Must Happen Trades/Transactions At or Before July 31, 2010 Trade Deadline

There are so many transactions and trades that need to happen this season right now and before the July 31 trade deadline. Many of these trades and moves will all put the teams on top and become even better than they are and will cause them to pretty much guarantee to make the playoffs. Of course not all of these transactions will happen, and in fact most of them won't happen, but these are moves that should in fact be made and if made, then those teams would be put on top and be even better. Some of these trades are multiple players going to one team, but the reason so many players should go to a certain team is because if one doesn't happen then there are multiple alternatives that should happen for a team. Many owners and general managers will not pull the trigger and be aggressive enough to acquire an All-Star player to their team, but some of these trades are bargains and are in fact very cheap and totally worth the price. None of the following players are being actively shopped, but look for that to change as the season progresses. The San Francisco Giants lead the teams in multiple trades that they can do to make them even better than they are now, even though they are really hot right now and are one of the top teams in all of baseball. San Francisco has all the pieces to acquire at least one or two of the following players this season.

Adrian Gonzalez Traded to the Boston Red Sox, SF Giants or Seattle Mariners

Adrian Gonzalez is by far one of the best if not the best young players in the game today. He is an All-Star-caliber player and one of the best all-around players in the game today. Gonzalez is one of the best first basemen in baseball trailing behind Albert Pujols, Mark Teixeira, and Ryan Howard. A-Gon is already an All-Star and Gold Glove Winner and has emerged as one of the top power/hom erun hitters in baseball. He will bring you a .270 average or better, 35+ home runs, and 90+ RBI a season.

The reason that A-Gon will and soon be traded is because he is on the San Diego Padres who are one of the worst teams in all of baseball and they are nowhere close to competing and being good anytime soon. A-Gon wants to win a World Series and compete every single day as well as get himself a hefty paycheck. San Diego can afford him. Gonzalez is a San Diego native, and wishes he could stay, but he deserves to be some place else where he can win and win a World Series. Gonzalez and Bell are the faces of the Padres franchise, but it is time for them to leave.

Gonzalez was close to being traded this offseason to multiple teams and is still predicted to be dealt. Rumors will start to rise once the season gets more underway and closer to the deadline. Suitors will consist of Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Gonzalez has mostly been linked to Boston, as well as Chicago White Sox and Mariners. Realistically, A-Gon will be traded to the Boston Red Sox.

The likelihood of the Padres trading A-Gon to another NL West division team rival the San Francisco Giants is slim, but it is possible because San Francisco has alot of young top prospects. Whoever wants to win the Gonzalez sweepstakes should give up whatever it takes to get him, because he is one of the best young players and homerun hitters in all of baseball and will make the offense and defense so much stronger. San Francisco and Boston have all of the right prospects and tools to land A-Gon. With Mike Lowell retiring at the end of this season and the struggles of Big Papi, the Sox need to plug in Gonzalez at first base, move Youkilis over to third base, and then have Beltre become the Designated Hitter. In order to land A-Gon, may prospects and players will have to be dealt, but it is worth it.

Boston has many players available and can easily acquire A-Gon and players they can deal are: Mike Lowell, Clay Bucholtz, Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, Casey Kelly, and Ryan Westmoreland. In order for Boston to acquire A-Gon they will need to put a package together consisting of 3-4 players and I would try to avoid trading Clay Bucholtz out of all of the players, but if he is wanted then Boston should not even struggle with acquiring him from San Diego. Gonzalez hits in pitcher park Petco Park and he still hit 40 Home Runs, just imagine how good of a hitter he would be at Fenway Park, now that would be a show to watch, and he would be a for sure All-Star and would have the chance of competing every year. The Sox are already stacked, but with A-Gon they would be even more stacked than they are now.

Boston is already one of the top teams in baseball and is predicted to win the AL Wild Card and do good in playoffs this year, but they are still behind the Yankees. If the Sox did indeed acquire A-Gon, that would put them on top of the Yankees and possibly win another World Series. Gonzalez is also very cheap this season and next season.

San Francisco is another team that would become so much better with A-Gon. SF's offense is mediocre and with the presence of Gonzalez in the middle of their lineup it would be the missing piece for the Giants ultimate success. SF already has some of the best pitching in baseball both rotation and bullpen, but with Sandoval and Gonzalez hitting 3-4, would give them one of the best 3-4 punches in all of baseball. SF's offense would go from mediocre to very productive. SF would for sure make the playoffs and could possibly win the NL West and make a run in the playoffs and even possibly make it to the World Series. San Francisco has many players that they can deal as well as very young talented prospects who are: Fred Lewis, Emmanuel Burriss, Madison Bumgarner, John Bowker, Nate Schierholtz, Aubrey Huff, Travis Ishikawa, Brandon Medders, Matt Downs, Zack Wheeler, Roger Kieschnick, Henry Sosa, and Brandon Crawford. SF could easily acquire Gonzalez. Gonzalez and Sandoval in the same lineup would be a show to see and would put the Giants on top in the National League.

