Others have weighed in on the trade of Dan Haren to the Angels, so I’ll pass on that topic. Instead, let’s take a look at who else might be on the move before the August 1 deadline.
photo credit: John-Morgan
With time counting down to the trading deadline, there could be more action than usual.
ESPN reports that Jorge Cantu might be en route from Florida to Texas. Cantu is hitting .260 with 10 HRs and 54 RBI this year, and you can bet those numbers would go up in Arlington if he plays regularly. Who would Cantu displace in the lineup? Not Ian Kinsler at 2B or Michael Young at 3B. Not Vladimir Guerrero at DH. Maybe he would take over for Chris Davis at 1B if the young slugger is still not ready for prime time pitching. Since his recall on July 9, Davis is hitting just .213 and striking out about once every four at bats.
USA Today reported that the Cubs were also talking to Texas about sending slugging first baseman Derreck Lee to the Rangers. Whether or not that happens, that’s further proof of a vote of no confidence in Davis.
Of course, a Roy Oswalt deal would be a deadline blockbuster. Apparently Oswalt would like to go the Cardinals, but various sources report that St. Louis is skeptical about landing him. Personally, I wonder if the Yankees might make a play for him involving prospect catcher Jesus Montero. Don’t forget that Montero was ticketed for Seattle in a deal for Cliff Lee before the M’s opted for the trade with Texas.
The Tampa Tribune reports that the Rays might have interest in Jayson Werth, while Jon Paul Morosi, my former colleague at US College Hockey Online, says that Tampa is after Chad Qualls, a generally good pitcher who has been horrific for Arizona this year. Werth has been so-so in 2010 after a career year last season but could add value for the stretch.
ESPN’s Jayson Stark also says that there may be a three-team deal sending Edwin Jackson to Washington, Adam Dunn to Chicago, and pitching prospects to Arizona.
On the whole, my guess is that we will have some lively wheeling and dealing between now and Sunday.
