• March 28, 2024

Trade Deadline Madness: Who’s Targeting Who?

This is the time of the year when owners are pondering the decision on whether or not his respective team needs to make a move in order to compete for a bid in the postseason.

Some owners like to make the blockbuster trade. Others are content with moving prospects for seasoned veterans, whereas owners of teams that are out of the hunt look to acquire soon-to-be MLB players.

It’s impossible to predict who will land where. Because quite frankly, who predicted Cliff Lee to re-join the Phillies?

So to help clear up the clouded picture, I put together a list of a few players that have seen their names come up in trade talks and the team that is most likely to make a move for them:

OF Hunter Pence, Houston
The Pirates, surprisingly, are in the midst of a battle for first place in the NL Central. Their pitching has been effective, but their offense has been average, at best. Like the Phillies, the Pirates have dealt with many injuries to key players on the depth chart. Because of this, the Pirates have been unable to establish a dependent lineup.

With that said, they need a bat. It’s as simple as that. Hardball Talk has recently reported that the Pirates have been scouting Pence and have already been in talks with the Astros. If the Pirates land him, it would make them serious contenders down the stretch.

Dark Horse: Philadelphia Phillies (you never know what Pat Gillick will do to help the Phils)

RP Heath Bell, San Diego
We’ve all heard how the Phillies are the front-runner for Bell. But I feel like those rumors are slowly dying down. The Phils don’ need him; he would only be a rental player and he could wind up costing too much.

Instead, the Phils are looking at other San Diego relievers: Chad Qualls and Mike Adams. Now those names aren’t as appealing as Bell’s, but they would come at a lower cost and are under contract for another season, which is why I think the Phillies will land one of them.

But for now, the Phillies are the front-runners for Bell, and until another team emerges, I guess I’ll believe the rumors.

Dark Horse: Minnesota Twins (they are in dire need of a closer and are in the midst of a pennant race)

OF Carlos Beltran, New York
There are a number of teams after the All-Star centerfielder, including the Phillies. But I believe that the best fit for him and the most likely team to make a strong push for him is the San Francisco Giants.

Their offense is sub-par, but their pitching staff is one of the best in the league. They need to produce more runs, and to do so, they need to acquire a big bat. Beltran can hit for average and power, making him the perfect fit for a Giants team that is looking to repeat as champions.

Dark Horse: Detroit Tigers (if Tigers deal Brennan Boesch, an OF spot would open up for Beltran)

OF’s Melky Cabrera/ Jeff Francouer, Kansas City
Their names have been linked this summer. One of them will go; Cabrera is considered to be the most likely to be traded. He’s having a career-year and would definitely provide a bat to the bottom of the order for whichever team acquires him.

As it stands now, the Phillies, Giants, and Tigers have been speculated as the three teams interested in adding an outfielder. Between the three, I say the Phillies are the more likely team to make a move for the switch-hitting Cabrera.

Dark Horse: Los Angeles Angels

Other players that could be dealt with the team of most interest in parenthesis:
IF Wilson Betemit, Kansas City (Brewers)
3B Aramis Ramirez, Chicago (Tigers/Yankees)
IF Jeff Keppinger, Houston (Pirates)
SP Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado (Yankees)
RP Andrew Bailey, Oakland (Rangers)
SP Aaron Harang, Cincinatti (Tigers)
OF Michael Bourn, Houston (Nationals)
RP Leo Nunez, Florida (Twins)

Kyle Phillippi

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vricchini
vricchini
July 19, 2011 9:05 am

Kyle did Paulman write this post for you?

jott1972
jott1972
July 19, 2011 9:50 am

The Phillies need to pull the trigger on Dominic Brown for Hunter Pence…. DO IT!! Pence is the player the offense lacks…tough, scrappy and a 5 tool guy… Brown is nothing more than a 10HR per year guy and is overrated…deal him while he has value!

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 9:57 am

The Dom Brown idea is interesting. He has not lived up to the hype so far, and has played poor defense. The Phillies have handled their prospects well, in my opinion. The ones they have traded have all been average players or underachievers. If they trade Brown, I’ll support it; if they don’t, I’ll support it. I believe they know what they’re doing when it comes to ‘young talent’.

But with that said, a team like Houston would love to have Brown.

DDCar
DDCar
July 19, 2011 10:02 am

So Paul, “Kyle Phillippi”, is that voice in your head, huh? All jokes aside, Kyle so basically your saying, we are rumored &/or frontrunners for everyone. Come on everybody, come back to planet Earth. If & unless the Phillies want to pay a luxury tax, or the other team is going to pay the salary of the player, IT AIN’T HAPPENING! Stop writing articles to get our hopes up. Rumors are what they are, rumors. I will be severely shocked, if they are able do anything of significance. :shocked:

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 10:45 am

Actually, we have been mentioned with all of the above four players (not counting the bottom list of players). And I only stated we are frontrunners for Bell (or a Padres reliever). As for Cabrera, I never specified we were front runners, I just said I believe the Phils could make a move for him because he is relatively cheap.

Once again, these are just rumors and predictions, by no means am I saying these ARE going to happen.