Seattle is just like San Francisco, lacking the huge bat in the middle of their lineup. However, Seattle does not have as quite as many pieces as Boston or San Francisco to trade, but anything could happen.

If Gonzalez got traded to either Boston or San Francisco this is what their lineups would look like:

Boston: San Francisco:

1. Ellsbury CF 1. Renteria SS
2. Pedroia 2B 2. Sanchez 2B
3. Youkilis 3B 3. Sandoval 3B
4. Gonzalez 1B 4. Gonzalez 1B
5. Martinez C 5. DeRosa LF
6. Beltre/Lowell/Ortiz DH 6. Molina C
7. Drew RF 7. Rowand CF
8. Cameron LF 8. Schierholtz/Bowker RF
9. Scutaro SS

Look for Gonzalez to be traded this season especially if San Diego can get a great package of young player, and look for him to have many suitors but look for him to end up in either Boston or San Francisco. Gonzalez is only 27 years old and these are his career numbers: .282 average, 139 home runs, 427 RBI, .363 OBP, .508 SLG, and .871 OPS. Plugging those numbers into any lineup will make wonders and magic happen. This is a more realistic possibility of Gonzalez being traded to the Red Sox than the Giants, but anything can happen and look for Boston to come on top and deal. San Francisco's Brian Sabean probably won't even move to get A-Gon. San Francisco can use A-Gon a lot more than Boston. San Francisco and Boston should do whatever it take to reel in Gonzalez.

Miguel Cabrera Traded to the SF Giants or Boston Red Sox

Miguel Cabrera like Gonzalez is one of the top and one of the best young players in all of baseball. Cabrera however can also play third base and left field. Cabrera has lost weight and has quite drinking and is continuing to get even better. Cabrera is also only 26 years old and will bring you a .320 average, 30+ home runs, and 90+ R.B.I. every season. Cabrera is an All-Star player, but he is not a great defender. He will make up for his glove with his unbelievable bat. Cabrera will help any team that he is on and having his bat in the middle of any lineup will make them so much better. Cabrera is just like Gonzalez except he hits for a lot higher average and isn't a Gold Glover.

If the Tigers go out of contention this year then look for them to deal some of their players and look to get prospects in return. Getting Cabrera from Detroit will be a pricey move because he signed that hefty 8 year $153.3 million contract with the Tigers before the 2008 season. Cabrera won't have as many suitors as Gonzalez, but if he is dealt he is guaranteed to be with the team for another six years. The two main suitors for Cabrera will be Boston (if they don't acquire Gonzalez), or San Francisco (if they don't acquire Gonzalez). Cabrera would make San Francisco compete for the next six years, and Boston would be even better and more stacked for the next six years.

Cabrera would put the Sox on top of the Yankees and make them even better than they are now, and just like Gonzalez, they would have Youkilis move over to third base and have Beltre be the designated hitter. Boston would and could trade the same players for Cabrera and Gonzalez, except Detroit might not command as much from Boston as San Diego. Boston should trade Bowden, Lowell, Reddick, and Bard.

Cabrera would put the Giants on top of the National League if they were to acquire him. Having a Sandoval and Cabrera 3-4 combo in the middle of their lineup would again give them one of the best 3-4 punches in baseball. The Giants wouldn't have to give up as much for Cabrera as they would for Gonzalez. The Giants should trade: Henry Sosa, Madison Bumgarner, Fred Lewis, and Roger Kieschnick to Detroit.

Boston's and San Francisco's lineups would look the exact same having Cabrera instead of Gonzalez. Look for Cabrera to be possibly traded, only if Detroit is out of contention and get a great package of players for him. This is a realistic possible move for the Boston Red Sox more than the San Francisco Giants because if Gonzalez isn't traded or Boston losses out on A-Gon, then look for them to go hard after Cabrera. SF's Brian Sabean probably won't do anything just like usual. However, San Francisco could offer a better package of players than Boston. San Francisco can use him alot more than Boston. At the age of 26 Cabrera has career stats of: .312 average. 211 homeruns, .761 R.B.I., .385 OBP, .543 SLG, and .928 OPS. Look for Cabrera to help any team and lineup that he joins and bring amazing offensive help and do wonders. San Francisco should do whatever they can to reel in Cabrera. If Sabean could pull of acquiring Gonzalez or Miggy, then I would have so much more respect for him, and so would other fans, players, teams, and general managers.

