Kuzul

Yesterday’s news that the Cubs will likely pursue free agent-to-be outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, which was reported by Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago, shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. After trading away Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus in the last month, the Cubs’ projected outfield heading into the offseason includes Nate Schierholtz, Brian Bogusevic and Junior Lake.

That trio is actually having a strong season, although the success of Bogusevic and Lake is in a very small sample size. But Schierholtz still isn’t viewed as an everyday player and neither are the 29-year-old Bogusevic, who had a .596 OPS with regular playing time in Houston last season, or Lake, who was an infielder before being moved to the outfield to increase his versatility this season .

Another losing season in Year 3 of the Theo Epstein regime won’t be taken very kindly by even the most patient and understanding Cubs fans. If they were to enter 2014 without making any outfield upgrades, they’d probably deserve the backlash that would occur if they were non-contenders once again.

Here are four good reasons why signing Choo to a projected four-year deal that would likely pay between $56-$64 million would make a whole lot of sense.

Young Talent Is On the Way … In 2015

While the win-loss record isn’t impressive since Epstein was hired as team president prior to the 2012 season (115-174), the farm system sure has improved. Outfielder Jorge Soler, who was signed out of Cuba last June, and the team’s last two No. 1 draft picks, third baseman Kris Bryant (second pick overall in 2013) and outfielder Albert Almora (sixth pick overall in 2012), join 2011 first-rounder Javier Baez (pictured) as elite prospects that are considered to be amongst the best in baseball. 

Several other minor leaguers who could help in the near future have also been acquired in trades since Epstein’s hire, including pitchers Jake Arrieta, C.J. Edwards, Justin Grimm, Kyle Hendricks, Neil Ramirez and Arodys Vizcaino. 

This is certainly great news for the team’s future. Cubs fans have reason to be excited and satisfied with the job that Epstein and company have done thus far. Just don’t expect this crop of talent to make a major impact on the big league team earlier than 2015.

So, then, what about 2014? 

Well, that’s where Choo fits in. If they are to start adding hitters that will be in the mix for the next several seasons, that hitter will need to be an ideal fit on and off the field without handcuffing the team because of an outrageous salary well past their prime. 

Signing Choo, whose consistent production from year to year over the past six seasons makes him a very safe investment, to a deal for his ages 31-34 seasons seems like a logical move. Not only does it help the Cubs in 2014 and beyond, it does not appear that he’d be taking up a spot reserved for a top prospect when they begin to arrive in the majors for good sometime around 2015 and 2016. 

Two Birds With One Stone

With DeJesus out of the picture, the Cubs will be in search of an outfielder and a leadoff hitter in the offseason. The 31-year-old Choo is an outfielder who just happens to be one of the best leadoff hitters in the majors this season. 

The Cubs lineup has gotten solid production out of the leadoff spot from a pair of hitters, Lake and Luis Valbuena, in a small sample size. Their track records, however, indicate that the Cubs would be crazy to expect them to keep it up over a full season.

Lake, who is 15-for-37 as the leadoff hitter during his brief major league stint, has a career .322 on-base percentage in the minor leagues and has just seven walks and 32 strikeouts in 34 big league games. Valbuena, despite posting a .330 on-base percentage in 22 games out of the leadoff spot this season, has a career .301 on-base percentage in 408 big league games.   Without accounting for any other roster moves that could happen aside from Choo, it could be said that he’d be the team’s best No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 hitter as well. His versatility in the lineup and in the outfield—he‘s a below -average center fielder, but he’s handled the position adequately in Cincinnati this season—would allow the team to keep its options open throughout its other offseason pursuits. 

.301 OBP

Choo‘s .416 on-base percentage might be as good as it gets during his career. But it’s no fluke. He had a career .381 on-base percentage coming into the season and he’s stepped it up a notch in a season when he knew he’d be hitting leadoff regularly. Need more proof? Choo has a .385 on-base percentage in 714 career minor league games. He knows how to get on base.

Need proof that the Cubs are hurting for hitters with an ability to get on base? Their team on-base percentage of .301 is the third worst in baseball. Losing DeJesus, who had a .330 on-base percentage, doesn’t help.

With younger core players like Starlin Castro (pictured) and Anthony Rizzo on the current team and so many others on the way—Baez, in particular, could have trouble with plate discipline if his 38 walks and 134 strikeouts are any indication—having one of the best in the business at getting on base as a daily example can only be a bonus. 

High Korean Population

Filling the seats at Wrigley Field shouldn’t be too difficult. Because it’s Wrigley Field! But attendance has dropped in five consecutive seasons from over 40,000 per game in 2008 to just over 33,000 per game this season, according to ESPN. Even if Cubs fans do understand that the rebuilding process needed to take place and fixing their team wasn’t going to happen overnight, it doesn’t mean they were going to come watch the product on the field as often.

Playing winning baseball and hosting meaningful games in August and September would be the best cure to the attendance drop-off. But having an everyday player for one of the largest Korean populations in the nation to cheer for certainly can’t hurt . Especially when that Korean player is one as productive as Choo. 

