Now let’s look at the American League Central and the trade deadline needs of the buyers in this division. Going into last night’s games, three teams were separated by a game and a half. A player acquisition by any of the contenders could decide the division.
Here are the trade deadline needs of the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago White Sox…
Record:46-37, first place in AL Central
Needs: Bullpen, Shortstop, Starting Rotation
The Tigers have been a very consistent team all year and have jumped past the Twins in the AL Central. But heading towards the trade deadline, the Tigers could use a couple of things.
The first thing they could use is a shortstop who is an upgrade over Ramon Santiago and Danny Worth.
A couple of guys that come to mind are Miguel Tejada (move back to short), Cesar Izturis, or Alex Gonzalez. The Tigers have talked about Stephen Drew, but I would be surprised if they could pry him from Arizona.
With the season ending injury to Joel Zumaya, the Tigers really could use a power righty out of the ‘pen. I also feel they could some starting rotation depth.
In a playoff series, do the Tigers really trust Max Scherzer or Jeremy Bonderman in games two and three? I don’t think they will be in on Cliff Lee, but I have always felt they have been a sleeper for Roy Oswalt.
Potential Targets: Roy Oswalt, Miguel Tejada, Cesar Izturis, Alex Gonzalez, Stephen Drew, Yunel Escobar, David Aardsma, Kyle Farnsworth, Matt Capps
Chicago White Sox
Record:46-38, second in AL Central. Third in Wild Card
Needs: Starting Pitching, DH
The White Sox went from a season that was headed to the garbage to a team that has legit playoff aspirations.
But losing Jake Peavy for perhaps the season was a big blow to the Pale Hose. Now I feel they really need another starter.
The White Sox could be in play for Oswalt as well. Oswalt and Peavy are very tight, so I would imagine Oswalt would approve a trade to Chicago if something went down.
The White Sox could desperately use a better option at DH. Mark Kotsay or Andruw Jones is just not going to cut it. Recently, the White Sox have been linked to Adam Dunn.
Potential Targets: Roy Oswalt, Adam Dunn, Jose Guillen, Aubrey Huff (if Giants become sellers), Xavier Nady, Luke Scott
Minnesota Twins
Record:45-30, third in the AL Central. Fourth in Wild Card
Needs: Starting Pitching, Power Bullpen Arm, Third Base
These aren’t your father’s Minnesota Twins. Gone are the days when the Twins were known as a frugal franchise. Now, they are in it to win it every season.
The Twins need two things headed towards the deadline—starting pitching and a power bullpen arm. When I say a starting pitching, I mean an ace.
Francisco Liriano would be a solid Game 1 starter, but he would be even a better No.2. Guys like Kevin Slowey, Nick Blackburn, and Scott Baker pitch too much to contact to be reliable in the postseason. That is why the Twins need an ace like Lee.
The Twins could also use another power in arm in the pen. I like Matt Guerrier, but he is not a strikeout guy. The Twins need a guy who can come in during a cold October night and just blow people away.
Potential Targets: Cliff Lee, Dan Haren, Ted Lilly, David Aardsma, Todd Coffey, Miguel Tejada, Craig Counsell, Mike Lowell
I know I said there would be a double dip of trade deadline needs today, but I will cover the American League West tomorrow.
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