Adam Dunn is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

If Adam Dunn doesn't sign a contract extension with Washington, then the San Francisco's better jump on the opportunity to acquire him from Washington. Yes he is no Cabrera or Gonzalez, but Dunn is exactly who the Giants need in the middle of their lineup along with Pablo Sandoval. Dunn is a little older, is a terrible fielder, doesn't hit for a high average, and strikeouts a lot, but all the Giants need is someone who can belt home runs into McCovey Cove. Dunn is versatile as well because he can play left field, right field, and first base. Dunn is a great veteran presence and is a huge upgrade and more consistent than current first baseman Aubrey Huff. Dunn is 30 years old and will give you the following stats every year: .250 average, 30-40 home runs, and 90+ R.B.I. Dunn is very cheap and the Giants should not have to give up to much for Dunn. San Francisco can easily acquire Dunn from the Nats. All the Giants need to do is to give up two or three players. The Giants could trade like Fred Lewis, Brandon Medders, and Henry Sosa. SF could also trade Aubrey Huff or Travis Ishikawa or Roger Kieschnick.
As we all know, San Francisco lacks a huge power hitter for the middle of their lineup to pair up with one of the top young players in all of baseball Pablo Sandoval. San Francisco is missing really one huge piece to guarantee them to make the playoffs which is a big power home run threat. San Francisco has the potential to make the playoffs this year and win the NL Wild Card, but if Dunn was a part of the team then that would put the Giants on top and be even better and make their chances of not only making playoffs better, but also extending their playoff run.

Look for Dunn to be traded only if he can't agree to a contract extension and if the Nationals are really bad and can get some good young players in return. Dunn would help the Giants rest some players as well because he can play the outfield corners. The Giants will lose defense with the presence of Dunn, but what they need more is hit bat and power and not his glove. Since Pablo hits for a high average, he will kind of make up for the lower average of Dunn. Pablo and Dunn would be a pretty good 3-4 punch in the NL and NL West and would help each player not have to worry about carrying the team all the way on their shoulders. Giants would have a pretty good and balanced lineup with Panda and Dunn in the middle of the lineup. Dunn's career stats: .249 average. 316 home runs, 778 RBI, .384 OBP, .518 SLG, .902 OPS. Dunn will immensely help the Giants offense and help them make playoffs and put them on top. This is the most realistic trade to happen this season and for the San Francisco Giants. Brian Sabean probably won't be doing any calls this season to make any significant trades especially for Gonzalez or Cabrera, but if neither one of them is acquired San Francisco needs to acquire Dunn from Washington as he is really cheap to acquire.

Heath Bell is Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals or Minnesota Twins

Just like fellow teammate Adrian Gonzalez, Heath Bell should and will be dealt this season as San Diego will not be able to afford him and Gonzalez after next year and are in the rebuilding mode right now. Bell like Gonzalez needs to be dealt to a good team where he can have the chance to compete every year and win a championship. The Padres can easily get three to four good players and prospects for Bell. Bell is older at the age of 32, and has been around for seven years, but he has been very productive and is continuing to get better and better. He is not the typical 32 year old pitcher. He has only been a full time closer now for only the last two to three seasons and when he took over full time he was dominant, as he was the saves leader with 42 last year and with an E.R.A. of 2.71. He only has 46 career saves. He will make any teams pitching and bullpen so much better and dominant and can be used as a set up man or closer. If a closer he will consistently give a team 35-40 saves a season with an E.R.A. under 3.00 every season for the next couple of years. Another good thing about Bell is that since he's with San Diego a team won't have to give up to much for him, and he is also cheap. Any team who acquires Bell will be acquiring an All-Star lights out dominant closer.

Many teams would benefit so much from acquiring Heath Bell from San Diego and look for him to be dealt this season, especially if Adrian Gonzalez is dealt as well. The two teams who would benefit from acquiring Bell the most is the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals. With one of the best closers in the game today Joe Nathan out all season because of his arm injury and needing Tommy John Surgery, the Twins have a huge hole in the back end of their bullpen. However, so far Jon Rauch has been lights out and dominant going 5 for 5 in save opportunities this season. Nobody knows if Rauch can and will last all season long, and if I were the Twins, I would want to proven closer, and Bell would fit perfect in the Twins organization. So far the Twins have been very dominant this season, and acquiring a proven closer like Bell, they will be even better and that could be their one and only piece that they need to lock up the AL Central. Once and if Joe Nathan can come back successfully next season, then Bell can go back to being a set up man, or the Twins can trade him away. Bell has some real nasty stuff and is lights out and dominant and should be a full time closer until he gets older. I would look for the Twins however to give the closing duties to Rauch and pass on Bell, however, if Rauch starts to struggle, look for Minnesota to pull the trigger to acquire Bell from the Padres.