The Korean Beacon listed Chicago as the third-most Korean-American city a couple years ago, citing a budding number of Korean-owned businesses and a steady influx of Korean immigrants. This could be a major selling point in getting Choo to sign with the Cubs. And by bringing in Choo, a former MVP of the 2000 World Junior Baseball Championship won by South Korea, interest in Chicago Cubs baseball could increase in the community. 

It won’t have as much of an impact as having a winning ballclub would. But, fortunately, the talented Choo would play a part in both. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

On Tuesday, the Padres placed third baseman Chase Headley on revocable waivers, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. This is probably not big news. But if he passes through unclaimed, it can certainly be.

General manager Josh Byrnes told Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton of XTRA Sports 1090 in San Diego that he couldn’t comment on the report, which likely indicates that the situation has not come to a conclusion. Headley either hasn’t cleared waivers yet, was claimed and pulled back, or the Padres could be in trade talks with the claiming team. 

With one year remaining of team control, Headley is likely to be placed on the trade block this upcoming offseason. If the Padres can get a good enough package now, though, Headley could finish the season elsewhere and the front office will have a head start on the offseason.

While Headley‘s value has dropped considerably since his huge second half of 2012 (.978 OPS, 23 HR, 73 RBI), or just returned to where it had been throughout his career, he’s still viewed as a solid third baseman who provides terrific defense and the ability to hit 10-15 homers, 30-35 doubles and steal 10-15 bases per season.

The price tag has likely dropped significantly, but that doesn’t mean Headley can be acquired for fringe prospects. It will still take at least one very good prospect to pry the 29-year-old away from San Diego.

Here are two contending teams where Headley could be a fit and two noncontenders who might just try to get a jump on the offseason by acquiring him now.  

Begin Slideshow

If the owner of your favorite baseball team has a “win at all cost” attitude, that’s usually a good thing, right? Yes! Being aggressive and spending money has paid off for many eventual World Series champions. But it’s also resulted in some very dire situations, notably in the case of Arte Moreno and the Los Angeles Angels. 

Saddled with two of the worst contracts in baseball—Albert Pujols, whose numbers have declined in three consecutive seasons, is still owed $212 million through his age-41 season in 2021; Josh Hamilton, also in the midst of his worst big league season, is due $106 million through his age-36 season—the Angels are headed for an extremely important offseason that is likely to be challenging in terms of a limited payroll and limited trade pieces in the minors. 

General manager Jerry Dipoto, assuming he still has a job after a very disappointing season, will have to be creative if he wants to improve this ballclub.

It’s hard to do any worse than he did last offseason, when he took on the risk of signing Hamilton, signed Joe Blanton to a two-year, $16.5 million deal—Blanton was recently banished to the bullpen after pitching poorly out of the rotation—and acquired Tommy Hanson from the Braves for reliever Jordan Walden—Hanson was recently optioned to the minors while Walden has been a key component on a very good Braves team. 

In addition, Dipoto‘s two big bullpen acquisitions haven’t worked out due to injuries—Ryan Madson never made it back from Tommy John surgery before being released; Sean Burnett has pitched just 9.2 innings and is out for the season with an elbow injury. And to cap it off, Ervin Santana, who was traded to Kansas City for a 27-year-old minor league relief pitcher, has been Cy Young-caliber in 2013. 

Pointing out the few minor roster moves that have worked out won’t make things look much better. In order to make the Angels a playoff contender once again in 2014, they’ll need to utilize the few resources they have and get as much value out of them as possible. 

Despite the overall struggles of the pitching staff, three-fifths of the starting five—Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Garrett Richards—are pretty solid. Fixing the back of the rotation on a limited budget isn’t impossible.  

Making up for Pujols’ decline and the production he’s given them versus what they’re paying him is the bigger challenge. Here’s my suggestion on how they can make up the difference on a shoestring budget and with no farm system talent to deal.

Trade Howie Kendrick to Free Up Salary and Clear Spot For Grant Green

Could it be that Dipoto fleeced the division rival A’s by trading a light-hitting third baseman for a guy with the potential to be a very good one? Grant Green (pictured), who was drafted as a shortstop and has played all over the diamond before settling into second base this season, has been on fire (14-for-51, 2 2B, 5 BB) since being acquired for Alberto Callaspo at the trade deadline. 

Callaspo is doing a fine job in a part-time role with Oakland (.785 OPS in 17 games), but he was miscast as an everyday third baseman in Anaheim, and the Angels needed to shed his $4.875 million salary for 2014.

Not only will they save close to $19 million over the next two seasons by trading away Kendrick, but they could also add a starting pitcher or a couple of prospects in the deal—it’s tough to find a match for a team in need of a second baseman and that is willing to give up a quality third baseman in return. 

Trading Kendrick to the Dodgers, who were reportedly in talks with the Angels last month regarding the second baseman, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, could be revisited. While top pitching prospect Zach Lee was part of the trade package being discussed, there’s a chance that the insistence of his inclusion might be the reason why the deal didn’t happen. 

