With the injury of Tim Hudson this past week, the Atlanta Braves could use another starter. They don't necessarily need another starter with Brandon Beachy on a rehab assignment. However, I'd go and trade for Jake Peavy. Peavy, I think is a National League pitcher and I think would be a big asset to the Braves coming down the stretch.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the playoffs (if they started today) but it could never hurt to add another starter. Ervin Santana, of the Kansas City Royals, may be a nice option. Santana has never thrown in the National League but in a short series would be paired with comeback kids Francisco Liriano and A.J. Burnett giving Pittsburgh a solid shot in the National League playoffs.
Obviously, it would be a big blockbuster if the Marlins would deal Giancarlo Stanton. The Texas Rangers need a big bat, but after already giving up top prospect Mike Olt (who was struggling to say the least hitting in AAA) but the Rangers top two prospects after that are pitchers Cody Buckel and Martin Perez. Lewis Brinson, is a sleeper in the outfielder. If you can get Stanton, who is 23, give up what you need to give up. He's under control for a while I believe, as long as you don't purge the farm, I think they are okay. Realistically, if I am the Rangers I would trade for Alex Rios from the White Sox.
In terms of a fantasy trade for me (Yankees fan), I would love to see the Yankees deal Phil Hughes & Joba Chamberlain to Arizona for Martin Prado and I'd even take Heath Bell's lousy contract back in return. If the Yankees want to trade Robinson Cano (which I don't think would be the worst idea in the world), I want the moon, stars and the planet formerly known as Pluto back in return).
If I was San Francisco, I'd almost gut the team. If anybody wanted Barry Zito, I'd ask for a bag of baseballs in return. I am a fan of Hunter Pence, I wouldn't give him up for just anything. I would sent Tim Lincecum across the bay if the A's were interested. The A's, I also think could use some veteran presence, maybe Michael Young from the Phillies could fit that bill.
Speaking of the Phillies, I'd try to retool if I could. Cliff Lee could help give the Cardinals another solid arm. The Redbirds have one of the better farm systems in the big leagues and could help the Phillies out. Also, another choice would be the Reds. Their rotation would be absolutely loaded with Lee.
In another note, let's review my Major League Baseball predictions
Teams I picked to win their division and where they are now in the standings.
AL East: Boston (1st, half game lead on Tampa Bay)
AL Central: Cleveland (2nd, 3 behind leader Detroit)
AL West: Texas (2nd, 3 behind leader Oakland)
NL East: Atlanta (1st, 8 ahead of Washington & Philadelphia)
NL Central: Cincinnati (3rd, 5 behind division leader St. Louis)
NL West: Los Angeles (1st, half game in front of Arizona)
Happy trade deadline day friends!
