selling for a while, though I don’t think Correa was the problem. I’d go with the worst pitching staff in the NL personally. Pirates still have some useful pieces to move though.
11. St. Louis Cardinals
a. Available pieces – C Yan Gomes, SP Wei-Yin Chen, C Alex Avila, CL Fernando Rodney, RP Cody Gearrin
b. Diagnosis – Another team we knew it wasn’t going to be a great year from, but man is the future bright. There are a few useful pieces as the Cards have done a good job avoiding bad long-term deals.
12. Arizona Diamondbacks
a. Available pieces – LF Josh Reddick, SP Julio Teheran, SP Jhoulys Chacin, RP Raynel Espinal, RP Dan Jennings
b. Diagnosis – 2nd in the league in batting average, but everything else offensively is middle of the pack. Pitching hasn’t been great either. They’ve been a bit unlucky to be as bad as they are, but here we are. The Dbacks are selling, and have some pitching options, which will surely be sought after.
13. San Francisco Giants
a. Available pieces – C Yasmani Grandal, 2B Dustin Pedroia, LF Kyle Schwarber, RP Luke Gregerson, RF Carlos Gonzalez, RP Brad Boxberger, SP Jake Odorizzi
b. Diagnosis – No offense at all, dead last in most categories except walks which they’re first. Not a lot of action in SF this year. The pitching has been very good. 2nd best starters ERA, 4th best in runs allowed. The complete and utter lack of offense has doomed this promising squad.
14. Colorado Rockies
a. Available pieces – SP Mike Fiers, SP Tyler Skaggs, RP Jorge De La Rosa, 2B Tommy La Stella, 3B Pablo Sandoval, 3B Brandon Drury, 1B Jake Bauers, C Patrick Mazeikas, OF Bryce Brentz, SP Anibal Sanchez
b. Diagnosis – The pitching is awful, as expected, the offense has been pretty good, helped by Coors, and of course that Mike Trout guy is OK. Just a shame to watch his prime going to shit. Though help may be on the way next year.
15. Detroit Tigers
a. Available pieces – SP Rich Hill, DH Kris Davis, 1B Kendrys Morales, LF Corey Dickerson
SP Gio Gonzalez, RP Will Smith, SP Tyler Chatwood
b. Diagnosis – Yes, they’re only 6 back of the Wild Card, but there’s too many teams to jump, this team is done, and should look to next year. Offense and pitching is middle of the pack, nothing special, or awful. Even though a .500 year is good for Eric, it’s likely his peak.
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
a. Available pieces – 3B Josh Donaldson, SP Jeff Samardzila, CF Brett Gardner, SP Sonny Gray, 2B Jonathan Schoop, 3B David Freese, 1B Justin Smoak, C Evan Gattis
b. Diagnosis – The hill is too big to climb, offensively they’ve really struggled this year, there just isn’t enough pop in the lineup to make things roll. Pitching has been in the middle of the pack in runs against but has actually been better than that indicates. Some tweaks will be coming in LA.
17. Cincinnati Reds
a. Available pieces – SP Dallas Keuchel, SP King Felix, 2B Robinson Cano, C Francisco Cervelli, C Brian McCann, 1B Hanley Ramirez, CF Jarrod Dyson
b. Diagnosis – The offense hasn’t been there, and the pitching has been in the middle of the pack. Injuries have no doubt hurt, losing Morton and Mondesi early for the year. But this team has underperformed and hasn’t made the moves necessary to climb out of the hole.