If the Angels took back Stephen Fife (2.47 ERA in nine MLB starts) instead to fill the fifth spot in their rotation and asked for the team’s top outfield prospect, Joc Pederson, who likely won’t make it to the majors on a Dodgers team deep in outfield talent, we could have a deal.  

Trade Peter Bourjos for Chase Headley

With Pederson on board, the Angels would be free to shop Peter Bourjos with Mike Trout moving over to center field. While he’s been injured for much of the season, the 26-year-old Bourjos has been productive when on the field. 

In 45 games, Bourjos has a .780 OPS with three homers and four stolen bases. If he can stay healthy, a team could get a terrific defensive center fielder with an ability to hit 10-15 homers and steal 25-30 bases. With third base the target, the Angels need to find out if the Padres are interested in three seasons of Bourjos—he won’t be a free agent until after the 2016 season—in exchange for one season of Chase Headley (pictured).

While the Padres already have an injury-prone Cameron Maybin signed long-term to play center field in San Diego, adding another speedy outfielder like Bourjos could still be a possibility.

Here’s why. The Padres have likely figured out that oft-injured Carlos Quentin isn’t capable of holding up for an entire season in the National League. Moving him to an American League team that will be able to place him in the designated hitter role for a majority of the time makes a lot of sense. They’ll need an outfielder to replace him, and that’s where Bourjos fits in. 

With an alignment of Maybin, Bourjos and Will Venable, the Padres’ outfield defense could be one of the best in baseball. Losing Headley and Quentin will leave a huge hole in the offense, but neither player factors into the future plans of the team. How they replace the loss of offense in 2014 is another story. 

As for the Angels, they might have to include a mid-level prospect to get the deal done, but the 29-year-old Headley‘s value has plummeted with his subpar season. It might not take much to get him. His projected $9-10 million salary for 2014 is likely affordable with Kendrick and Callaspo off the books.

Sign Eric Chavez in Case Pujols Misses Time

A native San Diegan, Eric Chavez (pictured) could get closer to home by signing with the Angels this winter after two consecutive productive seasons (.855 OPS, 25 HR in 2012-13) as a part-time player for the Yankees and Diamondbacks.

Because the 35-year-old still can’t shake the injury-prone tag—he’s been on the disabled list multiple times over the past few seasons—coming back to the American League is likely so he can log at-bats from the designated hitter spot. It’s also the reason his salary demands will stay low enough for the Angels to afford him and the reason he won’t be offered a full-time starting gig elsewhere. 

Resulting Lineup Projection

1. Mike Trout, CF
2. Chase Headley, 3B
3. Albert Pujols, DH
4. Josh Hamilton, RF
5. Mark Trumbo, 1B
6. Joc Pederson, LF
7. Grant Green, 2B
8. Erick Aybar, SS
9. Chris Iannetta, C

Bench
Hank Conger, C
Eric Chavez, 3B/1B
Andrew Romine, IF
J.B. Shuck, OF

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

It’s rare that a top hitting prospect will be called up early in the season without a regular lineup spot. Despite the benefit of being around big league veterans and coaches, they simply need to play every day to develop the necessary skills to compete in the major leagues. 

The Cardinals and reserve first baseman/pinch-hitter extraordinaire Matt Adams have made it work, though. The 24-year-old rookie has started 40 games at first base, keeping him just sharp enough to have success coming off of the bench (10-for-29, 3 HR). 

Another rookie prospect, second baseman Kolten Wong, is now in a similar position after getting called to the majors today. Unlike Adams, the 22-year-old Wong has had the benefit of regular playing time in the minors this year—he hit .303 with 10 HR, 21 doubles, eight triples, 41 walks and 20 stolen bases in 107 Triple-A games—but, like Adams, he’ll likely find himself on the bench more than he’s ever been throughout his baseball career.

This team is banged up, though, and Wong, the team’s first-round pick in the 2011 draft, could find himself making at least three or four starts per week as long as he’s productive. 

A polished left-handed hitter with good, but not spectacular all-around skills, Wong is unlikely to be overwhelmed by major league pitching. At his peak, he projects as a .280-.300 hitter who can hit 10-15 homers, 30-40 doubles and steal 15-20 bases annually.

He doesn’t appear to be far from his ceiling, which is why the Cards felt comfortable bringing him up now. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him starting in the playoffs after just a month-and-a-half in the big leagues. 

Wong was in the starting lineup on Friday—he went 0-for-3—with Matt Carpenter sliding over to third base and David Freese getting the day off. While Freese is injury-prone and his overall numbers aren’t great (.731 OPS, 6 HR in 102 games), he’s healthy now and having a strong month (14-for-45, HR, 6 2B). But with Wong now in the picture, Freese could ultimately lose playing time and could end up in a platoon situation with starts coming mostly against left-handed pitchers, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.

Other potential scenarios exist, however. Carlos Beltran, who is battling a sore foot, has been taking a day off every three to four games with Adams playing first base and Allen Craig starting for Beltran in right field. Matt Holliday’s sore ankle could also give him problems, opening up a similar scenario where Adams starts and Craig shifts over to left field. 

