The first half of the Major League Baseball season is now over. For some, this means discussions can start about MVP races, Cy Young races, the trading deadline, and of course division standings.
For me, it is instead a time to look at the types of statistics and awards not often looked at.
These awards are not for the best pitcher, or the best team. Rather, they are for various players who fit a certain trait, whether it is having a hard luck season, having all power and no speed, etc.
The All-Star break has come and gone, and with the trade deadline under two weeks away, we will soon see who the “buyers” and “sellers” will be this season.
However, with the current state of the economy and a number of teams losing money, teams could be looking to cheaper solutions to make their pennant run, as opposed to acquiring the big-name players available on the market.
So here are the ten players who would have already been with a different team five years ago, but instead will find themselves sticking with their current teams because of their hefty contracts.
The boys of summer are taking their annual break in sunny southern California—Anaheim to be exact.
They’ll laugh with other big league players they don’t often get the chance to converse with. They’ll have their laughs, their deep conversations, and ability to forget about the chase for the playoffs, if only for a few days.
Those that aren’t taking part in the festivities in Anaheim get a much needed break to lick their wounds and heal-up from injuries that kept them from performing to their highest abilities.
What the All-Star break also signifies is a two week point before baseball’s trading deadline.
A big name has already moved to a new home and several others are yet to make a move. There are teams that need to make a splash to stay in the race, and others that need to free-up salaries and rebuild for another race.
Here are 10 names that will be moved and where they’re new predicted homes will be.
Now that we’ve reached the All-Star Break, the 2010 season is officially on hiatus until Thursday.
With the All-Star break, one of baseball’s most sacred traditions, comes the annual rite of July, the trade deadline deals. No less than 17 teams are currently in contention for the playoffs, which means there is a lot of wheeling and dealing to be done.
Here’s a look at 10 teams that must make a move before July 31 if they hope to make the playoffs in 2010.
With Cliff Lee off the trade market, the Yankees should now look at adding the next best pitcher available, Roy Oswalt.
The Yankees looked like they were ready to land Lee today, some even called the deal imminent, but trade talks between the Yankees and Mariners fell apart after Seattle questioned David Adams health and asked for more. Lee was instead traded to the Rangers.
But we did learn something from this failed trade attempt, the Yankees are willing to part ways with top prospect Jesus Montero, who was previously “untouchable” according to Yankee GM Brian Cashman.
So do the Yankees still have an interest in improving their rotation, now that Lee is off the table?
If they are, then they need to look at Houston Astros fan favorite and ace, Roy Oswalt.
Oswalt is an excellent pitcher, having won 10 or more games from 2001-2008, including back to back 20 win campaigns in ’04 and ’05, which took the Astros to the World Series.
The Astros lost the 2005 World Series, but Oswalt has been itching for another crack at a title– and has said before that he will waive his no trade clause to go to the Yankees if the Astros can agree to a deal.
Houston has previously been asking a lot for Oswalt, who is 6-10 with a 3.08 ERA this year.
The Astros, presumably, would want Jesus Montero and another position player, along with a pitching prospect.
Well, the Yankees just offered Montero, second baseman David Adams, and starting pitcher Zach McAllister to the Mariners for Cliff Lee. A similar deal could be structured to go after Oswalt.
In my opinion, Oswalt would thrive with the Yankees.
He has a former teammate and friend in Andy Pettitte, you never hear anything about off field incidents with him, and if he had the Yankees’ offense in Houston he would have a winning record and be right in the Cy Young race.
Oswalt has made it clear he wants out of Houston and has made it his focus to get back to the World Series, and if the Yankees want to strengthen their rotation for another championship run, then Oswalt is their man.
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The Angels had the second best record in all of baseball for the month of June.
The problem is, the Texas Rangers were the only team better, and they are the team the Angels are trying to catch.
July has not started out with as much promise.
The Angels now find themselves 5.5 games back in the AL West after being swept by the Chicago White Sox during a four-game series in Chicago for the first time in 27 years.
Many are ready to push the panic button and start the fire sale. However, all is not lost with the Angels. One major move, accompanied by some minor tweaks, could manage to save their season.
Here are five things the Angels need to do going forward.
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.
You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg
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When does the Major League leader in losses by a pitcher generate major buzz amongst the teams looking to add pitching at the trade deadline?
When that pitcher has a 3.08 ERA, 112 strikeouts in 120 innings pitched and just threw a one hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday, in which he allowed only a two-out first inning single before holding the team hitless the rest of the way.
Or, to put it another way, when that pitcher’s name is Roy Oswalt.
There is little doubt at this point that Oswalt will be traded. That the Houston Astros are going nowhere in 2010 is an understatement, and it might, frankly, be irresponsible for the team to hold on to Oswalt when there are so many holes to fill in the roster.
