The MLB trade deadline is getting close to finishing up today and with the Pittsburgh Pirates having the best record in baseball they could make a big move and after sweeping the Cardinals in a double header, they now are in first place in the NL Central and could continue to take over with a big trade.
The team has been linked to Alex Rios during the deadline rumor mill and now Jon Heyman of CBS links the team to Twins slugger Justin Morneau and that deal could get done if Rios does not come through from the White Sox. Heyman has a number of rumors, including that the Rangers are interested in Blue Jays stars Jose Bautista as well as Edwin Encarnacion as they try to add hitting at the break.
The Orioles may be going after Mariners pitcher Joe Saunders to hel out the rotation, while slugger Michael Morse could be on the move to the Tampa Bay Rays, as they are in first place as well and could make a trade. The deadline has seen some big moves already, with Jake Peavy and Matt Garza moving teams and other trades include Jose Iglesias in that deal to the Tigers.
The Pirates are looking at their best season in two decades, while the Red Sox have rebounded from their worst season in years to stay in first place in the AL East, but they need some bullpen help as well as a closer, while the Dodgers are looking for pitching. The National League has plenty of teams that will be involved in the deadline and the buyers like the Cardinals, Braves, Pirates and Reds will be looking for value without having to part with huge prospects.
The Cardinals already have a number of players in their farm system that can help later in the season and they could go for a top pitching name like Matt Garza, but so far that type of deal has not been linked with St. Louis. The team needs a better shortstop and while Brendan Ryan of the Mariners is available, he only has a solid glove and his hitting leaves much to be desired. The Pirates are guaranteed to be buyers at the deadline after the way they have played and first base and the outfield are two need areas and one name that keeps popping up is Alex Rios, as he is playing for the White Sox and they are very out of it this year.
The Reds have various needs with Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall on the DL and even though Ryan Ludwick is coming back, they could go after someone like Rios or the Phillies' Michael Young, who has had interest from the Yankees as well. The Dodger like Garza or Bud Norris in a deal since they need some pitching and the Diamondbacks may do the same as well. A name that has come up is Chris Sale and while the White Sox don't want to part with him, since they are paying so bad it might be the best move.
The teams at the middle of the pack will be the most interesting to watch, including the Phillies, as they could deal Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Michael Young and Chase Utley, but so far Reuben Amaro has said he wants to sit tight. Carlos Ruiz could also go and another team that is in need of some help is the Nationals. Garza has been linked to a number of teams, including the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Indians and he can be a top of the line starter for most teams. The Cubs are hoping to get some solid pieces for Garza and Theo Epstein will wait until he gets a deal that he likes before pulling the trigger. ESPN is reporting that the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays are the top contenders for Garza and the trade talk should heat up in the coming weeks.
Alex Rios has turned himself into a trade option with the way he has played this year, as he is hitting above .270 with 11 homers, 40 RBI and 19 steals and teams were impressed with what he did lasts season, hitting .304 with 25 home runs, 91 RBI and 23 stolen bases. The Rangers could also be in the market for Rios after Josh Hamilton left last season and he also could go to a team like the Rockies or the Tigers.