But the addition of Wong and the versatility of Carpenter give them an extra option to consider. In addition to second and third base, Carpenter can also play either corner outfield spot. If they feel comfortable enough with Wong in the lineup, expect Carpenter to spend more time in the outfield. He’s made just one start in the outfield thus far in 2013, but that could change now. 

With a two-and-a-half game deficit in the NL Central, the Cards can’t afford a drop off down the stretch. Wong’s arrival gives the team a chance to give regular rest to Beltran and Holliday while allowing them to keep an extra power threat on the bench in Adams.

Bringing up Wong now also ensures he could be placed on the playoff roster. Not only is it important because he needed to be on the 25-man roster prior to September 1 to become eligible, but also because the Cardinals will have a good amount of time to evaluate him and decide if he could make a positive impact in the postseason.  

With a six-game lead over the Diamondbacks in the wild-card race, there is a very good chance they’ll make it. They’re not taking any chances, though, and calling up Wong now without the guarantee of regular playing time is a strong indication they weren’t happy with a team that is only 12-16 since the All-Star break. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As of Aug. 16, 15 major league teams either hold a playoff spot or are within 8.5 games of one and could be looking to improve their playoff chances by making a waiver-wire deal in the near future.

Four trades have happened thus far.

The Rangers acquired outfielder Alex Rios from the White Sox for prospect Leury Garcia. The Royals picked up utility infielder Jamey Carroll from Minnesota and utilityman Emilio Bonifacio from Toronto, both for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Rays, meanwhile, acquired lefty Wesley Wright from the Astros for cash considerations. 

With plenty of trade possibilities still lingering, here’s all the latest waiver-trade buzz from around the league.

Dan Haren Clears Waivers Amid Return to Top Form

After it was reported that Nationals right-hander Dan Haren was placed on waivers last week, I wrote that he had a good chance of clearing because of his salary and early-season struggles. Still, he could draw interest because of how well he had been pitching of late.

A week later, the 32-year-old has officially cleared waivers. He has made two more terrific starts, giving him a 2.30 ERA with only 29 hits allowed, 10 walks and 42 strikeouts in his last 43 innings since returning from the disabled list (seven starts). Haren was on the verge of being released before he turned things around. 

The 59-61 Nationals don’t have a ton of starting pitching depth to fill Haren’s spot. That said, I’m certain they’d fill the gap with whatever journeyman they can find off the Triple-A scrap heap if a team is willing to eat Haren’s remaining salary (approximately $3.25 million) and offer up a midlevel prospect. 

For a team like the Dodgers, who could use an upgrade at the back of the rotation after Chris Capuano got knocked around in his last two starts, or the Indians, who are just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot, Haren could be a nice pickup down the stretch.

A reunion with the Oakland A’s, who he played with from 2005-2007, could also make sense. 

Who Needs Justin Morneau? 

As expected, Twins first baseman and former AL MVP Justin Morneau (pictured) has cleared waivers. Now the Twins will try to find the best deal for the 32-year-old and decide if it’s worth trading him away unceremoniously after 11 mostly very good seasons with the team.

If his August numbers are any indication, the acquiring team would be getting Morneau at just the right time. He is 18-for-66 with six homers, four doubles and 15 RBI this month. He had a .712 OPS with eight homers in 98 games prior to this current hot streak.

The Rays could be interested in acquiring another bat, but Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted that a right-handed hitter such as Paul Konerko, who was placed on waivers a few days ago, or Delmon Young, who became a free agent recently, would make more sense. 

A team that could be the best match is Baltimore, which has been going with rookie Henry Urrutia (.612 OPS, 0 BB, 9 K in 21 games) at the designated hitter spot. Wilson Betemit, who is due back soon from the disabled list, will likely take over for Urrutia, but a red-hot Morneau down the stretch might be preferred. 

Of the National League contenders, the Pirates could move Garrett Jones to right field if newly promoted rookie Andrew Lambo doesn’t produce right away, opening up first base for Morneau. Lambo, who had 31 homers between Double-A and Triple-A, is 1-for-8 with a double since his call-up.

Astros Could Deal Lone Veteran Remaining

The Astros have one player left on their roster making at least $1 million this season, and there’s a good chance that the number becomes zero before the end of the month. Lefty Erik Bedard (pictured), who signed a one-year, $1.15 million deal this past offseason, has pitched well enough to draw some trade interest. 

In the same tweet mentioning that Haren passed through waivers unclaimed, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the 34-year-old Bedard had also cleared. Prior to a rough outing on Thursday, Bedard had a 3.56 ERA with 42 walks and 82 strikeouts in his last 93.2 innings pitched. 

The Rangers, who could be without Alexi Ogando if he’s forced to miss time with an inflamed nerve in his shoulder, could be interested in Bedard. They’ve already completed one deal with Houston this month, acquiring non-roster lefty Travis Blackley for cash considerations.

Since the start of the season, the Astros have traded away three of four players making a seven-figure salary in 2013.

