Cafardo Says Dealer's Choice on Trades

Heavy trade action may be in the cards, a good column by Nick Cafardo, who is able to pinch blog while I continue to recover from a lengthy bout with the flu, here is an interesting column from boston.com

By Nick Cafardo May 24, 2009

When Jake Peavy rejected a chance to join the White Sox, teams such as the Cubs, Brewers, Phillies, Mets, and Dodgers breathed sighs of relief, hoping that the prize pitcher will instead hand-pick the National League team that suits him best.

While that deal was vetoed by the former NL Cy Young Award winner, it kicked off what should be an active trading period between now and the July 31 deadline.

Normally, teams are focused on the amateur draft at this time, but major league scouts are out there in full force, inquiring about what teams are willing to part with.

Most baseball people feel a Peavy deal will be made because the Padres need to move the guaranteed $50 million-$60 million remaining on his deal. The big question becomes which team can offer San Diego general manager Kevin Towers a substantial package of prospects - as the White Sox did.

The Brewers took a bold step last season when they threw payroll concerns out the window and traded for CC Sabathia, who led them to a playoff berth. The Brewers left themselves some wiggle room this season by electing not to pursue a big-name pitcher, adding only journeyman Braden Looper.

Getting Peavy is complicated, though, because you have to be willing to come up with the package of players and pay out the salary. In some cases, teams may have to commit to picking up a $22 million option in 2013.

The Red Sox always made the most sense for Peavy because they have the prospects, they have the money, and the righthander likes Boston. But they are the team that needs him the least.

The Cubs' new owner, Ameritrade guru Tom Ricketts, should have the $900 million sale in place within a month. When and if that happens, the Cubs could reenter the picture for Peavy.

While the White Sox and Padres are open to deals (the Padres would love to move Brian Giles), a major league evaluator said last week that the A's and Indians also appear to be "wide open" for business, as could be the Rockies and Mariners.

A fire sale could be in the offing in Cleveland, with attractive players such as last year's Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee, who will be a free agent after next season; Mark DeRosa, who would bring a top reliever and has been coveted by multiple teams; and the big prize, catcher Victor Martinez, who is said to be available for a blockbuster package. The Indians also would surely move underachieving shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

The A's could soon field inquiries on outfielder Matt Holliday, who is picking up his hitting, though he simply hasn't taken to the expanse of McAfee Coliseum. The A's would also move Jason Giambi and/or Orlando Cabrera after June 15, the date when free agents signed during the offseason can be traded.

"It seems like everyone is looking for pitching with the exception of the Red Sox," said an American League evaluator. "If it's true that Brad Penny becomes available, they'll have some interested parties in him as long as he's showing he's over his shoulder problems."

The Mariners got off to a decent start, but as their season turns into what we thought it would be - lousy - they'll make some of their more attractive players available. Guys like the struggling Adrian Beltre, Jarrod Washburn, Erik Bedard, and Miguel Batista, who are all in the final year of their contracts, could be had. Batista may fit in Tampa, which is looking for another bullpen piece.

The Mariners and Pirates reportedly were discussing a Jack Wilson-for-Yuni Betancourt deal last week, until it fell through. Wilson, the slick-fielding Pirates shortstop, would be a viable addition for a contending team needing help at that position. That team could be the Cardinals, who are not pleased with Khalil Greene.

The Dodgers could run away with the West if they land Peavy, and if Manny Ramírez returns as a good citizen and infuses life into the lineup, but many of their "prospects" are in the majors.

The Rockies could be dealing with a new manager soon, but reliever Huston Street, third baseman Garrett Atkins, first baseman Todd Helton (who would have to approve a deal), and outfielder Brad Hawpe could all be available.

The Nationals may move first baseman Nick Johnson, who is in the final year of his three-year deal, and having a very good season. The Orioles could attract suitors for Aubrey Huff and relievers George Sherrill and Danys Baez.

The trade season has just begun.