2010 MLB Trade Deadline: could revive the season for some and crush the hopes of others

The non-waiver trade deadline is this Saturday the 31st. The latest move was a big one. The D-Backs have traded away Dan Haren for Joe Saunders and 2 prospects. ARE YOU SERIOUS, SNAKES... REALLY? Apparently one team still have the slimmest of hope that Saunders can live up to the expectations of a 12th overall selection. But what would give them this idea? Is it his 4.29 career ERA? Or maybe it's his 2008 season (17-7 3.41 ERA 1.21 WHIP) Many could argue that his win numbers over his career are inflated because he was aided by a potent Angels lineup.

In Haren, the Angels get a #1 or #2 at worst starter to complete a solid trio of Weaver, Santana & Haren. No one doubts that Haren is having an off year (7-8 4.60 ERA 1.35 WHIP), but his successful track record suggests that a change of scenery could really benefit him and his new team.

The trade comes 3 days after the Angels dealt pitchers Sean O'Sullivan and Will Smith to the Royals for 3rd Baseman Alberto Callaspo (.272/ 8 HR/ 46 RBI in 360 AB). The deal certainly shows a lack of confidence in once- top prospect Brandon Wood. He has struggled all season long (.168/ 3 HR/ 12 RBI in 173 AB). These deals are definately an admirable response to the Rangers' acquisition of Cliff Lee. The Angels sit 7 games back of the division leading Rangers.

Roy Oswalt tops the list of starting pitchers likely to be dealt by the trade deadline. I can't count the number of times Oswalt has tossed a gem but had an L penciled in because of a lack-luster Astro's offense/ Bullpen. The race to land Oswalt seems to be between the Phillies and Cardinals. The Astros seem to have their eye on the Phillies' top pitching prospect J.A Happ among other prospects. The biggest hurdle in this potential trade is that Oswalt wants his $16 Million option for 2012 guaranteed (tough pill to swallow for a team acquiring a soon-to-be 33 year old). This would mean that the Phillies would have to move someone like Jayson Werth in a separate transaction. On the Cardinal's side, they more than likely would have to give up RHP prospect Shelby Miller.

Other players on the block:

1B- Prince Fielder (White Sox have been the latest to make a push for the slugger)

1B- Jorge Cantu (Rangers could use a first baseman with departure of Smoak/Rockies- Helton struggling/Giants)

3B- Ty Wigginton (Phillies need an infielder to replace the injured Chase Utley)

3B/SS- Miguel Tejada (See Ty Wigginton)

P- Ted Lilly (Loser of Oswalt sweep stakes could make a push for the lefty)

OF- Jose Guillen (Giants liked DeJesus before he got injured- so attention shifts to Guillen)

OF- Adam Dunn (Tigers are latest team to express interest)

OF- Josh Willingham (Padres would like to bolster outfield)

OF- Jeff Francoeur (KC willing to deal Farnsworth for the RF)

With 12 teams either leading or within 5 games of a division crown, this year's trade deadline could push a team over the top and throw others to the bottom.

Blog – 1 year, 6 months ago by Mac1391 to Baseball. 572 views.