Bud Norris ($3 million) was traded to Baltimore, Jose Veras ($1.85 million) was dealt to Detroit and Wesley Wright ($1 million) went to Tampa Bay. Catcher Jason Castro, who will be arbitration eligible for the first time this offseason, is currently projected to be the team’s highest-paid player in 2014.

Braves Seek Second Base Help 

With Dan Uggla out at least another 12 days recovering from LASIK eye surgery and Tyler Pastornicky out for the season with a torn knee ligament, Mark Bowman of MLB.com is reporting that the Braves are searching the waiver wire for some second base help. 

The potential list of options has thinned out greatly over the past couple of weeks, however.

The Royals recently acquired two backup types, Jamey Carroll and Emilio Bonifacio, who could play second base. Chase Utley agreed to a contract extension with the Phillies. Rickie Weeks, meanwhile, suffered a season-ending hamstring injury.

If it’s just temporary help they’re seeking, there are a few options readily available that could be an upgrade over Paul Janish and Phil Gosselin.

One intriguing match could be Brendan Ryan (pictured) of the Mariners, who has already cleared waivers. He would allow the Braves to put two of the best defensive shortstops in baseball on the field at the same time. Andrelton Simmons is already considered by many to be the top defender in baseball. Ryan has also been a popular choice in recent years.

The 31-year-old Ryan hasn’t played second base since 2009, though, and he hasn’t hit at all this season. It might not be worth the trouble to acquire him unless they believe he’s an upgrade over Janish as the starter now and as Uggla’s backup when he returns. 

They have such a big lead in the division that acquiring temporary help is nearly pointless otherwise. 

Elvis Andrus Clearing Waivers Is Not Big News 

Teams don’t have to place a player on waivers, so it’s probably worth mentioning whenever any player is. But in most cases, they like to keep their options open just in case a team approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. 

So when a big name like Elvis Andrus (pictured) passes through waivers, we shouldn’t completely write it off as totally irrelevant. But it’s pretty close.

It’s doubtful that the 24-year-old, who already has two All-Star selections on his resume, is going anywhere. The fact that his contract will pay him either $14 million or $15 million per season from 2015-2022, combined with his poor season at the plate, ensured he wasn’t getting claimed.

The Rangers do employ the top prospect in baseball, shortstop Jurickson Profar, who is already in the majors and could probably give the team more offense than Andrus right now. But even if they wanted to trade Andrus, and they had teams interested in acquiring him and his contract, they’d be selling low on a very talented player whom they expected big things from now and in the future. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Yankees are unlikely to avoid paying Alex Rodriguez for at least the last two-plus years of his current deal, which runs through the 2017 season. Unless his 211-game suspension is decreased after his current appeal, that’s an estimated $55 million owed to a player who will be approaching his 40th birthday when he’s eligible to return after the first 49 games of the 2015 season. 

Looking on the bright side, they’ll save nearly $32 million (his entire 2014 salary and 49 games’ worth of his 2015 salary) if his suspension is upheld, which would be huge as the team heads into an offseason with several key free agents and plenty of holes to fill.

On top of those enormous savings, the Yankees can rest easy knowing that Rodriguez never earned the $150,000 for winning a playoff division series MVP…because it doesn’t exist. 

So while Rodriguez is known more for his lack of playoff success as a Yankee, it should be pointed out that he could’ve been in the running for the “ALDS MVP” had it existed when he went 8-for-19 with a homer and three doubles during a series win against the Twins in 2004, his first playoff appearance since signing the contract with Texas prior to the 2001 season.

Maybe Rodriguez figured out the contract error after that 2004 series and it sent him into a tailspin over his next three ALDS appearances (7-for-44 from 2005-2007).

His new 10-year contract, which was signed prior to the 2008 season, has no such clause as far as I can tell. But after a 5-for-11 performance with two homers in a three-game ALDS sweep over the Twins in 2009 followed by a 7-for-45 slump in his next three appearances, we can’t be sure he wasn’t motivated by another fake Division Series incentive, only to have it taken away after finding out he’d been duped again.

While there are several other silly and unattainable clauses included in player contracts, including a Gold Glove incentive for Adam Dunn and Silver Slugger incentives for relief pitchers and Cesar Izturis, who hits like a relief pitcher, here are five of the most unbelievable contract clauses and incentives in major league history.    

Begin Slideshow

At this time last season, NL Rookie of the Year favorite and possible Cy Young Award candidate Jose Fernandez was pitching in the High-A Florida State League.

Meanwhile, playoff-bound rookie starters Julio Teheran of the Atlanta Braves and Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the upper minors and not blowing hitters away like the scouting reports indicated they should be.

Pitchers are unpredictable, as you’ve probably figured out by now. They can move up the ladder quickly and they can fall off the prospect radar even faster. 

Here are eight pitchers, two from each full-season league, who are either pushing for a late-season promotion or making their teams wonder if they have a future in the organization.

