Wheeling and Dealing: The 2008 MLB Trade Deadline

Disclaimer: While I am a good baseball mind, I am by no means an expert in farm systems, and most of these deals will probably not even come close to happening anyway. But hey, it is fun to think about

With the deadline under two weeks away, there is one theme that has definitely presented itself.

No team is without need.

Whether a team is looking for an immediate fix to a blaring team weakness, or looking to bring in new, young players to help the rebuilding process, every team could use something.

With no division looking to be a lock going into the deadline, and many teams making a surprise run at contention (Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Texas, Florida), there will be a different group of buyers then normal coming into this. To summarize, I will discuss the #1 buyer trade that could/should/etc. happen in each division.

AL East

Adam Dunn (CIN) to Tampa Bay for Carl Crawford and Jeff Neimann (Durham, AAA).

Crawford spent years as one of few bright spots in Tampa Bay's lineup, but in 2008, where most of the team have seen career years, and new stars like Evan Longoria emerge, Crawford's numbers have dipped. His sub-par .315 OBP has also essentially rendered his stolen base ability to near uselessness, and he suffers from Johnny Damon-itis when trying to throw the ball from the outfield. That being said, Dunn and Griffey Jr. are probably on their way out and Crawford could do okay in Cinci. Cinci also needs more starting pitching and the Rays might get away with sending over Neimann and not having to touch David Price. On the Rays end, this trade would give the Rays the one big slugger they need, and allow the hot hitting Eric Hinske a guaranteed everyday spot in Left Field. Could even make them the (gasp) most talented team in the AL East.

AL Central

Aaron Rowand and Matt Cain (SF) to Minnesota for Glen Perkins, Kevin Mulvey, Brian Buscher, (Rochester, AAA), and Nick Punto.

Twins have overacheved this season in area, but too much of their performance is coming from too few players. They need a decent hitter and a new pitcher. Given San Francisco's anemic offensive numbers from the SS position this season, they would possibly do Rowand for Punto and a mid level prospect (hey, Punto's actually hitting pretty good this season in limited time). Cain is young and has huge upside, though, and the Twins would probably have to part ways with another high level prospect like Perkins to make this trade happen. The AL Central remains weak, though, and the Twins could find themselves playing in October.

AL West

Zach Greinke (KCR) to Texas for Kasey Kiker, Renny Osuna (Bakersfield), and Hank Blalock.

Rangers need pitching and the Royals are going nowhere fast again. I can't imagine Greinke would want to sign a long term deal with them. In the meantime, Blalock and his still good bat is wasting away on the Ranger bench and could provide KC with a little offense, and Osuna could do the same in the future. Kiker has also shown promise, mowing players down in Single A ball in 2007, at age 19. In the case of the Rangers, they have the potential to sign Greinke long term, and the need at the position. Though a good distance behind the Angels, their lineup, combined with the other two teams in the AL West having already packed it in for 2008, keeps Texas a buyer with a chance at the postseason.

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