Eye On Gambling (EOG.com): Baseball Fans Are Getting Charged Up

10 July 2006

(PRWEB) July 10, 2006 -- Baseball fans are getting charged up about the possible deals that might be taking place as the trade deadline approaches. I have a feeling we're in for a letdown similar to the one that took place last summer, when the big deals just didn't happen. The possibilities are endless, but with the sellers holding out for top prospects and the buyers mostly unwilling to submit, we might be in for a whole lotta nothin' again this time.

Fortunately, there's always room to speculate, and that can make for some great debates. If there's one team that figures to make noise, take a look at the Washington Nationals as the potential big seller on the block. The Nationals are finally privately owned, and they are intent on rebuilding what is presently a barren farm system. They have some available commodities that range from substantial to spectacular, and GM Jim Bowden appears to have a free hand to deal away.

Alfonso Soriano is the big fish that's there to land. The holdup is Soriano's impending free agency. But if a team feels they can benefit right now while maintaining a legitimate shot at signing Soriano come off season, there could be a deal. The most willing party here figures to be the Angels. They have the money and they have a wealth of really intriguing prospects. I don't think they'd part with Brandon Wood and Jered Weaver isn't going anywhere. But Howie Kendrick would be a major candidate to move in a deal such as this one. The Halos are not going to resign Adam Kennedy. Soriano wants to move back to his 2B post. The Nationals would love to land a young keystoner so that they can move Jose Vidro. I think the Angels would probably need to include a young pitching prospect as well. Of all the big name potential swaps being discussed, I see this one as the one with the best chance of happening.

The Marlins keep insisting that Dontrelle Willis is staying put. I don't believe it, and if the right offer comes along, D-Train will be on the express rail. Los Angeles or Phoenix loom as the likely destination. The Dodgers and Diamondbacks are blessed with deep systems and have prospects galore. That's precisely what the Marlins are looking for, and with both NL West teams hoping for a division crown and both needing another quality starter, I think there's a chance we could see a deal. I'd lean to the Dodgers getting it done, mostly die to the aggressive nature of GM Ned Colletti.

The Braves look more and more like sellers. John Smoltz has already indicated he'd be willing to possibly move to the right location. Mark down Detroit as that right location. Andruw Jones is another huge attraction, and would warrant some serious inquiries. The perennial Gold Glove winner is a free agent following the '07 campaign, thus this is a great time to explore dealing him.

Are the Yankees buyers? Well, sure they are, but getting a deal done may not be easy. Remember, the Yanks can't just buy talent with the $1 million ceiling. Those dollars won't get much from anyone. What the potential traders really want is Philip Hughes, the 20 year old pitcher with what many scouts consider an unlimited ceiling. The Yankees are reportedly not going to deal Hughes regardless of what they can get in return. We'll see. If the Pinstripers are within shouting distance or even with Boston, I think they'll bite and send Hughes packing if they can land a big prize in return.

And what about the downtrodden Cubs? Obviously, they need to be sellers at this point. Juan Pierre was acquired in a truly stupid deal with Florida and the Cubs would love to balance the books by getting some talent in return. They won't get even as they gave up three live arms for the declining Pierre. But the fleet CF is still worth one solid prospect and if GM Jim Hendry doesn't insist on too much, they can work a trade with someone.

Two more buyers to watch out for, and that's the Red Sox and Rangers. Boston would like one more starting pitcher they can count on, as Jason Johnson is clearly not the answer. And the Rangers feel they're close enough to make a move as well. Look for them to dangle Kevin Mench and one of their pitching prospects for the right arm right now.

Chances are few, if any of these deals I've speculated on will happen. Like I said, the have-nots are not as dumb as they used to be and are now insisting on major system builders in any deal. But it's a blast to guess at what might happen and then hope something does!

-- Dave Cokin

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Eye On Gambling (EOG.com): Baseball Fans Are Getting Charged Up

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