Triple-A

Hot

Brian Flynn, Miami Marlins
Season stats: 3.20 ERA, 118 IP, 108 H, 39 BB, 112 K in 20 starts

The 23-year-old lefty is proving that he was much more than a throw-in in last year’s trade that brought him, along with Jacob Turner and Rob Brantly, to the Marlins in exchange for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante. 

Prior to yesterday’s start (5 IP, 5 ER) at Las Vegas in one of the least pitcher-friendly parks in baseball, Flynn had been dominant over his previous six Triple-A starts (41.1 IP, 5 ER, 26 H, 14 BB, 37 K), including seven-plus innings of shutout ball in four of those.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if he gets a late-season look in the Marlins rotation and a chance to win a spot behind Turner and ace Jose Fernandez in 2014.

Cold

Santos Rodriguez, Chicago White Sox
Season stats: 4.50 ERA, 42 IP, 28 H, 33 BB, 49 K in 28 games (AAA/AA)

The 6’6″ lefty earned a promotion to Triple-A in late June after posting solid numbers in Double-A (2.35 ERA, 23 IP, 13 H, 14 BB, 25 K). His success has not carried over, however, as he has allowed 15 earned runs, 15 hits and 19 walks in 19 innings. 

Added to the 40-man roster prior to the season, his spot could be in jeopardy in the offseason if he’s unable to turn things around quickly.

His prior success suggests a potential to be a big league reliever, but his control issues at age 25 suggest otherwise. 

Double-A

Hot

Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets
Season stats: 2.54 ERA, 109.2 IP, 95 H, 26 BB, 118 K in 21 starts (AA/Hi-A)

Mets fans already have plenty to be excited about, with Matt Harvey developing into one of the top pitchers in baseball and top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler already showing signs of becoming a very good No. 2 starter.

And now it’s Syndergaard, acquired from Toronto along with Travis d’Arnaud in the R.A. Dickey trade, who could give the team another top-caliber pitching prospect to add to the rotation for a third consecutive season if he continues at his current pace. 

Harvey made his major league debut in July 2012, Wheeler in June of this season and Syndergaard could debut in New York as a 21-year-old by June or July of 2014.

Since a promotion to Double-A, the 6’6″ right-hander has a 1.76 ERA in nine starts with only 10 walks and 54 strikeouts in 46 innings.

Cold

B.J. Hermsen, Minnesota Twins
Season stats: 5.68 ERA, 65 IP, 97 H, 26 BB, 29 K in 25 games (11 starts)

After pitching very well in 22 Double-A starts in 2012 (11-6, 3.22 ERA), Hermsen has struggled in his second go-around at the level.

In his last three starts after spending most of June and July in the bullpen, the 23-year-old right-hander has allowed 12 earned runs and 17 hits in 10 innings pitched.  

While his stellar 2012 season earned him a spot on the 40-man roster, his disastrous 2013 could get him removed from it early in the 2013-2014 offseason and possibly released from the organization.

When Double-A batters hit .353 against you, it’s to be expected. 

High-A

Hot

Clayton Blackburn, San Francisco Giants
Season stats: 3.62 ERA, 117 IP, 97 H, 28 BB, 119 K in 20 starts

One of the Giants’ top pitching prospects coming into the season, the 20-year-old is passing the very difficult test of surviving the hitter-friendly California League with flying colors.

And he’s getting stronger in the second half of the season.

In his last six starts, the right-hander has allowed just six earned runs in 40.1 innings pitched, with five walks and 31 strikeouts. Throwing strikes and working deep into games, Blackburn is developing into a future workhorse starter who could be in the San Francisco rotation by 2015.

Cold

Domingo Tapia, New York Mets
Season stats: 5.00 ERA, 81 IP, 73 H, 49 BB, 73 K in 19 starts

Of the two up-and-coming Mets pitching prospects out of the Dominican Republic, one, Rafael Montero, has continued to rise up the ranks (3.01 ERA between Triple-A and Double-A) while the other, Domingo Tapia, has struggled in the low minors. 

21-year-old Tapia had a solid full-season debut with Low-A Savannah in 2012 (3.98 ERA, 108.2 IP, 92 H, 32 BB, 101 K), but a promotion to High-A St. Lucie in 2013 hasn’t been kind to the right-hander.

After a strong April, things have slowly unraveled and completely fallen apart as of late.

In his last four starts, he’s allowed 15 earned runs in 9.2 innings pitched, with 14 walks and eight strikeouts.

Unlike Montero, who went from rotation mate in Savannah early in 2012 to a likely big league rotation candidate in 2014, Tapia‘s path to the majors—if he gets there at all—will be a much slower one. 

Low-A

Hot

Christian Binford, Kansas City Royals
Season stats: 1.87 ERA, 120.1 IP, 108 H, 22 BB, 119 K in 20 starts

Any minor league pitchers in the Royals organization will be overshadowed by Yordano Ventura and Kyle Zimmer, both elite prospects in the upper minors.

Who steps up to the top of the next wave, however, is still undetermined. 

20-year-old Binford, a 30th-round pick in the 2011 draft, is doing everything he can to claim that spot heading into the offseason.