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 10:46 am

Dom brown is in his first real season in the big leagues. He’s basically still adjusting. The same can be said for Jason heyward who was the top prospect in baseball last year. what has he done this year? even before he got injured this year he was doing nothing. Some of you guys are ready to give up on him and he can be no worse than francisco.

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 10:52 am

Very true. But with all the expectations set on Brown, I’m just saying, he’s been a bit of a disappointment. Now there’s no reason he won’t be a good player down the road, but for now, he’s not living up to expectations. I mean, a .236 average isn’t impressing anyone.

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
July 19, 2011 10:58 am

Yeah, I am not ready to call Dom Brown overrated until he gets some consistent playing time. No platoons, no pinch hitting, but a legit 50 games to evaluate him. He has been a butcher in the field so far which is surprising, but I want to give him more time. In 46 games in his first season up, Utley hit .239 and in 94 games in the next he hit .266. He turned out alright. You guys seriously think that you have seen enough of him to know what type of player he is?

Now trading him for Pence is interesting though, because of need. They don’t need another LH OF depending on what happens with Ibanez. Pence is very young and has 2 years left after this year. I think that you would have to make that deal and run the risk that Dom Brown lives up to expectations when another team actually gives him the chance.

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 10:58 am

I totally agree Kyle. As of now, he is very disappointing. Its just compounded by Francisco’s total ineffectiveness as a full time player which puts more of a spotlight on brown. Its not just brown and francisco who’s disappointing. Rollins has not had a very good year, Ibanez has come on of late but he’s way too streaky to be counted on consistently and martinez/valdez were who we thought they were.

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 11:24 am

Also, the Phillies are in a win now mode. If it takes Brown and a few prospects to acquire Pence, I say make the move.

bugsyhawk
bugsyhawk
July 19, 2011 11:38 am

And that would seem to be the tipping point.

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 11:56 am

Deal Worley for a bat. Brown hasnt been the stud everyone wanted him to be but he has impressed in spots. He’s yet to get even 200 ab’s in the bigs and thats a big part of why he hasnt found his groove. Plus he’s platooning with Ben Grannysisco. Brown is a key piece to the future.So is Worley if they hang onto him.But outta both Worley is more expendible with the studs in our staff.

He’s gettign poor jumps on balls and seems to be overthinking the position. He has all the tools to be a great fielder. Speed,jumping abilty and a nice arm.I’ve been waiting for some improvement there like everyone.

If they traded him for Pence it would be a nice move for the present. I dont think Pence makes us into NL champs though….HOward ,Utes,and the gang not getting caught watching the paint dry does.

Nice write up Kyle….good info bro.Go Phills.

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 11:57 am

I still think that the Orioles CF Adam Jones could be a surprise pick-up
He’s 26 Years old and in his prime putting up consistently good #’s on a poor team.. I believe his contract is up and he will become a Free-Agent after this Season and I find it hard to believe that he will stay with the Orioles..The Phils would have to give up a lot to get him, but I think A Jones can be an All-Star for the next 5-6 Years and can play all OF Positions and would be a great # 5 Hitter or even a #2 or #3 Hitter depending on match-ups (he also can steal you 20-25 bases)
The Phils would have to give up a lot to get him but I think he can be a great addition to the Phils for years to come.. It would take probably 2 Pitchers like Worley and a high propsect,(DeFratus,or Schwimmer or Biddle and the Orioles also need a 1B (maybe prospect Rizotti) and maybe a OF Prospect

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 12:03 pm

Really, you would trade Worley? Hmm, that’s a tough one. He’s pitched great for us this year. I’d like to see him go a little deeper into games/lower pitch counts, but nonetheless, he has pitched good.

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 12:08 pm

I like his deamenor on the mound and his location is good.Which is why i think you could get Pence straight up for him? I dunno. I just see too much potential in Dom to ship him out.

Maybe they would just take Paulmandomis and a buncha Shmidters for Pence.

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 12:12 pm

Phils traded JA HApp he was pitching well for the Phils..
WIth the Phils having Halladay,Lee,Hamels,Blanton all under contract for next year, they have the felxibility to trade some young arms away if it means having a good chance to the win the WS this year.. This team is built to win now and anything less will be a disappointment

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 12:15 pm

Blanton is gone next year. Tired of looking at him and his chunkness.Find a FA pitcher and give em a shot.Or bring up a guy. I know everyone is done on Oswalt but hes gonna throw a session today and will be a contributor down the stretch.Book it.

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 12:22 pm

I’m right there with you Erock. I haven’t given up on Oswalt at all. He’ll make a few starts here and there down the stretch to allow him to get back in the swing of things.

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 12:38 pm

I agree. No need at all to give up on Oswalt. Contreras, Lidge Baez & Herndon are a different story. All of them are done.

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 12:40 pm

I would love for them to get Melky Cabrera.

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 12:56 pm

Contreras Lidge Baez Herndon….havent they learned anything from the horses?Herndon disgusts me when he comes in..i cant even look at him and it gets worse after he gives up that first hit.I know hes been a lost cause this year but Lidge is eternally my dude.You know…….swing and a miss!!!!THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE THE WORLD CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!!!

