2010 Trade Deadline Advice

Blue Jays: Hold Jose

With the Jays sitting one game over five hundred in the AL East this year, they are in sell mode and rightfully so. While Toronto should try to move players (John Buck, Lyle Overbay, the entire bullpen) that will bring back prospects, one player that shouldn’t be moved just yet is Jose Bautista. While it is true that Jose Bautista is in the midst of a career year and his value will never be higher, the Jays may benefit from holding onto the AL home run leader.

He plays above average defense at two different positions (3B and RF), a versatility that can be valuable to a team that could look significantly different in 2011. The Jays may finish the year with their lowest OBP in franchise history (which definitely explains why they are losing games 2-1 to Cleveland). Bautista provides reasonable on base skills (.356 OBP) for a team that is in dire need of taking every walk they can get. Bautista is arbitration eligible and due for a hefty raise this offseason given his 2010 production, but let’s remember that he is still only 29, and this year’s production may not be a fluke. If they offer arbitration, the Jays will only be on the hook for paying Bautista next year, and could even trade him at the 2011 deadline if he continues his torrid pace. If not, he could continue to get on base, play above average defense wherever they need him and hit for some power without costing a fortune long term.

Phillies: Take a Shot at It

Yes, Philly has had some offensive troubles, but they should be sorted out as players return from the DL. Everyone knows what is really keeping Philadelphia from their third straight NL pennant: pitching. How good would this team have looked with Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee? The Phillies need to add another top tier starting pitcher, and solidify their bullpen. Roy Oswalt, despite numerous roadblocks, (Houston owner Drayton McLean will probably ask for Chase Utley in return, his massive contract will need to be dealt with and Oswalt for some crazy reason, would rather finish his year in Houston than Philadelphia) would be a great fit.

Any of the Jay’s relievers (minus Kevin Gregg) would help solidify the pen. If Zack Grienke is available, he could be a more attractive option than Oswalt. If they can’t land an ace, Ted Lilly is another quality starter that is said to be available and could act as an alternative. If the Phillies want to solidify their status as an NL dynasty and hang with the big boys from the AL East, they need to hold onto Jayson Werth, and upgrade their pitching before its too late.

Angels: Add a Bat

While there will be much debate as to whether or not it was the smartest move to acquire Dan Haren with the team sitting seven games out of first place, this weekend’s trade definitely says the Angels are going all in. Given that they have declared themselves in the race, they need to do everything they can to find offensive help.

Mike Napoli is hitting well and doing a sufficient job filling in at first, but the team needs to replace the middle of the order presence left by Kendry Morales. That middle of the order bat is not Alberto Callapso. There is a reason the Adam Dunn to the Angels rumor has been circulating for years; he would be a great fit. Conspiracy theory: the Angels plan on flipping Dan Haren for a bat.

The White Sox Need to Stand Pat

Despite sitting atop the AL Central standings, the White Sox should not be aggressively pursuing players at the deadline. Kenny Williams and the Sox need remember that Jake Peavy is hurt, they are fighting with the Twins and Tigers, and would still be sitting in third place if it weren’t for one massive winning streak (right before the All-Star break). Yes the playoffs is a crapshoot where anything can happen, but even if the ChiSox sneak into the dance can anyone really see them beating the Yankees, Red Sox or Rays? The White Sox don’t need to be sellers, but given the trades they made last year (acquiring Alex Rios and Peavy), it would serve their long-term interests to not give up more prospects and hope they can win with their current team.