Likely available players by position
Catcher – Kurt Suzuki (Oak), Welington Castillo (Hou), Jason Castro (CHC), Kevin Plawecki (KC), Robinson Chirinos (Pit), Alex Avila (Stl), Yan Gomes (Stl), Yasmani Grandal (SF), Patrick Mazeikas (Col), Evan Gattis (LAD), Brian McCann (Cin), Francisco Cervelli (Cin)
First Base/DH – Jose Abreu (NYY), Brandon Belt (CWS), Paul Goldschmidt (Oak), Edwin Encarnacion (Hou), Lucas Duda (Atl), Ronald Guzman (KC), Jake Bauers (Col), Khris Davis (Det), Kendrys Morales (DH), Justin Smoak (LAD), Hanley Ramirez (Cin)
Second Base – Dee Gordon (Tor), Ian Kinsler (Sea), Ben Zobrist (Hou), Jedd Gyorko (CHC), Dustin Pedroia (SF), Jonathan Schoop (LAD), Robinson Cano (Cin)
Shortstop – Elvis Andrus (Tor), Didi Gregorius (Oak), Adeiny Hechavarria (Atl), Tommy La Stella (Col)
Third Base – Anthony Rendon (NYY), Justin Turner (CWS), Zach Cozart (Atl), Jake Lamb (Pit), Brandon Drury (Col), Pablo Sandoval (Col), Josh Donaldson (LAD), David Freese (LAD)
Corner Outfield – Ryan Braun (NYY), Yoenis Cespedes (Tor), Michael Brantley (CWS), Avisail Garcia (Min), Adam Jones (Min), Howie Kendrick (Min), Shin-Soo Choo (Oak), Matt Kemp (Sea), Kole Calhoun (Atl), Ian Desmond (Atl), Justin Upton (CHC), Josh Reddick (Ari), Kyle Schwarber (SF), Carlos Gonzalez (SF), Bryce Brentz (Col), Corey Dickerson (Det)
Centerfield – Billy Hamilton (Tor), Charlie Blackmon (CWS), Ben Revere (Sea), Michael Taylor (CHC), Brett Gardner (LAD), Jarrod Dyson (Cin)
Starting Pitching – Nathan Eovaldi (CWS), Mike Leake (Oak), Gerrit Cole (Sea), SP Jake Arrieta (Sea), Josh Smith (Hou), Miles Mikolas (Atl), Masahiro Tanaka (CHC), Adam Wainwright (CHC), Rick Porcello (Pit), Wei-Yin Chen (Stl), Julio Teheran (Ari), Jhoulys Chacin (Ari), Jake Odorizzi (SF), Mike Fiers (Col), Tyler Skaggs (Col), Anibal Sanchez (Col), Rich Hill (Det), Gio Gonzalez (Det), Tyler Chatwood (Det), Jeff Samardzila (LAD), Sonny Gray (LAD), Dallas Keuchel (Cin), Felix Hernandez (Cin),
Relievers – Wade Davis (NYY), Felipe Vazquez (NYY), Xavier Cedeno (NYY), Ken Giles (Tor), Dellin Betances (Tor), Trevor Rosenthal (Tor), Juan Nicasio (Min), Shawn Kelley (Min), Brad Hand (Sea), Zach Duke (Sea), Drew Pomeranz (Atl), Ivan Nova (Atl), Tony Cingrani (CHC), Robert Osuna (CHC), Adam Ottovino (Pit), Cody Gearrin (Stl), Fernando Rodney (Stl), Raynel Espinnal (Ari), Dan Jennings (Ari), Luke Gregerson (SF), Brad Boxberger (SF), Jorge De La Rosa (Col), Will Smith (Det)
THE BUYERS
1. Baltimore Orioles
a. Needs – The offense is 3rd in the AL, while the pitching is 7th. Picking up JA Happ and Cole Hamels may have already addressed this issue, so the pen may now by the biggest need. The team could also use an upgrade at second base as they’ve not gotten any production from that spot all year.