Reed…Melky would be nice….feelin him more then Pence…switch hitter.

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 12:57 pm

I would take J Francouer over Melky Cabrera
Francouer has more power, is an excellent RF with one of the strongest arms in MLB and a perfect # 5 Hole batter in the line-up to protect Howard. He’s a good locker room teammate.. Melky has poor arm, and a so-so attitude per the teams he’s played for before and to similar to Victorino,Rollins as far as batting goes, Phils need some power and Long Ball threat and a threat to bat #5 behind Howard ..

CT
CT
July 19, 2011 1:06 pm

Report:
Arizona to trade a 1st rounder (5) OR Rodgers Cromarti (c b)
For Kevin Klob

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 1:11 pm

There is no way the Cardinals are trading their top pick CB P Petersen who by many accounts, was the best pure athlete in the entire Draft..
He’s a franchise type of player who can play CB/Safety and an excellent Punt Returner and I just can’t believe the Cardinals would part with that much upside ..
I do see the Cardinals offereing CB Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd or 3rd Round Pick in the 2012 Draft for Kolb ..

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 1:19 pm

Sign N.A….give me Darnell Dockett for Kolb.

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 1:36 pm

No need to sign N.A. You get better value with Joseph from Cincy. H’e 4 years younger and won’t cost you nearly $20mil. That is of course they get DRC from Arizona. That would be great value. then they can spend that money along the D-line. Charles Johnson, Barry Cofield or Haynesworth of course. Anyway, back to the phillies…

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 2:12 pm

Garza might give our guys some trouble tonight.Interested in how tonight goes for the lumber.With regards to trades….a buddy of mine made a good point. Our pen is statistically one of the best in the league.Bell is legit but look at what our young guns have done. Mayberry has been doing about as much as some of these other guys minus Pence. And the fact is you cant have a 15 mill a year guy at every position.

I say stand pat and keep rollin with your guys. Im officially anti move. If they make it we’ll see who they deal and what it yeilds.Ill support anything but trading Dommy.

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 2:13 pm

I like Joseph Reed. But N.A. is better then Revis in my opinion. Joseph cant hold his wrist sleeves.

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 2:23 pm

Erock,
You mean James Joseph of the Bengals ???
On the Phils Bullpen, which has been outstanding, and the real surprise of this team so far this season, but I get the sense that the workload is starting to catch up with their Top 3 Relievers and I am not sold that the combo of .. Stutes/Bastardo/Madson is enough to hold up thru the dog-days of Summer and the remainder of Bullpen is suspect at best.. Phils need another proven arm and can hopefully get Contreras back to help.. Contrerars was over-used by Manager Charlie the opening month of the Season and now the Phils are paying the price ..

reed_richards
reed_richards
July 19, 2011 2:27 pm

paulman and Erock,

Its Jonathan Joseph

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 2:43 pm

His middle name is James and he prefers to be called that by family,friends, and teammates per Sources out in the Queen City..

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 2:43 pm

Also known as the man with 3 First Names in his name…

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 2:44 pm

I was saying your name after his.I do mean Jonathen Joseph,i know who your talking about.N.A. is complete lockdown…he would challenge Nicks,Bryant,Austin,and whomever at the line of scrimmage. Go on youtube and compare his highlights to Joseph. They dont even compare. N.A. is the best corner in the league. Revis has studs all around him on d the offense has too account for….Woodson as well. There still topflight corners.N.A. is schemed for every week. Teams threw at him less then 20 times last year. He plays the r.corner spot here he would have 8 picks by week 11.

I like Joseph…stud and an awesome man to man guy. We all have our ideas for how it should be done. I do like your idea if we dont get NA get Joseph and spend on dline.Dockett for Kolb…i dunno. We’ll see.

Paul…good point on pen. You must have ate your wheaties and musta done roman chairs this morn with 50sets p-us.Word

wassssup8705
wassssup8705
July 19, 2011 2:56 pm

Kyle who are your sources for this article?

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 3:04 pm

Sources? I mean I pretty much put my analysis on everything, but there’s various reporters out there that are giving their input as well. I mean Ken Rosenthal announce on Fox Sunday that the Phils and Giants are in contention for Beltran, Jayson Stark’s given his two cents as well. Actually, Stark recently just reported that the Phillies and Marlins have talked about Leo Nunez.

Erock
Erock
July 19, 2011 3:44 pm

8705…who’s who in baseball been talking this….come on dude!!!

Kyle Phillippi
Kyle Phillippi
July 19, 2011 3:54 pm

Hey Erock, what’s your opinion on Leo Nunez? Phils have reportedly contact Florida about him.

paulman
paulman
July 19, 2011 4:22 pm

I am a little disappointed that Kyle didn’t list Paulman as a source…

DDCar
DDCar
July 19, 2011 6:51 pm

Kyle, do you think Brown, Singleton & 1 of their top pitching prospects, are too much for Adams, Pence & $$$? Separate trades of course. I don’t, especially if they make the $$$ works.