In that sense, all Oswalt has done with his one-hitter today is sweeten the pot for the Astros. Any lingering doubts about Oswalt regarding his 2010 record, his health and consistency the last couple of seasons, or even his age, may have been answered today.
A dominant force in the early part of the last decade, Oswalt finished in the top five in Cy Young voting in the National League five times in six years from 2001 to 2006. He is a three time All Star and he has led the league in winning percentage once, wins once and ERA once.
Despite his 6-10 record this season, Oswalt’s .640 winning percentage is the fifth best amongst active qualifying pitchers and ranks 36th all time.
But Oswalt hasn’t been his usual self in the last couple of years. After winning 10 or more games and posting a winning percentage over .600 in each of his first eight seasons, Oswalt fell to 8-6 last season.
Worse yet, Oswalt posted a career worst 4.12 ERA in 2009, besting by over half a run his previous career worst of 3.54.
But all of that is easy to forget on this day. For all intents and purposes, Oswalt is back. And for the Astros, he could not have returned soon enough.
According to MLB.com’s Brian Taggert, the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers all had representatives on hand on Thursday to watch Oswalt.
They must have liked what they saw.
The good news for the Astros is that Oswalt is no longer a player that teams are going to think they can get on the cheap. This recent performance will be all the evidence they need that any team looking to acquire Oswalt had better be ready to dangle legitimate A-list prospects in return.
One must wonder whether the Philadelphia Phillies are even in the Oswalt hunt at this point. With the minor league system relatively depleted (despite all efforts by Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. to the contrary), the Phils would likely have to give up major league level players to get Oswalt.
One option might be shipping one of the starting outfielders to the Astros for Oswalt and then calling up Domonic Brown, but it is difficult to imagine the Astros being interested in Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino or Raul Ibanez.
At the same time, though, with the New York Mets in the picture, the Phillies may not be able to afford to not be in the picture. If the Mets somehow swung Roy Oswalt to join Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey, well, the season would likely be over for the Phils.
On the other hand, Oswalt has been linked to a veritable gaggle of teams, including the Rangers, Twins, Nationals (speaking of scary for the Phillies), Angels, Tigers, and Cardinals, so it may not be time to panic just yet.
Nevertheless, it is an interesting conundrum that just got a little more interesting on Thursday, and all because a 5-10 pitcher for the Astros threw a one-hit shutout today.
Asher B. Chancey lives in Philadelphia and is a co-founder of BaseballEvolution.com .
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We were entertained by the rockets’ red glare as these pitchers were having their own pyrotechnic shows from the hill.
1. Felix Hernandez, Seattle
Hernandez tossed the ball hard for nine innings only gave up two hits with 11 strike outs. He earned a .000 ERA and the deserved victory.
In week 13, he was dominated, and the Monday that followed Independence Day, he was equally good. However, his bullpen gave up the win he deserved.
The popular Seattle ace is 6-5 with 122 strikeouts and a .301 ERA for the season.
2. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis
Wright threw for 16 innings from the mound last week and had 16 strikeouts with only three walks. His appearances gave him two wins and a .059 ERA.
Last Sunday, he threw a complete game and picked up the victory.
The Cardinals’ starting pitcher is one of the best right now and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
He is currently sitting pretty with a 12-5 record and a 2.24 ERA with 123 strikeouts for the season.
3. Jered Weaver, Los Angeles (Angels)
Weaver sat down six and allowed only two hits, which gave him a .000 ERA and the win.
The box score looks great, but he did hiccup when he had trouble retiring the last few batters he faced.
He is 8-4 with 130 strikeouts and a .2.97 ERA for the season.
4. Matt Capps, Washington
Capps picked up two wins in three innings of relief. He garnered a .000 ERA and only gave up two hits.
Capps has had five straight scoreless appearances.
His season has been decent with a 3-3 record, 23 saves, 32 strikeouts, 3.26 ERA.
5. Huston Street, Colorado
Street spent six innings on the hill last week and struck out six with no walks and only two hits. His performance gave him two saves and a .000 ERA.
The Colorado hurler’s fantasy ownership increased about five percent with his recent outings.
He is 1-1 with two saves and eight strikeouts for the season.
6. Matt Latos, San Diego
Latos worked eight innings to get the win. He struck out eight and only walked two which gave him a .000 ERA.
Latos and Jimenez are tied for the most shutout innings this season thus far.
He is 9-4 with a 2.62 ERA with 91 strikeouts for the season.
7. Tommy Hanson, Atlanta
Hanson played some catch with McCann and earned a victory with a .000 ERA after six innings on the mound. He sent eight back to the dugout with strikeouts and only gave up two walks.
