Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
To be perfectly honest, I've had so much fun writing these articles. Sometimes researching can be tedious, but scouring the Internet for rumors, reading articles from around the country and using my own baseball knowledge has been refreshing for me. However, covering the NL Central can be a little daunting. You see, there are 5 teams within 3.5 games of the division lead. I don't foresee any of these 5 teams running away with the division. Over the past 10 games, three of these teams have gone 5-5 and the other two went 6-4. For all we know 3 or 4 of these teams could go in the tank and end up sellers by the end of the month.
1. St. Louis Cardinals - The Redbirds hold a slim 1 game lead over the Brewers. They just made a very shrewd deal to pick up Mark DeRosa (whom Chad & I have a man crush on), and may not have the payroll flexibility to make additional moves.
Needs - The Cardinals may have some interest in adding a right handed power bat, but now they may not need one with Mark DeRosa. If Glaus could ever return, DeRosa could easily play left field. They don't really need another starter. Kyle Loshe will help out upon his return. They cold use a solid middle infielder, especially a shortstop.
Potential Targets - Before picking up DeRosa, there had been some talk of Matt Holiday. I think they made the right move by not giving up too much because he's clearly a different hitter outside of Coors Field. Orlando Cabrera would be good, cheap fit for them at shortstop. Luis Castillo would help at second. After that, I don't think they do anything else.
Trade Strengths - The Cards have some top level major league ready prospects. There's no way to they part with Colby Rasmus, but
2. Milwaukee Brewers - You have to love the fact they lost their two best pitchers, Ben Sheets & CC Sabathia, and they're still in the race. I guess that's what happens when you have a very good, young offense. Of course it helps when your young ace, Yovanni Gallardo, has been dealing.
Needs - Like everyone else they need at least one starting pitcher. Gallardo has been great, but Jeff Suppan, Braden Looper, Seth McClung and Mike Burns don't exactly strike fear in your heart. Offensively they're OK, but picking up a veteran 2nd baseman would certainly help.
Potential Targets - Doug Melvin has already been talking to the Diamondbacks about Doug Davis. I would bet my reputation, or lack thereof, that he lands in Milwaukee. He's pitched well this year, and wouldn't mind a return to Beer City. They could actually keep the discussion in Arizona, add Felipe Lopez to the deal and solve two problems at once. If that packages costs them too much, they can look to the Mets and Luis Castillo. Don't be surprised to see them ask about Adam Kennedy from the A's as well. How about this. Doug Melvin will look into Roy Halladay because they have the bargaining chips to offer, especially at shortstop.
Trade Strengths - The Brew Crew have two, top notch prospects in Matt Gamel, currently struggling at the major league level, and Alcides Escobar, a very talented young shortstop. After giving up Matt LaPorta in the Sabathia deal last year the only way he moves top level prospects is to get a guy that's not a rental. Roy Halladay has another year and a half left on his deal. Alcides Escobar would most likely interest the Blue Jays because of their lack of a long term solution at the position.
3. Chicago Cubs - I am of the mind that the Cubbies will do little to nothing. The ownership issue is closer to being to resolved, and that will only lend credence to not spending additional money to bring players in.
Needs - The team they have is good enough to win the NL Central. They still have Despite Ryan Dempster going to the 15 day DL, they still have enough quality starting pitching to get them to the postseason. With Aramis Ramirez back the infield is pretty much all set. What they need, is another outfielder. Soriano, Fukudome and Milton Bradley are all struggling.
Potential Targets - I am not just throwing in the towel here, but I just don't think they'll do anything. GM, Jim Hendry, has already said as much. You know who'd look good in a Cubs uniform right now though? Mark DeRosa. I still have no idea why they traded him to the Indians last year.
Trade Strengths - Josh Vitters is their prize prospect, but there is no way they'll move him.
4. Cincinnati Reds - Mark my words, the Reds will make some moves to make a run at the division title. They have a ton of good, young players and need a veteran or two to come in and help them out.
Needs - They need more starting pitching. When Edison Volquez comes back they have a pretty good duo with him and Johnny Cueto. Homer Bailey has been pitching a bit better, but Aaron Harang needs to follow suit. I would also suggest an upgrade at shortstop and a right handed hitting outfielder.
Potential Targets - The Reds tried to get Mark DeRosa, but weren't able to pull it off. Matt Holiday would be a perfect fit in left field, but they won't spend the money and prospects for a rental. Jermaine Dye's name has been out there in many trades, and would be another good fit in Cincy. Jay Bruce could move to left for Dye. Some of the other names on the web associated with the Reds are Ty Wigginton, Josh Willingham, Julio Lugo and Gary Matthews Jr. Lugo and Matthews Jr would require the Red Sox and Angels to pick up major portions of their remaining salaries.
Trade Strengths - The Reds have a decent number of good prospects like Yonder Alonso and Neftal Soto. Soto is a very good young 3rd base prospect, so I think they'd rather trade someone like the frustrating Edwin Encarnacion.
5. Houston Astros - I am a firm believer the Astros will end up as sellers. They have several players that other teams are targeting. This is probably their best shot at getting several prospects/young major league ready talent in return for a few veterans.
Needs - They need a 3rd baseman badly. They need a shortstop of the future, because I'm not a big fan of Tommy Manzella. They could also use some good, young arms for the starting rotation.
Potential Targets - Since I think they're sellers, I am going to list a few players who they might want in return. Jason Donald, the young shortstop prospect from Philly could be on their radar if they think about trading a starting pitcher to the Phillies. Garret Atkins would be a good play in return for LaTroy Hawkings. The Rockies want him back, and this would bring back a 3rd baseman in return.
Trade Strengths - Miguel Tejada is an impending free agent, so now is the time to get something for him. Same thing for Ivan Rodriguez. One the pitching front, they should move LaTroy Hawkins because of the demand for good relievers. They could always declare a fire sale and move Roy Oswalt so he can play for a contender again.
(Stay tuned for the final part of this series tomorrow for the NL West)