While he hasn’t had much trouble at all in the Low-A South Atlantic League, he doesn’t have a big-time fastball, so he’ll have a hard time getting noticed until he succeeds as he climbs the ladder.

His next opportunity could come soon if the Royals give him a well-deserved shot at High-A Wilmington to finish the season.

Cold

Chad James, Miami Marlins
Season stats: 6.52 ERA, 38.2 IP, 44 H, 20 BB, 39 K in 10 starts

A former first-round pick, James has been going backwards since a solid season in High-A back in 2011 (3.80 ERA in 27 starts).

The lefty struggled at the level in 2012 and has failed to get back on track after being dropped to Low-A this season.

It’s likely that he could’ve made a quick move back up the ladder with a successful stint with Greensboro, but the 22-year-old has completely fallen off the prospect radar with his unimpressive performance, which includes 11 earned runs and 14 hits allowed in 11 innings pitched over his last two starts.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

This may or may not be big news but Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has cleared waivers. It doesn’t mean a thing if he’s not willing to waive his no-trade clause, which Rollins told the Phillies he had no intention of doing, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. 

But since it’s not uncommon for a player to change his mind, especially when he knows his current team is actively trying to trade him to a top contender. The current state of the Phillies could also be a concern for Rollins, who is under contract for $11 million next season with an $11 million vesting option for 2015. 

The team has not committed to a youth movement, but barring a strong offseason by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies could once again struggle in 2014.

The 34-year-old could possibly use his no-trade clause as leverage to get his vesting option guaranteed. It should be noted, though, that he’s not having a very good season (.660 OPS, 5 HR, 15 SB) and any team acquiring him would be hoping a change of scenery and a jump in the standings can get him going again. 

At the least, a team would be acquiring a clubhouse leader with plenty of postseason experience to help down the stretch. Here are four contending teams, three from the same division, that are most in need of an upgrade at shortstop. 

Begin Slideshow

The first big move of August was made today with the Rangers acquiring outfielder Alex Rios from the White Sox, as was first reported by Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago. After the two teams failed to agree on a deal at the trade deadline, the Rangers were awarded a waiver claim on Rios yesterday, and the deal came together shortly after Jim Bowden of ESPN and T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported that a deal was unlikely to happen. 

But the White Sox’s asking price appears to have dropped. While they were interested in top prospects such as infielder Rougned Odor and pitchers Luke Jackson and Martin Perez last month, according to Sullivan, they are reportedly settling for Leury Garcia as the player to be named later, along with $1 million. They’ll also save an estimated $18 million in salary (approximately $4 million remaining in 2013, $13 million in 2014, $1 million buyout on 2015 club option).

Garcia, 22, has plus speed and strong defensive skills but he’s nowhere near the aforementioned players in potential. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted a report he received from a scout, saying Garcia had Rafael Furcal potential but was most likely to become a solid regular. At worst, he’d be a utilityman in the majors.  

Ironically, the trade opens up the door for another Garcia recently acquired by the White Sox. Avisail Garcia, acquired from Detroit in the Jake Peavy trade, has been called up to take Rios’ starting spot in right field. 

Adam Dunn Clears Waivers

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported earlier today that Adam Dunn (pictured) cleared waivers, which is no surprise considering his $15 million salary in 2014 and his decline in overall production over the past few seasons. And after dealing away Rios, the White Sox might not want to subtract any more firepower from their lineup. 

But the 33-year-old has a .946 OPS over his past 55 games with 14 homers and 39 runs batted in and his value could be on the rise with a few contenders still in need of some power. He has started just nine games in the outfield since 2009 so he is likely limited to first base and the designated hitter spot and will fit best on an American League club. 

I recently named the Orioles as a possible fit, and the Rangers might not be done adding to their offense if Lance Berkman cannot return soon from hip and knee injuries. The Indians, who designated Mark Reynolds for assignment yesterday, could be an interesting match, although the Sox would likely have to pick up a good portion of Dunn’s remaining contract. 

Marlon Byrd Could Draw Interest

While the Mets surprisingly held on to outfielder Marlon Byrd (pictured) at the trade deadline, interest could pick up again if he’s placed on waivers. Heyman tweeted that the Orioles, Royals, A’s and Rangers all had interest last month.  

The 35-year-old, who is having a terrific season with an .821 OPS and 17 homers, isn’t likely to clear waivers since he’ll be owed just a couple hundred thousand dollars in salary. Most contenders would put in a claim at that price. Thus, any deal would likely happen with the first National League team to put in a claim.

The Diamondbacks and Reds might be the first contenders in line on the waiver wire, although there isn’t a desperate need for a starting outfielder on either club. For such little risk, though, it’s worth blocking him or even trying to strike a deal to bring him on as a backup. 

Dan Haren a Trade Candidate? 

Nationals right-hander Dan Haren (pictured) is on waivers, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, and he has a decent chance of passing through unclaimed because of the estimated $3.6 million he’s due for the remainder of the season. 