He is 8-5 with a 4.19 ERA with 98 strikeouts for the season.
8. Roy Oswalt, Houston
Oswalt threw for seven innings on the mound and struck out seven with two walks and only three hits. His performance gave him the win and a .000 ERA.
The Houston starting pitcher may be wearing a different uniform after the All-Star break. If Texas picks him up, he won’t need to travel far for his new assignment.
The Astros haven’t helped Oswalt’s record of 5-10 despite his ERA of 3.32 with 104 strikeouts this season.
9. Brad Lincoln, Pittsburgh
Lincoln had a nice outing with six strikeouts and one walk in seven innings. He earned the win and a .000 ERA.
He did very well in week 13 but he followed it up with his worst outing this past Tuesday.
The Pirates starting pitcher is a huge risk. Fantasy owners should stay clear until he provides more consistent performances.
He is 1-3 with a 5.25 ERA for the season.
10. Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati
Arroyo had six solid innings with three strikeouts and two walks, giving him a .000 ERA and the win.
The Reds hurler gained some fantasy ownership as a result of this performance. He is up five percent in most leagues.
Arroyo is available around 50 percent in most leagues. He would be a nice pick up if your fantasy staff has fallen by the wayside.
He is 9-4 with a 3.04 ERA with only 54 strikeouts this season.
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We were entertained by the rockets’ red glare as these pitchers were having their own pyrotechnic shows from the hill.
1) Felix Hernandez Sea
Hernandez tossed the ball hard for nine innings, only gave up two hits, and recorded 11 strikeouts on route to picking up the deserved victory.
In Week 13, he was dominating, and the Monday that followed Independence Day he was equally good. However, his bullpen gave up the win he deserved.
The popular Seattle ace is 6-5 with 122 strikeouts and a 3.01 ERA for the season
2) Adam Wainwright StL
Wainwright threw 16 innings from the mound last week and had 16 strikeouts with only three walks. His starts gave him two wins and a 0.59 ERA.
Last Sunday, he threw a complete game and picked up the victory.
The Cardinals starting pitcher is one of the best right now and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
He is currently sitting pretty with a 12-5 record and a 2.24 ERA with 123 strikeouts for the season.
3) Jered Weaver LAA
Weaver sat down six and allowed only two hits, giving him the win.
The box score looks great, but he did encounter a minor hiccup when he had trouble retiring the last few batters he faced.
He is 8-4 with 130 strike outs and a 2.97 ERA for the season.
4) Matt Capps Was
Capps picked up two wins in three innings of relief. He garnered a 0.00 ERA and only gave up two hits.
Capps has had five straight scoreless appearances.
His season has been decent, with a 3-3 record, 23 saves, 32 strikeouts, and a 3.26 ERA.
5) Huston Street Col
Street spent six innings on the hill last week and struck out six with no walks and only two hits. His performance gave him two saves and a 0.00 ERA.
The Colorado hurler’s fantasy ownership increased about five percent with his recent outings.
He is 1-1 with two saves and 8 strikeouts for the season.
6) Matt Latos SD
Latos worked eight innings to get the win. He struck out eight and only walked two.
Latos and Jimenez are tied for the most shutout innings thus far.
He is 9-4 with a 2.62 ERA with 91 strikeouts for the season.
7) Tommy Hanson Atl
Hanson played some catch with McCann and earned a victory after six innings on the mound. He sent eight back to the dugout on strikes and only gave up two walks.
He is 8-5 with a 4.19 ERA and 98 strikeouts for the season.
8) Roy Oswalt Hou
Oswalt threw for seven innings on the mound and struck out seven with two walks and only three hits. His performance gave him the win.
The Houston starting pitcher may be wearing a different uniform after the all-star break. If Texas picks him up, he won’t need to travel far for his new assignment.
The Astros haven’t helped Oswalt’s record of 5-10 despite his ERA of 3.32 with 104 strikeouts.
9) Brad Lincoln Pit
Lincoln had a nice outing with six strikeouts and one walk in seven innings. He gave up no earned runs and picked up the win.
He did very well in week 13, but he followed it up with his worst outing of the season this past Tuesday.
The Pirates starting pitcher is a huge risk. Fantasy owners should stay clear until he provides more consistent performances.
He is 1-3 with a 5.25 ERA for the season.
10) Bronson Arroyo Cin
Arroyo had six solid innings with three strike outs and two walks, giving him a 0.00 ERA and the win.
The Reds hurler gained some fantasy ownership as a result of this performance. He is up five percent in most leagues.
Arroyo is available around 50 percent in most leagues. He would be a nice pickup if your fantasy staff has fallen by the wayside.
He is 9-4 with a 3.04 ERA with only 54 strikeouts this season.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