b. Pieces to move – 2B Freudis Nova, LF Brennen Davis,
c. Targets that make sense – Zobrist (Hou), Kinsler (Sea), Osuna (CHC), Gregerson (SF)
2. Tampa Bay Rays
a. Needs – Offense is ranked 2nd, pitching is ranked 6th. The Rays are a good team, top to bottom, and have been more proactive than anyone addressing holes in the roster. Not a lot left to be done, they’ve made it known they’re after a starter and reliever still
b. Pieces to move – CF Jarren Duran, SP Garrison Bryant
c. Targets that make sense – Fernando Rodney (Stl), Brad Hand (Sea), Tyler Skaggs (Col)
3. Boston Red Sox
a. Needs – Well they’ve already announced they’re sellers, but we don’t know why. They’re right in the thick of things with the 4th best pitching and 9th ranked offense. Maybe the standings are a bit of mirage and Matt realizes that. So while we’d normally be saying they’re looking to add, they have shown every indication of rebuilding. So let’s project them to grab an outfielder and maybe another starter to keep them kicking in the race
b. Pieces to move – RF Yaisel Puig, CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
c. Targets that make sense – Mikolas (Atl), Brantley (CWS)
4. Philadelphia Phillies
a. Needs – The offense is great sitting at 2nd in the NL, but the pitching has allowed the 9th most runs, and the starters are ranked 11th. So the Phillies needs are heavy on the pitching side.
b. Pieces to move – C Sean Murphy, LF Luis Gonzalez, SP Shane McLanahan
c. Targets that make sense – Nicasio (Min), Giles (Tor), Chacin (Ari), Samardzila (LAD),
5. Miami Marlins
a. Needs – 7th in runs scored, 2nd in runs allowed. The Marlins have been getting it done via pitching, but have made it known they’re still after another starter. CJ Cron has not brought the expected punch at 1st so the team could use an upgrade there, and at second base. The Marlins have plenty of good young assets to move to facilitate a deal, and could, if they wish, be the ones driving the deadline
b. Pieces to move – SS Gavin Lux, C Ckeibert Ruiz, OF Daz Cameron, SP Luis Gohara
c. Targets that make sense – Goldschmidt (Oak), Gordon (Tor), Porcello (Pit), Sanchez (Col)
6. New York Mets
a. Needs – The pitching has been good with the 3rd fewest runs allowed, but the hitting hasn’t been, ranking 12th in runs scored. They’re at the bottom for OBP in the entire league. The Mets need bats, or the pitching won’t be able to sustain them. They’ve got nothing out of first base this year, and hope picking up Pierce will help that, but a good OBP bat is needed.
b. Pieces to move – SP Dakota Hudson, OF Khalil Lee, OF Oscar Merceado
c. Targets that make sense – Cespedes (Tor), Rendon (NYY), Encarnacion (Hou)
7. Texas Rangers
a. Needs – 1st in runs, second in runs against. The Rangers have been a dynamo this season. If anything they’re likely on the fun for a top pen arm, and an upgrade at 3rd.
b. Pieces to move – SP JB Bukauskas, SP Ryan Rolison, SP Sandy Alcantara
c. Targets that make sense – Turner (CWS), Vazquez (NYY), Ottovino (Pit)
8. Los Angeles Angels
a. Needs – The best pitching in the AL, and the 9th ranked offense. Not hard to see where the needs are here. The Angels hit for extra bases OK. The problem is simply getting on based with the 11th best average, and 12th best OBP. They have a massive hole at catcher, and in right field that they need to address.
b. Pieces to move – C Joey Bart, RP Travis Lakins, OF Desmond Lindsay
c. Targets that make sense – Plawecki (KC), Mazeikas (Col), Gonzalez (SF), Dickerson (Det)
9. Kansas City Royals
a. Needs – 4th in runs, 5th in runs allowed. The Royals don’t steal any bases though, and haven’t gotten much from right field. The pitching is misleading. They lead the league in starters ERA, and are 12th in relievers ERA. Pretty easy to see where the focus should be
b. Pieces to move – 1B Ronald Guzman, C Kevin Plawecki, 3B Emmanuel Rivera, IF Tyler Nevin, SP Clay Holmes
c. Targets that make sense – Reddick (Ari), Betances (Tor), Gregerson (SF), Nicasio (Min)
10. Washington Nationals
a. Needs – Offense is ranked 5th in the NL, Pitching ranked 10th. It’s a bit surprising the team has been as good as they are, but here we are. There’s no real centerfielder on the roster, and they haven’t got much out of Alonso at first. But the true need is with the staff. Expect them to be after at least 1 starter and a couple of good pen arms, including a high end lefty.
