The American League East – we’ve made it to the final discussion piece of our divisional breakdown of buyers and sellers. If you missed the previous buyer and seller discussions, please take a look under the “Top Stories” section on the right-hand side of the web page.
In the AL East we have three buyers in the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. The bottom dwellers in the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles are already looking forward to next season. Let’s take a look at what could be traded in the next two weeks.
Buyers
New York Yankees
The big fish got away from the Yankees in Cliff Lee, and the Mariners will likely never be friends with New York ever again. Despite losing out on the best available pitcher, the team may still be interested in starting pitching. Today, Andy Pettitte strained his left groin and may be headed to the disabled list, so the Yankees could be going after a left-handed starting pitching. This is pure speculation from PRO Rumors, but Ted Lilly is the biggest lefty being shopped right now, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Yankees made a run at him.
The Yankees also could use bench help and middle relief. New York has been mentioned as a destination for players like Cody Ross, Wes Helms, Ty Wigginton, Adam Dunn and Willie Bloomquist. The Yankees would love to have Dunn, but it’s unlikely that the Nationals will want to move him now.
Today, a source close to Frank Russo of NY Baseball Digest said the Yankees are in the “midst of ongoing discussion” with the Kansas City Royals regarding Joakim Soria. The team is also interested in Florida Marlins’ Leo Nunez.
If the Yankees decide to go for a big piece, and they need trading leverage, they can always trade catching prospect Jesus Montero. His name was tossed around as a centerpiece to the now dissolved Cliff Lee deal.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are looking for outfield help and a right-handed bat. Several names that have come up include Baltimore Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Kansas City Royals OF/DH Jose Guillen and Washington Nationals outfielder Josh Willingham. Guillen is an interesting name since he’s traditionally a DH, but his arm was once considered the strongest among National League outfielders, so he still has some defensive value. Additionally, the Royals have been actively shopping him, and they’re willing to eat up a lot of his remaining contract in order to move him.
The Rays are a very young team, with many of the players under being paid affordable contracts and being under club control for several years. Should the Rays ever decide to move from buyers to sellers, one player that won’t be sold in their farm system is right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson. He’s likely untouchable unless a blockbuster deal presents itself.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox could use outfielder and bullpen help, but the problem is that the team is over the luxury tax threshold, so it’ll be tough to make additions without affecting future budgets.
An outfielder like the Royals David DeJesus would be a good fit for the Red Sox, but with his affordable salary and cheap team option for next year, the Royals will likely want a big name prospect in return.
The Seattle Mariners are likely selling right-handed pitcher David Aardsma, and he would be a great seventh-inning pitcher for his former team.
The Red Sox really need to do something with third baseman Mike Lowell. He’s making $12 million dollars and eating up a roster space. The team is better off eating up $11 million and trading him to a team for a fifth tiered prospect. The Rangers have been interested in Lowell, but have yet to make a deal.
Sellers
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have a trio of relief pitchers that could be moved in Jason Frasor, Scott Downs and Kevin Gregg. A few things to note include the liklihood that Frasor will be a Type-B free agent and Downs will be a Type-A free agent, so that increases their value and the Blue Jays will want a little more in exchange. The 32-year-old Gregg is making an affordable $2.75 million this year, and he has affordable club options for 2011-12 ($2 million and $4.5 million respectively) with a $750,000 buyout.
A long-shot that could be traded is outfielder Vernon Wells. Wells is finally playing like the old Wells. The only problem is the $86 million that he’s due. If a big market team is interested, then they could make a play for him.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles’ biggest trade chip is Ty Wigginton. He’s drawn interest from the Yankees, Phillies Rockies, Reds, Rays and Angels. Look for him to be moved as early as this week. Once he’s gone, their other infielder – Miguel Tejada could be sold off as a consolation prize.
The Orioles held onto Kevin Millwood two months too long. Millwood’s value was higher in May, but he had a terrible June and is on the disabled list. He’s one of the players that could be dealt after July 31st since he’s likely to clear waivers. If a team is desperate enough, then Millwood may be their best option. The St. Louis Cardinals could be a fit given their problems with their rotation.
Related posts:
- American League Central buyers and sellers
- National League East buyers and sellers
- American League West buyers and sellers
- Price’s MLB Trade Deadline Buyers and Sellers
- National League West buyers and sellers