So far, the St. Louis Cardinals have been very good this season and are one of the better teams in all of baseball. However, the Cardinals have already been having some blowouts and issues with their bullpen. The Cardinals only have a couple small holes left to fill, and their bullpen is one of their issues and if not their biggest issue. The Cardinals need to pull the trigger and acquire Bell from San Diego and make Franklin their set up man. Franklin is good and was very dominant last year, and was an All-Star closer last season, but towards the end of the season last year he struggled, and so far this year he has shown signs of not being as good as last year. The Cardinals can't rely on Franklin to much either because who knows how much longer he will last as he is 37 years old and last year was his first year as a full time closer. Bell would make the Cardinals' bullpen so much stronger and very dominant and lights out and he would bring them wonders.

This trade could really happen, especially if Gonzalez is traded away as well. So again, look for Bell to be traded along with Gonzalez this season to a contending team and get multiple good and young players in return.

Red Sox Need to Re-Sign Victor Martinez to a Long-Term Deal

Now that Boston has signed stud ace pitcher Josh Beckett to a contract extension, the next thing and really only last thing that the Sox need to do is to give Martinez a contract extension. If I were Boston I would give him a four to five year deal. If Boston can lock up Martinez, basically their entire team will be locked up and be the same for the next couple of years meaning that they will be competing and making a run for the World Series every year. Martinez will give the much offense and even some versatility as he can also play first base. He's not the best defensive catcher, but his bat makes up for that.

Martinez will consistently give hit: .295+ average, 20+ home runs, and drive in 90+ runs a season. Coming from Cleveland and put in the middle of Boston's lineup is an honor and Martinez along with his amazing offensive skills will continue to immensely help the Red Sox offense and continue to make them even better and come out on top in baseball every year. Hitting at Fenway will continue to make Martinez even better and continue to make his numbers even better. Martinez's career numbers are the following: .298 average, 112 home runs, 563 RBI, .371 OBP, .465 SLG, and a .836 OPS.

Grady Sizemore is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

Cleveland is in the rebuilding mode right now and will continue to be for the next couple of years. As of now, Cleveland only has a couple of good players and Sizemore leads the team and is by far the team's best player and is an All-Star. Cleveland is a couple of years away from competing, so Cleveland should continue to rebuild by dealing Sizemore to a team preferably the San Francisco Giants and get some good young players in return. If Cleveland continues to struggle and have another bad year like last season, then definitely look for Sizemore to be playing somewhere else the second half of this season.

Sizemore is one of the better top young outfielders in baseball and is one of the better all around type players. He can do it all. He can run, steal, is blazing fast, hit for a decent average, hit for power, has a good arm, and has an excellent glove. And oh yeah, Sizemore is an All-Star and is also only 27 years old. Since he is in Cleveland, the Indians won't be asking for the world for him and a team should only have to give up two to three good young players in return. However teams will be drawn away from him because he has been hurt the last one to two seasons, but he is only 27 years old and will continue to just get better and better. When healthy, Sizemore will consistently hit for a .275+ average, 25+ home runs, and drive in 80+ R.B.I., score 90+ runs, and steal 25+ bases in a season. Sizemore could play all outfield spots and can also hit anywhere in a lineup including leadoff and cleanup. He is primarily a leadoff hitter. His career stats thus far are: .275 average, 129 home runs, 418 RBI, .366 OBP, .464 SLG, .850 OPS, 552 runs, and 131 stolen bases.

Sizemore, like many other players would be a perfect fit in San Francisco. San Francisco lacks a real leadoff hitter, and having Aaron Rowand hit leadoff this season will not work out to great for them and will eventually move him down in the order. The Giants need a player who is great defensively, has blazing speed and range, can steal bags, score alot of runs, and hit for some power. Acquiring Sizemore from Cleveland would give the Giants a boost in their lineup and would give them lots more speed, runs, power, and defense. Slide Sizemore in the leadoff spot and move Rowand down in the order to hit and the Giants would have a legit balanced lineup and would make their chances of making playoffs alot better.

San Francisco could put a package together of the following three to four players: Fred Lewis, Emmanuel Burriss, Madison Bumgarner, Henry Sosa, Roger Kieshnick, Matt Downs, and Brandon Medders.

Look for Sizemore to be playing in a different city within the next couple of months. But knowing Sabean, he won't pull the trigger to acquire an All-Star type player like Sizemore. If he is in fact available for trade, San Francisco would be very stupid to not pull the trigger to get Sizemore from Cleveland. This trade is very unlikely to happen, but it should happen and nothing is impossible. San Francisco has all the right tools, pieces, and players to acquire an All-Star player.