b. Pieces to move – SS Aramis Ademan, SO DL Hall, MIF Jose Devers
c. Targets that make sense – Dyson (Cin), Gardner (LAD), Pomeranz (Atl), Davis (NYY), Duke (Sea), Gray (LAD), Chacin (Ari)
11. Milwaukee Brewers
a. Needs – They’ve ran away with the NL Central. Behind a dominant offense. The pitching ranks 4th in the league, but the starters ERA is at 7th. This team could use an upgrade to the rotation, but otherwise remains stocked.
b. Pieces to move – OF Dylan Carlson, OF George Valera, SP Roansy Contreras, SP Luis Patino
c. Targets that make sense – Mikolas (Atl), Tanaka (CHC), Eovaldi (CWS)
12. San Diego Padres
a. Needs – Dominant pitching, and the 3rd ranked offense. The Padres are firing on all cylanders. They haven’t gotten a ton our of the left side of thei infield, so a useful piece there with some power would be a welcome addition.
b. Pieces to move – SRF Micker Adolfo, SP Sam Hentges, SP Beau Burrows
c. Targets that make sense – La Stella (Col), Rendon (NYY)
13. Cleveland Indians
a. Needs – The second most runs in the league and the 6th best runs allowed. The Indians starters rank 10th, and is a huge need they need to address. The will be big game hunting for a top SP to stem the bleeding they’ve been doing atom the central.
b. Pieces to move – David Fletcher, Luis Rengifo, Domingo German, Carter Kieboom, Jesus Sanchez, Brice Turang, Abraham Toro
c. Targets that make sense – Eovaldi (NYY), Porcello (Pit), Samardzila (LAD), Keuchel (Cin)
PSA deadline night will be 11pm EST on October 29th.
Another PSA – IF YOU ARE RETAINING CONTRACT IN FUTURE YEARS, YOU MUST HAVE PAID FOR THOSE SEASONS!
We will focus on what is available from the sellers, and then look at the contending teams, for the article sake, the contenders are those within 5 games of a playoff spot on July 20th in game, and what they should be looking to add. Of course, for all, any insight we have via trade blocks, or discussions will be added. Without further ado.
THE SELLERS
1. New York Yankees
a. Available pieces – LF Ryan Braun, RP Wade Davis, 1B Jose Abreu, 3B Anthony Rendon, 2B Scooter Gennett, RP Felipe Vazquez, RP Xavier Cedeno
b. Diagnosis – Despite optimism prior to the year, things have not gone well for the Yankees. The offense has been poor, the pen a disaster. It’s time to get what they can for their big-ticket pieces. Rendon has been terrific and should warrant a nice return. Others like Abreu and Braun, they’d be happy to get anything.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
a. Available pieces – LF Yoenis Cespedes, 2B Dee Gordon, SS Elvis Andrus, CF Billy Hamilton, RP Ken Giles, RP Dellin Betances, RP Trevor Rosenthal
b. Diagnosis – Can’t hit, can’t pitch. Everything than went abnormally perfect last year has regressed to the mean.
3. Chicago White Sox
a. Available pieces – CF Charlie Blackmon, DH JD Martinez, SP Nathan Eovaldi, 3B Justin Turner, 1B Brandon Belt, LF Michael Brantley
b. Diagnosis – We knew the pitching would be bad, and it has been, but what happened to the offense? JD Martinez has been tremendous, but other than him, there’s some massive disappointment. Most everyone is signed up long-term, the ChiSox may be where you need to go for a big name
4. Minnesota Twins
a. Available pieces – RP Juan Nicasio, RF Avisail Garcia, LF Howie Kendrick, RF Adam Jones, RP Shawn Kelley
b. Diagnosis – The offense has underperformed, in every category they’re middle of the pack, except runs. The pen has been OK. The rotation has been terrible. A 5.65 ERA for the starters. The Twins aren’t this bad, but they aren’t good either
5. Oakland Athletics
a. Available pieces – 1B Paul Goldschmidt, SS Didi Gregorius, C Kurt Suzuki, LF Shin-Soo Choo, SP Mike Leake
b. Diagnosis – The offense has been way better than they should be, they walk a lot, but everything else is poor to terrible. Yet have the 4th most runs in the league. The pitching hasn’t been good either, which is killing the team. There are some good pieces here though.
