Now that the baseball season has officially completed two months worth of play, it is time to start considering which teams need to make a push for the playoffs, and which teams might want to look towards the future. The trade deadline is still over six weeks away, but that’s not a reason to keep us from looking at potential trades for potential contenders.
There is a lot of baseball still left to be played, but the past two months have been quite telling for many teams. The Houston Astros have elevated themselves to clear contender status, while the Boston Red Sox appear to be in a free fall and one that might not be a fluke as John Tomase writes. With that in mind, let’s take a look at trades they would benefit both contenders and sellers alike.
Cole Hamels to the St. Louis Cardinals
Cardinals receive LHP Cole Hamels
Phillies receive OF Stephen Piscotty, LHP Rob Kaminsky, and SS Edmundo Sosa
I’ll be totally honest, I have no idea what the Phillies are going to receive for Hamels, especially with recent news that they’re willing to take on more of his salary in a potential trade. Heck, who knows if they’re even going to trade him given Ruben Amaro Jr.’s history. But assuming they do trade Hamels, I’d have to guess, they’re going to get at least one, if not two upper-echelon talents (in this case Piscotty and Kaminsky, no relation to Frank).
The Cardinals need a top flight starter if they really want to make a push this season, and who wouldn’t. Matt Holliday isn’t getting any younger, neither is Yadier Molina or Johnny Peralta. Adding a guy like Hamels would assert the Cardinals as the favorite in the NL Central, even with the new and improved Cubs and the surging Pirates. The only thing holding this trade back is that the Cardinals don’t normally trade they’re young talent and they can’t be blamed for that. Arguably no other team in baseball has as strong of a track record at drafting and developing young talent. In this case however, I think the Cardinals have their hands tied. They need to trade for a number one starter like Hamels.
Scott Kazmir to the San Francisco Giants
Giants receive LHP Scott Kazmir
A’s receive RHP Clayton Blackburn and C Aramis Garcia
Kazmir may end up in a lot of different places given the relatively low price tag that is likely to come with him. I think he ends up with the Giants for a few reasons however. First, the team needs another starter. With questions swirling around Matt Cain and Jake Peavy’s health, the Giants will likely have to add a pitcher if they want to get back into the playoffs. At this point, many baseball fans are probably aware of the Giants absolutely remarkable month of pitching in May, however I think we can all agree that is not sustainable, especially with the cast doing it (i.e. Vogelsong and Heston). Second, the Giants are known for making impact moves midseason as opposed to in the offseason like most teams. A move like this would be a classic Brian Sabean trade.
The Giants have a plethora of B and C level pitching prospects in addition to good depth at catcher (see Posey, Buster and Susac, Andrew). Considering the A’s already look completely out of contention, they may be willing to trade Kazmir sooner than later to maximize his trade value. Getting a potential backend of the rotation starter in Blackburn and a serviceable catcher in Garcia is probably as much as the A’s will get for Kazmir whose in the last year of his contract. A left-handed starter is arguably the Giants greatest need right now and would be huge down the stretch in what is sure to be a tight NL West race.
D.J. Lemahieu to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Angels receive D.J. Lemahieu
Rockies receive RHP Joe Gatto
Here’s a fun question for you guys, what do you think the cumulative OPS+ is for Angels’ second basemen so far this season? If you guessed 68, you’re right! For those who don’t know or understand what OPS+ is, just consider that 100 is league average. Combine that with the fact that Angels’ second basemen have been worth -9 Rdrs (defensive runs saved above or below average) and you have essentially a black hole at that position. The Angels are in a position to compete, and when you have the best player in baseball and the greatest hitter of the last decade on your team, it’s in your best interest to try and win now.
D.J. Lemahieu has had a career year thus far in Colorado. The key word there is “Colorado”. However, Lemahieu’s success hasn’t been entirely attributed to playing at Coors as his home and away splits are relatively similar. He’s slashing .352/.403/.493 at home and .322/.371/.400 on the road with more homers on the road than at home. While that does favor Coors, he’s still hitting very well away from home. At age 26, it’s not impossible to believe that Lemahieu has begun to find better success as a hitter and has perhaps improved his approach at the plate. His OPS+ is also 114 which as we know would be a massive improvement over the Angels’ current situation. The Rockies would be wise to trade Lemahieu while his value is at its peak.
That’s all I’ve got for now, folks. Check back later this month for more potential trades for potential contenders!