Josh Willingham is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

Yes another trade the Giants should try to do and another player that they should jump all over to acquire. Willingham was actually in fact close to being traded last season at the deadline and this offseason to the San Francisco Giants, but the Giants couldn't figure out the last little piece to get the deal done. Look for Washington to deal away some players as they are rebuilding and if they can't lock guys up long-term. The Nationals and Willingham are however negotiating to to keep him in Washington for the next couple of years.

Willingham is 31 years old, but is continuing to get better and better and will consistently hit around .260 average, 25+ home runs, and 80+ RBI in a season. Willingham had a breakout year last season and has had only a couple good seasons, but he is now emerging as a more consistent offensive threat. He's not a great defender, isn't very fast, and doesn't hit for a high average, but he will give any team 25+ home runs and help a teams power numbers. Willingham's career numbers are: .266 average, 89 home runs, 288 RBI, .364 OBP, .481 SLG, and a .845 OPS.

Willingham would help the Giants offense and give them much needed power and runs batted in. Again, the Giants wouldn't have to give up a whole lot of talent to acquire Willingham. He would help the Giants lineup and make them even better. The Giants have plenty of talent to trade and persuade Washington to trade Willingham to the Bay. San Francisco needs to pull the trigger if he is in fact ever available. This trade however seems highly unlikely because Willingham will most likely be able to work out a contract extension to stay with Washington.

Aaron Harang and/or Bronson Arroyo is Traded to the New York Mets

Look for the Reds to deal one of both of their starters this season if they struggle. The New York Mets have lots of potential and talent on their team, especially their offense and lineup; but the pitching and health continues to be a huge problem. Santana is the only proven starter who is dominant and who is a stud. If Oliver Perez can pitch like he did two years ago, that would help the Mets immensely. The Mets missed out this offseason in trying to reel in another proven starting pitcher behind Johan Santana, and that is their biggest hole to fill. The Mets have been linked to the Reds alot lately about possibly getting Arroyo or Harang. The offense is fine, but health and pitching needs work, and if the Mets can acquire either Arroyo or Harang and stay healthy, then the Mets have a chance to compete and make a run in the playoffs.

Arroyo and Harang aren't amazing studs, but plugging either one of them into their rotations will make the Mets and their pitching so much better. Arroyo age 33, and Harang age 31 are not super old and would be the perfect fit for a number two spot in a rotation. Arroyo is a career 86-83 pitcher with a career 4.23 E.R.A., and Harang is a career 75-80 pitcher with a career 4.24 E.R.A. Both pitchers are very similar, and both have the capability to pitch 200+ innings, and throw 150+ strikeouts in a season.

The Reds have alot of pitching depth and if they struggle, look for them to deal at least one of their starters, and possibly both. The Reds are close to contending, but since they have such pitching depth, they could trade even both Harang and Arroyo to the Mets or different teams and get some good young players in return. The likelihood of New York getting one of these pitchers is very possible, but the possibility of both being traded and/or both to the Mets is not as likely but anything is possibly.

Zack Greinke is Traded to the New York Mets

It's about time for the Kansas City Royals to trade away 2009 American League Cy Young Winner for some young talent. Grienke needs a change of scenery and given an opportunity to win and contend every year. The Royals are rebuilding and are nowhere close to contending, so why not trade him away for young talent. If the New York Mets want to really come out on top and be a real team to keep an eye on, then they should put a package together to do whatever to acquire Zack Greinke. The Royals are not shopping Grienke however.

If the Mets could somehow have Santana and Greinke be in the same rotation, the Mets would then have one of the best rotations in all of baseball and would be able to contend every year for the next couple of years. If he could come and pitch in the National League and at pitcher friendly park Citi Field, he would be even better than he was last year which would be so scary and unfair for oppenents.

Greinke has had depression and other type anxiety problems during his career, but last year he put everything behind him and just focused on pitching, and when he focuses on just pitching, he proved to be the top pitcher in the American League last season. He is only 26 years old and is getting better every day. Last year was his first season of dominance, and before last season, he showed flashes of brilliance but he wasn't that special until last year. And now he's one of the top pitchers in all of baseball. He is a career 50-54 pitcher with a 3.73 E.R.A. But last year he was 16-8, with a 2.16 E.R.A. and had 242 strikeouts. He will also give any club 200+ innings in a season.

This deal is very very unlikely, as the Royals will not want to part ways with their young stud, but if in fact he ever was available, I would bet that every other team in baseball would come calling. The Mets will most likely not want to part with some of their young guys, but they should do whatever it takes to get him. He is also very cheap and is a bargain. Don't look for Greinke to realistically go anywhere as he is doomed to stay in Kansas City. Look for Greinke to continue to get better and win a couple more Cy Young Awards. If he every were to be traded, look for him to possibly end up with a mystery team other than the Mets.