6. Seattle Mariners
a. Available pieces – SP Gerrit Cole, LF Matt Kemp, CL Brad Hand, CF Ben Revere, RP Zach Duke, 2B Ian Kinsler, SP Jake Arrieta
b. Diagnosis – It was supposed to be different. The starters were supposed to carry this team. They’ve been mediocre at best with the 8th best starters ERA. The pen has been a disaster, the hitting awful from top to bottom. Literally no one outside of Astudillo and Nimmo have been what they needed them to be.
7. Houston Astros
a. Available pieces – 1B Edwin Encarnacion, 2B Ben Zobrist, SP Josh Smith, C Welington Castillo
b. Diagnosis – Last in runs scored, last in runs allowed. Not much else to say. There’s plenty of pieces who can move to help bolster the future though. Zobrist will undoubtedly be in demand amongst others.
8. Atlanta Braves
a. Available pieces – RF Kole Calhoun, SP Miles Mikolas, 3B Zack Cozart, SS Adeiny Hechavarria, LF Ian Desmond, 1B Lucas Duda, RP Drew Pomeranz, RP Ivan Nova
b. Diagnosis – Was never supposed to be a good year for the Braves, they’re bottom 5 in runs and runs against, though the starters have been passable. The Braves should be one of the more active teams at the deadline.
9. Chicago Cubs
a. Available pieces – SP Masahiro Tanaka, LF Justin Upton, SP Adam Wainwright, C Jason Castro, CL Tony Cingrani, CL Robert Osuna, 2B Jedd Gyorko, CF Michael A Taylor
b. Diagnosis – The offense is there, with the 5th most runs in the NL, the bullpen has been good ranked #4, the starters have been awful, 14th in the NL. Not hard to see why the team is where it is. Tanaka has been bad, as has everyone but Wainwright. Cubs will be active sellers.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates
a. Available pieces - SP Rick Porcello, RP Adam Ottavino, 3B Jake Lamb, C Robinson Chirinos
b. Diagnosis – Kudos to the team as they’ve been selling for a while, though I don’t think Correa was the problem. I’d go with the worst pitching staff in the NL personally. Pirates still have some useful pieces to move though.
11. St. Louis Cardinals
a. Available pieces – C Yan Gomes, SP Wei-Yin Chen, C Alex Avila, CL Fernando Rodney, RP Cody Gearrin
b. Diagnosis – Another team we knew it wasn’t going to be a great year from, but man is the future bright. There are a few useful pieces as the Cards have done a good job avoiding bad long-term deals.
12. Arizona Diamondbacks
a. Available pieces – LF Josh Reddick, SP Julio Teheran, SP Jhoulys Chacin, RP Raynel Espinal, RP Dan Jennings
b. Diagnosis – 2nd in the league in batting average, but everything else offensively is middle of the pack. Pitching hasn’t been great either. They’ve been a bit unlucky to be as bad as they are, but here we are. The Dbacks are selling, and have some pitching options, which will surely be sought after.
13. San Francisco Giants
a. Available pieces – C Yasmani Grandal, 2B Dustin Pedroia, LF Kyle Schwarber, RP Luke Gregerson, RF Carlos Gonzalez, RP Brad Boxberger, SP Jake Odorizzi
b. Diagnosis – No offense at all, dead last in most categories except walks which they’re first. Not a lot of action in SF this year. The pitching has been very good. 2nd best starters ERA, 4th best in runs allowed. The complete and utter lack of offense has doomed this promising squad.
