By Jim Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Now that the AL is done with, let's start looking at who the NL contenders are and what they need. As you already know, I am a much bigger fan of the "Senior Circuit" because of the lack of the DH, and the playing style. Unfortunately, that hasn't always helped the NL team in World Series of late. So, what do the contending teams need? We'll start out today by looking at the NLEast. There are four teams within 4 games of the division lead, so we'll cover all four of those teams.
1. Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies have a slight 1 game edge over the Florida Marlins, but this is by no means a two team race. Overall, they're the most talented team in the NL East, and possibly the entire NL. The only team that comes close are the Dodgers.
Needs - Like always, they need starting pitching. They did pretty well for themselves with JoeBlanton at the deadline last year, but may need a more significant upgrade to get back to the World Series. Another need is a right handed bat that can either play the outfield or utility spot. They're predominantly left handed lineup, and need to add more balance.
Potential Targets - Could they jump in on Pedro Martinez and not give up any prospects? One would think that's a perfect move for Pedro. The Phillies have also been rumored to have a lot of interest in Chien- Mien Wang. He'd be a good fit in Citizens Bank Park if he can return to form and become a ground ball machine again. Jason Stark is reporting the Phillies interest inRoy Oswalt, Cliff Lee & Erik Bedard. I think it will take too much to get Lee & Oswalt, but why not try for Bedard.
Trade Strengths - The Phils are too smart to move JA Happ or Antonio Bastardo, but they may move Jason Donald. He's a shortstop prospect who is ready to play at the major league level. The Mariners are reportedly interested in Greg Dobbs to fill in at 3rd base. Why not start with Dobbs and see what else it'll take to get Bedard.
2. Florida Marlins - It doesn't matter if they don't spend money. They always have a good, deep starting rotation, and this year is no different. That is the #1 reason they're in the hunt for the postseason.
1. Needs - They desperately need bullpen arms. How desperate are they? They just signed Brendan Donelly! Their closer, Matt Lindstrom, is on the DL, and so is Kiko Calero. The bullpen has been an utter disaster this season, and they've pretty much won in spite of them. Outside of the starting rotation, Hanley Ramirez, and a couple other players, they don't look like a very good team. I doubt they'll really make a splash for anyone but a bullpen arm, but could use a 3rd basemen. If I was the Marlins, I'd move Jorge Cantu back to 3rd and call up Gabby Sanchez to taker over at 1st base.
Potential Targets - The Marlins are sure to send a phone call up north to the Orioles on eitherDanys Baez and/or George Sherrill. One of those two will be moved by the deadline. It would cost a bit less for Baez at this point. John Heyman, of SI, reported the Marlins spoke about both Joakim Soria and Heath Bell. Would Jeremy Hermida, who the Mariners contacted them about, be enough to grab one of those closers? The Astros aren't sellers yet, but could certainly add a player to help by trading LaTroy Hawkins.
Trade Strengths - They have a ton of starting pitching at the Major League level as well as the Minors. They seem to be open to trading either Jeremy Hermida or Chris Coughlan. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they moved Cantu or even Dan Uggla.
3. New York Mets - Unless the Mets decide to do something drastic, which I don't think they'll do, they don't a good enough team to keep themselves in the race. They are just too hurt to make a good run.
Needs - At this point what don't they need? They need starters, a first basemen, an outfielder or two and a middle infielder. Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, John Maine, Oliver Perez, JJ Putz and Billy Wagner are all on the DL. Ouch. What they need most is a few starting pitchers. The injuries have been so bad to the starting rotation that Elmer Dessens got a start. Are you kidding me? After that, they would need to add another outfielder. What they should do is hold tight, forget about this year and hold on to your prospects like Bobby Parnell and Fernando Martinez. At least Martinez is Latin, so you know Omar Minaya will not trade him.
Potential Targets - Normally the Mets would be primed to make a big trade for the likes ofMatt Holiday or Dan Haren. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they kicked the tires on Erik Bedard or even Aubrey Huff to replace Carlos Delgado. Ultimately, I think the Mets will stand pat and may even be a bit of a seller at the deadline.
Trade Strengths - The Mets will not part with either Martinez or Parnell, but both would be big trade chips. As I mention before, what they should do is try and move smaller part like Luis Castillo and Gary Sheffield (hello Tampa Bay) and see what they can get in return. It's not theMets year, so just move on.
4. Atlanta Braves - Despite being just 4 games out of first, it's looking like the Braves will end up as sellers instead of buyers. There have been far more rumors of players departing Hotlanta, than coming there.
Needs - The Braves would need to add another starter to make a real run, but instead are rumored to be parting with Javier Vazquez. They could also wait for the return of Tim Hudson and see what he has to offer. What they need to most is a power hitting outfielder. I guess the biggest question is which side will they come down on?
Potential Targets - If they decide to buy, how about a return of Jermaine Dye? There have also been rumors of another swap with Kansas City seeing Jeff Francouer to KC in return forJose Guillen. He's a decent power bat, but is it worth the headaches? I doubt they will get in the talks for Matt Holliday. I don't like his offensive projections down in that ballpark.
Trade Strengths - They have a bunch of major league players they seem ready to move. Among them are Yunel Escobar, Jeff Fancouer, Javier Vazquez, Tim Hudson (provided he doesn't have a step back in progress) and potentially Garret Anderson. They also have a good number of prospects they could move as well. I still say they should sell and line themselves up for the future. They still have good core players in Nate McClouth, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Jair Jurrjens, Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Santana and Derek Lowe.
(Stay tuned on Wednesday for the NL Central)
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