Nelson Cruz is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

Add another one to the list of guys the San Francisco Giants should acquire. The Giants have gone after Cruz a couple times over the last couple seasons and Texas was considering trading him last season and this offseason, but good thing they hung on to the All-Star outfielder because he is one of the hottest players in baseball so far this season. He is a young, 29-year-old All-Star outfielder who would immensely help the Giants' offense and power.

Pairing up Panda and Cruz would be a very good lineup punch. Cruz isn't a defensive guru, but he has some speed and will consistently hit .265+, 25+ home runs, and have 80+ RBI in a season. Last year was Cruz's first full season and he excelled as he took that opportunity and with his first full season he was voted as an All-Star. Cruz's career stats thus far: .260 average, 60 home runs, 169 RBI, .327 OBP, .491 SLG, and .818 OPS.

Cruz is still young and is going to continue to get better and better and should be able to lock up a couple more All-Star appearances, and the Giants would be very dumb to not jump at the opportunity to acquire him if he were in fact available. Cruz is no longer available and look for him to stay in Texas for awhile. In order for the Giants to acquire Cruz, they would have to part with a lot of prospects which the Giants are probably unwilling to do, but they can afford to trade for Cruz. Cruz is also a bargain and is super cheap. Don't look for Cruz to go anywhere however, as this trade is very unlikely to happen.

Ryan Doumit is Traded to the Seattle Mariners

Ryan Doumit of the Pittsburgh is an average catcher in baseball. He won't hit for consistently during his career, but he will provide a team with some offense and some pop along with some versatility and defense. He can play left field, right field, first base, and catcher. Doumit was close to being traded the last couple of seasons, and was actually very close to being traded to the San Francisco Giants before they resigned Molina. Doumit is a very cheap option for many teams looking for a catcher as well as a team not having to give up a whole lot for him, and he is still very young at the age of 29. I'm sure he would love to not be in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is always willing to trade their best players to get younger and younger and get prospects in return. Look for the Pirates to again, deal more of their players this season.

Doumit will bring a team average offensive numbers and defensive skills with versatility. Doumit will hit around .260 average, 10-15 home runs, and 50+ RBI a season. Doumit has yet to play anymore than 116 games in a season, as injuries have causes him to decline in playing time and offensively. In 2008 when he played in his career high 116 games, he had his best season hitting .316, 15 home runs, and 69 RBI The more playing time he gets, the better he plays. Doumit's career numbers thus far: .271 average, 47 home runs, 195 RBI, .331 OBP, .445 SLG, and .776 OPS.

Doumit is the perfect fit for the Seattle Mariners, as they don't have a real good proven catcher. Rob Johnson and Adam Moore have yet to prove to be able to be everyday catchers, as both are very weak offensively. Seattle needs as much offense as they can get, as their offense is relatively weak. Doumit would be a huge upgrade for the Mariners giving them a better catcher and leader. This is a very realistic trade that could happen. If the M's continue to struggle offensively, then look for them to pull the trigger to acquire a cheap catcher, but talented catcher like Doumit.

Scott Podsednik is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

As much as I like Mark DeRosa, the Giants were very stupid to not sign Scott Podsednik. Podsednik is super super cheap and would have been the most perfect fit of any player for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants could have signed Podesdnik, DeRosay, and Huff this offseason. Since the Giants are lacking speed, a guy who can consistently steal bases, get on base, and a leadoff hitter, Scotty would have been perfect for the Giants. If KC plays terrible baseball again this year which is likely, then look for them to deal players. SF could then come in a snag Podesdnik from KC for cheap. He would bring much needed speed, leadoff skills, and a base running threat to the top of their order making them so much better. He ain't to old either, he is 34 years old.

Podesdnik is no power hitter, but he can do everything else which includes: a great defensive player, great range, blazing speed, steals bases, hits for a high average, gets on base, and is super cheap. Scotty will consistently hit around .270 average, 40+ RBI, score 80+ runs, have an on base percentage around .350, and have 30+ stolen bases. His career numbers are: .278 average, 35 home runs, 252 RBI, 485 runs scored, .342 OBP, and 272 stolen bases.

If San Francisco can acquire Scotty, then they could move Rowand down in the order where he belongs and have a very good balanced lineup making their chances of making the playoffs this year much higher. Kansas City would not ask for much in return, so SF could easily reel him in. I was shocked when San Francisco lost the bidding for Podesdnik to KC, which is completely ridiculous. If Scotty came to SF, then the Giants could move DeRosa over to man right field. The Giants desperately need someone who can get on base, can steal bags, and score runs.

This is a very realistic trade and probably the trade that should happen the most, but Sabean and Bochy won't pull the trigger and will stick with the guys and lineup that they have now. The Giants are off to a great start right now, but if they begin to struggle offensively, then look for Sabean to possibly look somewhere for a trade or upgrade.