14. Colorado Rockies
a. Available pieces – SP Mike Fiers, SP Tyler Skaggs, RP Jorge De La Rosa, 2B Tommy La Stella, 3B Pablo Sandoval, 3B Brandon Drury, 1B Jake Bauers, C Patrick Mazeikas, OF Bryce Brentz, SP Anibal Sanchez
b. Diagnosis – The pitching is awful, as expected, the offense has been pretty good, helped by Coors, and of course that Mike Trout guy is OK. Just a shame to watch his prime going to shit. Though help may be on the way next year.
15. Detroit Tigers
a. Available pieces – SP Rich Hill, DH Kris Davis, 1B Kendrys Morales, LF Corey Dickerson
SP Gio Gonzalez, RP Will Smith, SP Tyler Chatwood
b. Diagnosis – Yes, they’re only 6 back of the Wild Card, but there’s too many teams to jump, this team is done, and should look to next year. Offense and pitching is middle of the pack, nothing special, or awful. Even though a .500 year is good for Eric, it’s likely his peak.
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
a. Available pieces – 3B Josh Donaldson, SP Jeff Samardzila, CF Brett Gardner, SP Sonny Gray, 2B Jonathan Schoop, 3B David Freese, 1B Justin Smoak, C Evan Gattis
b. Diagnosis – The hill is too big to climb, offensively they’ve really struggled this year, there just isn’t enough pop in the lineup to make things roll. Pitching has been in the middle of the pack in runs against but has actually been better than that indicates. Some tweaks will be coming in LA.
17. Cincinnati Reds
a. Available pieces – SP Dallas Keuchel, SP King Felix, 2B Robinson Cano, C Francisco Cervelli, C Brian McCann, 1B Hanley Ramirez, CF Jarrod Dyson
b. Diagnosis – The offense hasn’t been there, and the pitching has been in the middle of the pack. Injuries have no doubt hurt, losing Morton and Mondesi early for the year. But this team has underperformed and hasn’t made the moves necessary to climb out of the hole.
Likely available players by position
Catcher – Kurt Suzuki (Oak), Welington Castillo (Hou), Jason Castro (CHC), Kevin Plawecki (KC), Robinson Chirinos (Pit), Alex Avila (Stl), Yan Gomes (Stl), Yasmani Grandal (SF), Patrick Mazeikas (Col), Evan Gattis (LAD), Brian McCann (Cin), Francisco Cervelli (Cin)
First Base/DH – Jose Abreu (NYY), Brandon Belt (CWS), Paul Goldschmidt (Oak), Edwin Encarnacion (Hou), Lucas Duda (Atl), Ronald Guzman (KC), Jake Bauers (Col), Khris Davis (Det), Kendrys Morales (DH), Justin Smoak (LAD), Hanley Ramirez (Cin)
Second Base – Dee Gordon (Tor), Ian Kinsler (Sea), Ben Zobrist (Hou), Jedd Gyorko (CHC), Dustin Pedroia (SF), Jonathan Schoop (LAD), Robinson Cano (Cin)
Shortstop – Elvis Andrus (Tor), Didi Gregorius (Oak), Adeiny Hechavarria (Atl), Tommy La Stella (Col)
Third Base – Anthony Rendon (NYY), Justin Turner (CWS), Zach Cozart (Atl), Jake Lamb (Pit), Brandon Drury (Col), Pablo Sandoval (Col), Josh Donaldson (LAD), David Freese (LAD)
Corner Outfield – Ryan Braun (NYY), Yoenis Cespedes (Tor), Michael Brantley (CWS), Avisail Garcia (Min), Adam Jones (Min), Howie Kendrick (Min), Shin-Soo Choo (Oak), Matt Kemp (Sea), Kole Calhoun (Atl), Ian Desmond (Atl), Justin Upton (CHC), Josh Reddick (Ari), Kyle Schwarber (SF), Carlos Gonzalez (SF), Bryce Brentz (Col), Corey Dickerson (Det)
Centerfield – Billy Hamilton (Tor), Charlie Blackmon (CWS), Ben Revere (Sea), Michael Taylor (CHC), Brett Gardner (LAD), Jarrod Dyson (Cin)
Starting Pitching – Nathan Eovaldi (CWS), Mike Leake (Oak), Gerrit Cole (Sea), SP Jake Arrieta (Sea), Josh Smith (Hou), Miles Mikolas (Atl), Masahiro Tanaka (CHC), Adam Wainwright (CHC), Rick Porcello (Pit), Wei-Yin Chen (Stl), Julio Teheran (Ari), Jhoulys Chacin (Ari), Jake Odorizzi (SF), Mike Fiers (Col), Tyler Skaggs (Col), Anibal Sanchez (Col), Rich Hill (Det), Gio Gonzalez (Det), Tyler Chatwood (Det), Jeff Samardzila (LAD), Sonny Gray (LAD), Dallas Keuchel (Cin), Felix Hernandez (Cin),
