The big chips are yet to fall. And we're all on the edge of our seats waiting...
Carlos Beltran may have already been dealt to the Giants, but I'm not going to count it as a long-term meaningful move. The Giants acknowledge they'll get Beltran for three months, and then he'll be back on the market trying to get way more money than he's worth. Done deal. It helps them in the short term, but there hasn't been a franchise shifting move made just yet.
Here are the top 5 players that could still be dealt, at least in my estimation:
1. Hunter Pence, Astros
I'll say he stays in Houston. The Phillies will have to get a third team involved and give away too much to get him in the long run. And after all, is Hunter Pence really worth your best pitching AND hitting prospect? The Braves don't want to include ANY of the top pitching prospects in the deal (at least from what we can gather), and no one else has the juice to make it happen. So, my guess is Pence wears an Astros uniform the rest of the year. Too bad for him.
2. Heath Bell, Padres
Time to get your ass in gear, San Diego. Fat relief pitchers don't tend to hold their value for very long, and Bell's clock could already be running. Mark my word, he will be moved before the deadline, most likely to the Rangers, or (gulp) Phillies. If the Pence deal falls through for Philadelphia, you can bet the phone will be ringing in San Diego...because the Phil's bullpen sucks on paper. The only holdup appears to be San Diego's clubhouse sudden shift into a shopping center (the whole team seems to be on the block). They haven't made a deal yet, but the change of address forms are next to the pregame meal.
3. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies
I'll put Jimenez into the "I don't care where he ends up" category, mainly because the Yankees and Red Sox appear to be the two main teams in the mix. The Reds suddenly find themselves out of contention, and I have a hard time believing that Cleveland is seriously in the mix, despite some reports to the contrary. On top of that, he's been so-so at best since the All-Star break last season. 6-9 this season with a 4.20 ERA. Probably not a guy I'd give up the farm for at this point.
4. BJ Upton, Rays
Quickly becoming "overlooked" in the trade market. It sounds like Upton has some baggage that at least a few clubs aren't willing to take on, and is in the midst of a season where he is hitting just .228 with a .309 OBP. Not tremendous for a lead-off hitter. The only reasons the Rays seem to be shopping BJ are his salary, which will become too much for Tampa in the coming years, and the emergence of Desmond Jennings behind him. I don't think TB will get a great proposal for Upton, and he remains a Ray.
5. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers
Sounds like he will be traded, and I could care less. Why? He's 6-13 (an awful record, even considering where he pitches), and his two likely destinations are Boston and New York. See above for more.
The "Sleepers" that could be on the move: Aramis Ramirez, Cubs; Michael Bourne, Astros; Josh Willingham, A's. For the first time today, Ramirez indicated he might be willing to waive his no trade clause for the right destination. For all the Cubs' fans out there, I hope they can find him a home. Another difference maker could be RP Mike Adams of the Padres- he's got great stuff out of the bullpen.
It's time for the shoe to drop. Lets get moving on this thing.
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