Interest would’ve been mild a month ago when he had an ERA over 6.00 and was on the disabled list with shoulder stiffness. But he appears to be back to his old form since his return, posting a 2.40 ERA with eight walks and 32 strikeouts in 30 innings over five starts. 

After four consecutive losses, the Nats are nine back in the wild-card race, and they’ll likely be open to moving the 32-year-old Haren. The Braves, Indians and A’s, who were among the teams in the mix for starting pitching help at the deadline, could have interest.

Could Mark Reynolds or Delmon Young Help a Contender?

Two players recently designated for assignment, Mark Reynolds of the Indians and Delmon Young (pictured) of the Phillies, are a bit more interesting than most names that usually pop up on the DFA list, which removes a player from the 40-man roster and allows a team 10 days to either trade, place on waivers, outright to the minors or release that player. 

Both players deserved to be cut—Reynolds had a .551 OPS over his last 73 games; Young had an overall .699 OPS in 80 games—but they’re also capable of putting up big numbers over the course of several weeks. 

Contending teams looking to catch lightning in a bottle don’t have to look further than Reynolds’ first 31 games of the season, when he hit .291 with 11 homers and 29 runs batted in. The 27-year-old Young had a strong month of June (.830 OPS), but it’s his success in the postseason (.859 OPS, 8 HR, 15 RBI in 28 games) that should land him a job late in the season. 

The duo’s ability to succeed against left-handed pitching (Reynolds has a career .843 OPS vs LHP; Young has a career .820 OPS vs LHP) should also ensure that there will be interest, although it’s a long shot that any team would trade for either player while taking on much salary and/or giving up any prospect of value. Don’t expect either to be out of a job very long, though. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

We’ve officially reached the post-trade deadline hangover stage. It wasn’t as exciting as we had hoped, but fortunately, trades can still be made.

Things are quiet at the moment, however. Teams will take a breath, regroup and start putting a plan in place for the August waiver period.

The plan usually starts with a team placing players on revocable waivers with the purpose of either possibly trading them later in the month if they pass through waivers unclaimed, pulling them back off of waivers if claimed or working out a deal with the team awarded the claim. 

August Trade Candidates

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe tweeted that Marlins third baseman Placido Polanco, Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera and Brewers reliever Mike Gonzalez (pictured) were among those already put on waivers. You can bet that Polanco, who is just not very productive anymore, and Cabrera, whose value had taken a steep decline even before a recent knee injury landed him on the disabled list, will go unclaimed.

Gonzalez, on the other hand, has value as a left-hander with late-inning experience, a solid strikeout rate (47 K in 39.1 IP) and a reasonable salary (due less than $1 million for remainder of season). The Indians, Reds and Cardinals could all have interest. 

As for some bigger names, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca speculates on 10 who could switch teams this month.

Because of their massive contracts, Phillies pitchers Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon could clear waivers and be shopped. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. didn’t appear motivated to move them last month with his team nowhere near playoff contention, however, so it’s unclear if he has any reason to move them in August. 

The Red Sox are one of the few teams who have the prospects and the payroll space to acquire either player. But since they already acquired Jake Peavy, Lee makes little sense. And with Koji Uehara (15.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, BB, 21 K, 5 Sv in July) thriving in the closer’s role, adding a closer is probably not a priority. 

Royals Still Looking to Add

Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore, despite making just one minor acquisition (outfielder Justin Maxwell) at the trade deadline, says he’ll continue to for ways to improve his ballclub, according to Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.

Their biggest need might be at second base, which is why they’d been mentioned in rumors with just about every second baseman who might be available.

While it’s difficult to see Chase Utley, Howie Kendrick or Gordon Beckham getting through waivers, it’s a good possibility that Rickie Weeks (pictured) of the Brewers goes unclaimed.

There is risk because of his $11 million salary in 2014 and his extended slumps over the past two seasons, but the Royals could catch lightning in a bottle with Weeks, who hit .355 with five homers in June and also finished strong in 2012 after a terrible start. 

NL East Teams Searching for Bench Help

While they couldn’t find a match before the deadline, the Braves will continue to try and add a left-handed bat for the bench and a backup infielder, according to Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Emilio Bonifacio of the Blue Jays, Omar Quintanilla of the Mets and Mariners shortstop Brendan Ryan are among those who could fill the backup infielder role.

One player who could fill both voids would be Luis Valbuena (pictured), if the Cubs were to make him available. Mark Kotsay of the Padres and Greg Dobbs of the Marlins could fit the need for a left-handed bat off the bench. 

Another NL East team, the Washington Nationals, are also looking around for bench help, according to Bill Ladson on MLB.com. Although they’re 11.5 out in the division, they’re still within striking distance of a wild-card spot (6.5 games back). President of baseball operations Mike Rizzo thinks they have the talent on their 25-man roster to be a very good team down the stretch.

Rookie second baseman Anthony Rendon is struggling with only seven hits in his last 57 at-bats. The Nats could send him back to the minors and give Stephen Lombardozzi more playing time, which is where a backup infielder would be a fit. Scott Hairston is also just 2-for-18 since being acquired from the Cubs a few weeks back. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com