Relievers – Wade Davis (NYY), Felipe Vazquez (NYY), Xavier Cedeno (NYY), Ken Giles (Tor), Dellin Betances (Tor), Trevor Rosenthal (Tor), Juan Nicasio (Min), Shawn Kelley (Min), Brad Hand (Sea), Zach Duke (Sea), Drew Pomeranz (Atl), Ivan Nova (Atl), Tony Cingrani (CHC), Robert Osuna (CHC), Adam Ottovino (Pit), Cody Gearrin (Stl), Fernando Rodney (Stl), Raynel Espinnal (Ari), Dan Jennings (Ari), Luke Gregerson (SF), Brad Boxberger (SF), Jorge De La Rosa (Col), Will Smith (Det)
THE BUYERS
1. Baltimore Orioles
a. Needs – The offense is 3rd in the AL, while the pitching is 7th. Picking up JA Happ and Cole Hamels may have already addressed this issue, so the pen may now by the biggest need. The team could also use an upgrade at second base as they’ve not gotten any production from that spot all year.
b. Pieces to move – 2B Freudis Nova, LF Brennen Davis,
c. Targets that make sense – Zobrist (Hou), Kinsler (Sea), Osuna (CHC), Gregerson (SF)
2. Tampa Bay Rays
a. Needs – Offense is ranked 2nd, pitching is ranked 6th. The Rays are a good team, top to bottom, and have been more proactive than anyone addressing holes in the roster. Not a lot left to be done, they’ve made it known they’re after a starter and reliever still
b. Pieces to move – CF Jarren Duran, SP Garrison Bryant
c. Targets that make sense – Fernando Rodney (Stl), Brad Hand (Sea), Tyler Skaggs (Col)
3. Boston Red Sox
a. Needs – Well they’ve already announced they’re sellers, but we don’t know why. They’re right in the thick of things with the 4th best pitching and 9th ranked offense. Maybe the standings are a bit of mirage and Matt realizes that. So while we’d normally be saying they’re looking to add, they have shown every indication of rebuilding. So let’s project them to grab an outfielder and maybe another starter to keep them kicking in the race
b. Pieces to move – RF Yaisel Puig, CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
c. Targets that make sense – Mikolas (Atl), Brantley (CWS)
4. Philadelphia Phillies
a. Needs – The offense is great sitting at 2nd in the NL, but the pitching has allowed the 9th most runs, and the starters are ranked 11th. So the Phillies needs are heavy on the pitching side.
b. Pieces to move – C Sean Murphy, LF Luis Gonzalez, SP Shane McLanahan
c. Targets that make sense – Nicasio (Min), Giles (Tor), Chacin (Ari), Samardzila (LAD),
5. Miami Marlins
a. Needs – 7th in runs scored, 2nd in runs allowed. The Marlins have been getting it done via pitching, but have made it known they’re still after another starter. CJ Cron has not brought the expected punch at 1st so the team could use an upgrade there, and at second base. The Marlins have plenty of good young assets to move to facilitate a deal, and could, if they wish, be the ones driving the deadline
b. Pieces to move – SS Gavin Lux, C Ckeibert Ruiz, OF Daz Cameron, SP Luis Gohara
c. Targets that make sense – Goldschmidt (Oak), Gordon (Tor), Porcello (Pit), Sanchez (Col)
6. New York Mets
a. Needs – The pitching has been good with the 3rd fewest runs allowed, but the hitting hasn’t been, ranking 12th in runs scored. They’re at the bottom for OBP in the entire league. The Mets need bats, or the pitching won’t be able to sustain them. They’ve got nothing out of first base this year, and hope picking up Pierce will help that, but a good OBP bat is needed.