Carlos Guillen is Traded to the New York Mets

There have been rumors and links to Guillen and the Mets. But since Detroit is off to a good start, then don't look for Guillen to go anywhere. The Mets don't have a pressing need for Guillen because they have Jacobs and Murphy at first base, but if either of them struggle, then the Mets could possibly look into Guillen once again. Getting Guillen would make the Mets even better, and would give them some of the most potent all around lineup in the National League. The Mets problems are however their pitching issue, and before they get another hitter, they need to address their pitching woes first.

Guillen is not too old, he is only 34 years old and still has at least a couple of decent years left in his tank. Guillen is an above average offensive player, but an average defender. He would benefit from playing in the National League and would be an even better offensive threat. Guillen is also an All-Star player, many people forget about that. In order to reel in Guillen however, the Mets would have to part with at least three to four young players. Guillen will hit .285+, 10-15 home runs, and have 70+ R.B.I. in a season. His career numbers are: .287 average, 116 home runs, 618 RBI, .358 OBP, .446 SLG, and .804 OPS. Guillen is very versatile as he can play outfield, third base, shortstop, second base, and first base.

This trade is most likely not going to happen as Detroit is most likely going to stay in the playoff hunt and try to win the AL Central. But if they struggle and go out of contention, then look for Detroit to deal away some of their players for young talent in return.

Rajai Davis is Traded to the San Francisco Giants

The reason why Davis is on this list is because, one of the dumbest moves the Giants have done in the last couple of years is releasing Rajai Davis. I'm sure the Giants are mad at themselves for not having faith and patience with Davis, as he has emerged as an everyday outfielder who can play all outfield positions, and is one of the fastest guys in all of baseball. If they still had him, he would be the perfect fit for their leadoff spot and top of their lineup. If I were San Francisco, I would call Davis and apologize to Davis for not giving him the chance, and then trade for him and require him from Oakland for two to three players. Davis is just like Podsednik except he is younger (age 29), better, and faster.

Davis every year will hit .280+, score 70+ runs, have an on base percentage of .335 or better, and have at least 45 stolen bases. His career numbers are: .277 average, 136 runs, .333 OBP, and 98 stolen bases.

Davis is very cheap and won't be to expensive to land. If the A's fall out of contention this year, look for Beane to possibly trade some of this players. The Giants are hitting their heads hard after seeing the potential Davis has. This trade is very unlikely because even if the A's are out of contention, they will most likely hang onto Davis as he is very young and one of the fastest guys in all of the game. Davis is just like Scott Podesdnik.

MIke Lowell is Traded to San Francisco Giants or Minnesota Twins

Lowell would be a perfect one season pickup for the San Francisco Giants. Lowell has said that he is retiring after this season, and since his playing time in Boston is very minimal, then why not do the Giants acquire Lowell from Boston to man third base and then move Pablo over to first base. Lowell is a former Gold Glove winner and All-Star who is still good defensively and offensively, as well as having a couple of World Series rings and great leadership to the Giants clubhouse.

Lowell is owed about $12 million this season, but if Boston is willing to trade Lowell to Texas for just catcher Max Ramirez and eat around $8-10 million of the remaining money on his contract, then why would the Giants not jump on that opportunity and offer two prospects for Lowell. Lowell can also play some first base for San Francisco, but since he is 36 years old, playing third base and first base is harder meaning that staying in the American League where he can DH would suite him better, but Lowell is in great shape and can easily play third base and first base for at least three to four more years. Lowell might want to retire because of his minimal playing time, but I would bet that if he were traded and played more often, then he would reconsider retirement. It will be hard to Red Sox fans for Lowell to leave because he has done great things for the Sox franchise and is a fan favorite, but if he would be happier somewhere else and have more playing time, then deal him away.

Lowell will hit .275 or better, 20+ home runs, 80+ R.B.I. in a season. His career numbers are: .280 average, 218 home runs, 926 RBI, .343 OBP, .467 SLG, and .810 OPS. This trade with San Francisco and Boston is very unlikely as the Giants will most likely not want to acquire a 36 year old third baseman for prospects, but look for Lowell to possibly traded. If Ortiz does continue to struggle however, then look for Lowell to stay and take over the DH duties in Boston.

Jarrod Washburn is Signed...Finally

There isn't much to say about Jarrod Washburn other than the fact that he will be signed eventually this season. He is looking for more money than he is worth and should have take the Minnesota Twins $5 million offer of the Mariners offer. Since he was injured last year, many teams are shunned away from him, but he did in fact pitch brilliantly in Seattle last year. Multiple teams will come calling to Washburn wanting him to pitch for them. Washburn has said that he wants to pitch in Seattle or Minnesota, or if not that then retire which is a possibility. Any team looking for a pitcher needs to go out and sign Washburn, however, Washburn must take less money if he wants to pitch again. My guess is that he will end up back in Seattle as they are looking for solidify the back end of their rotation as it is very weak. He had a terrible second half with Detroit, but he pitched great in Seattle and can still pitch.