b. Pieces to move – SP Dakota Hudson, OF Khalil Lee, OF Oscar Merceado
c. Targets that make sense – Cespedes (Tor), Rendon (NYY), Encarnacion (Hou)
7. Texas Rangers
a. Needs – 1st in runs, second in runs against. The Rangers have been a dynamo this season. If anything they’re likely on the fun for a top pen arm, and an upgrade at 3rd.
b. Pieces to move – SP JB Bukauskas, SP Ryan Rolison, SP Sandy Alcantara
c. Targets that make sense – Turner (CWS), Vazquez (NYY), Ottovino (Pit)
8. Los Angeles Angels
a. Needs – The best pitching in the AL, and the 9th ranked offense. Not hard to see where the needs are here. The Angels hit for extra bases OK. The problem is simply getting on based with the 11th best average, and 12th best OBP. They have a massive hole at catcher, and in right field that they need to address.
b. Pieces to move – C Joey Bart, RP Travis Lakins, OF Desmond Lindsay
c. Targets that make sense – Plawecki (KC), Mazeikas (Col), Gonzalez (SF), Dickerson (Det)
9. Kansas City Royals
a. Needs – 4th in runs, 5th in runs allowed. The Royals don’t steal any bases though, and haven’t gotten much from right field. The pitching is misleading. They lead the league in starters ERA, and are 12th in relievers ERA. Pretty easy to see where the focus should be
b. Pieces to move – 1B Ronald Guzman, C Kevin Plawecki, 3B Emmanuel Rivera, IF Tyler Nevin, SP Clay Holmes
c. Targets that make sense – Reddick (Ari), Betances (Tor), Gregerson (SF), Nicasio (Min)
10. Washington Nationals
a. Needs – Offense is ranked 5th in the NL, Pitching ranked 10th. It’s a bit surprising the team has been as good as they are, but here we are. There’s no real centerfielder on the roster, and they haven’t got much out of Alonso at first. But the true need is with the staff. Expect them to be after at least 1 starter and a couple of good pen arms, including a high end lefty.
b. Pieces to move – SS Aramis Ademan, SO DL Hall, MIF Jose Devers
c. Targets that make sense – Dyson (Cin), Gardner (LAD), Pomeranz (Atl), Davis (NYY), Duke (Sea), Gray (LAD), Chacin (Ari)
11. Milwaukee Brewers
a. Needs – They’ve ran away with the NL Central. Behind a dominant offense. The pitching ranks 4th in the league, but the starters ERA is at 7th. This team could use an upgrade to the rotation, but otherwise remains stocked.
b. Pieces to move – OF Dylan Carlson, OF George Valera, SP Roansy Contreras, SP Luis Patino
c. Targets that make sense – Mikolas (Atl), Tanaka (CHC), Eovaldi (CWS)
12. San Diego Padres
a. Needs – Dominant pitching, and the 3rd ranked offense. The Padres are firing on all cylanders. They haven’t gotten a ton our of the left side of thei infield, so a useful piece there with some power would be a welcome addition.
b. Pieces to move – SRF Micker Adolfo, SP Sam Hentges, SP Beau Burrows
c. Targets that make sense – La Stella (Col), Rendon (NYY)
13. Cleveland Indians
a. Needs – The second most runs in the league and the 6th best runs allowed. The Indians starters rank 10th, and is a huge need they need to address. The will be big game hunting for a top SP to stem the bleeding they’ve been doing atom the central.
b. Pieces to move – David Fletcher, Luis Rengifo, Domingo German, Carter Kieboom, Jesus Sanchez, Brice Turang, Abraham Toro
c. Targets that make sense – Eovaldi (NYY), Porcello (Pit), Samardzila (LAD), Keuchel (Cin)