Jermaine Dye is Signed...Finally

Jermaine Dye is like Washburn, he wants to play but is asking for to much money. If he wants to play then he needs to take less money. He should have taken the Chicago Cubs offer for $3-4 million. Any team looking for a bat with lots of power and pop left should go out and sign Dye. Dye had a terribly second half last year but he can still hit for power, and don't look for him to hit for a high average anymore. Since Dye is older, look for him to sign on with an American League team where he can DH more often than playing outfield as his defensive skills are terrible. He can also play some first base however, and could possibly play for a National League team but would be off the bench as a pinch hitter and backup. He is an outfield version of Jim Thome. He said that he would like to play in Seattle, but his playing time would be very limited in Seattle, but if he was willing to sign with them for a realistic price, then they should go out and do it. Many teams will come calling Dye as teams offense will struggle and as players get injured. My guess is that he will end up with Seattle or Washington.

Buster Posey is Called Up From AAA to the SF Giants

Buster Posey should be up with the San Francisco Giants right now as the backup catcher, but I guess since he is in AAA he will get more practice and playing time making him even better and more ready for the big leagues. Posey is one of the best prospects in all of baseball, right behind Strasburg and Heyward.

If the Giants offense does struggle at first base with Huff or at catcher with Molina, then the Giants should call up Posey in a heartbeat because he is already ready for the major leagues. Some people say that he might be the new Joe Mauer. He has a lot of potential and I can see him as being as one of the best young players in the game. Adding Posey's bat in the middle of the Giatns lineup and having him play first base and catcher would make the Giants lineup very young and potent. Posey has the potential to hit over .300 and hit 15-25 home runs a season, along with 80+ RBI He has the ability to win a couple MVP awards and All-Star game selections.

Only time will tell how good Posey will be as he is the Giants starting catcher of the future. So if Aubrey Huff and Molina struggle then definitely call up Posey. San Francisco can even call up Posey if he is tearing it up like crazy in AAA and then have him platoon at first base and catcher. He is so much better than Eli Whiteside as a backup catcher. This kid can do it all. He can hit, field, hit for average, hit for power, and can even run alittle bit, as well as play first base and catcher. My guess is that he will be called up by the Giants before to long so the Giants can plug in his bat in the middle of their lineup with Sandoval and see what he can do to this team, as his future is very bright.

Stephen Strasburg is Called Up from AAA to the Nationals

Stephen Strasburg should be up with the Washington Nationals right now, as he would be making a huge contribution to their pitching. Strasburg is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Since he is in AAA, he is getting even better and more work in and we be even more ready to pitch in the major leagues. Strasburg has the ability to become one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball. He has the potential to be a Cy Young winner and All-Star player in the majors.

If the Nationals offense continues to struggle, then the Nats will have no choice but to recall Strasburg from AAA and put him in their rotation and turn him into their ace pitcher. The Nationals have a bright future as does Strasburg. If Strasbrug and Marquis can pitch like their potential back to back, then that will give Washington a devastating 1-2 pitching combination. The Nats have loads of talent and should be very good in the next couple of years, and will be carried by Strasburg.

Strasbrug has the potential to be a 15+ game winner, have over 200 K's, and have an E.R.A. under 3.00. Only time will tell when he will make a difference for this ballclub, but expect for him to be called up very soon and make a huge difference.

Honorable Mentions

Look for other players to be dealt this season because of multiple reasons like injuries or if the team is out of contention.

Teams will come calling this year for Eric Chavez, Ben Sheets, an Jack Cust of the Oakland Athletics. Look for them to deal some of the players if they fall out of contention this year. If Brandon Webb can't come back 100 percent healthy, then look for the D'Backs to deal him for some young players in return as this is his last year before free agency. Dodgers George Sherrill will be a hot name that will come up this year, and the Dodgers might end up dealing him if he continues to struggle and/or if the Dodgers is out of contention and disappoint this season. San Francisco's Fred Lewis is as good as gone as he could be traded or released any day now, San Francisco can include him in a package of players for another difference maker player to add to their lineup. If the Marlins fall out of contention then look for them to possibly deal Dan Uggla and/or Jorge Cantu as their names are always hot trades candidates every year. Each is an offensive machine who will bring any team much offense and a power bat in the middle of their lineup. And finally, if Tampa Bay is out of contention, then look for them to deal Crawford, Pena, and Burrell as all of the players are in the final year before free agency is each player is most likely to not return to the Rays next year.

This should be a very interesting season, with many trades and transactions that will occur.