MLB Trade Rumors: Adrian Gonzalez and 10 Headliners of the 2011 Trade Deadline
With the 2010 regular season behind us, and all the normal MLB trade rumors completed, why not take the opportunity to discuss who will be headlining the Trade Rumor department in 2011?
The free agency market next year is rather large, and there are a number of players that could be mentioned here, so I will simply take a look at who I believe will be some big names taking center stage.
I’ll try to look at each position, and throw in a wildcard player that could be the next diamond in the rough.
1B, Prince Fielder
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This list would not be complete without mention to Fielder, and the ongoing question as to what the Brewers will do with him next year.
He is eligible for arbitration, and he’ll inevitably go with that, but the Brewers haven’t really made mention to their true intentions.
Either way, I believe the Brewers will eventually work out a deal with him for the long-term, since they have no true power option at first, and with a new—more secure future—you have to imagine it will reinvigorate a guy who is as lethal as they come.
1B, Adrian Gonzalez
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Gonzalez is probably the most intriguing name on this list as he enters his contract year, but it doesn’t come with some concerns.
His shoulder surgery will ultimately effect what the Padres do with him and their long-term decision process, but it will also affect where he winds up, should the Padres deal him.
I actually don’t see the Padres keeping Gonzalez around unless they absolutely have to, considering they have a ton of room to move with other players. I guess we’ll see, but Gonzo will have to prove to everyone that his surgery won’t be an issue in the years to come if he is too land a deal.
2B, Dan Uggla
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A lot of people thought Uggla was overvalued this year, and even more people think he is going to be overvalued next year.
Really? I mean what has this guy gotta do to get some love?
Four straight years of 30 homeruns from a guy who is considered average is more than enough evidenc that he is undervalued.
The Marlins could deal Uggla either at the start of the season, at the 2011 trade deadline, and don’t be surprised if they do so within the division…New York I am looking your way.
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3B, Jose Bautista
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There is literally no real name to mention at third outside of Bautista, and the only reason to mention him is for his defensive prowess, and fellow team mate Edwin Encarnacion.
Ok, that and his 54 freaking homeruns and 124 RBI.
Encarnacion stinks defensively, and Bautista will probably be the guy they tender; and that really is the right move….so long as the Jays make it.
I don’t think he will repeat this success, considering he was playing for a contract, but it’s still hard to ignore.
SS, Jimmy Rollins
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J-Roll will be a hot name that will be available come time the trade deadline and the Phillies could actually have a lot to think about.
Rollins is getting up there in age, but he's also one of the faces of this franchise.
If the Phillies find some quality deals with Werth at the end of this year, look for them to extend him for a year or two, but don’t be surprised if they give Rollins the opportunity to finish his career as a Phillie.
Outfield, Jack Cust
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This is my Wild Card player of the list, and I believe he could fit that role depending on where he goes.
As a DH hitter this guy is still—at 31—good for at least 25 homers and at the very minimum, 75 RBI, sop for a team looking to add fuel to their fire, this may be the guy.
Obviously, he’ll wind up I the AL as the A’s are not likely to resign him, but there are plenty of teams looking for a DH hitter that can provide the power they lack.
Baltimore, anyone?
Outfield, Cody Ross
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What, you didn’t think this one was coming? OK, the Giants did the right thing by stealing Ross away from the Padres, and Ross has so far in the NLCS come up in a big way hitting for a contract.
Regardless of what the Giants wind up doing in the NLCS, you have to imagine they will extend a contract to Ross, and if not, remember that this guy is a legit power bat.
Whoever signs this guy will not only get a quality player, but it could come at a cheap price.
Outfield, J.D Drew
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OK, so there’s two X-factor players, but Drew is worth a mention simply due to his defensive play, and ability to be a quality bench player, which would bode well for him as a DH guy if the Red Sox do not keep him.
Drew had an up year hitting .279/.392/.522 with 24 homeruns and 68 ribbies, so he is certainly worth taking a look at.
In the end however, I don’t see him staying in Boston.
RP, Jonathan Broxton
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There is no denying what this guy can do in a clutch situation, and there is no denying that there are a plethora of teams that need a quality closer.
The problem is what exactly will L.A do?
This is probably the more difficult situation to predict—for me anyway—but at the same time it’s really difficult to imagine L.A. getting rid of him.
In the end, if I had to decide, I believe the Dodgers will sign him to a long-term deal and make him one of the faces of the franchise.
Wandy Rodriguez, Astros
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It's hard to look away from a guy who throws strikes as well as Rodriguez has in his career, but the Astros are not without their own questions.
On paper, Rodriguez looks average, but in reality the guy is anything but and fell victim to a team that couldn't provide enough bats to garner a win for him.
In the end, I can't see the Astros giving him up unless they really get something special, but then again, this is Ed Wade Jr. we're talking about.
Catcher, Jorge Posada
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Posada is an interesting situation in that, the Yankees don’t have a real replacement for him should decide not to keep him, and he is a quality bat.
The problem is, nobody really knows what the Yankees are going to do.
My guess is, they will try to deal Posada, keep Cervelli, and use the extra money they save—if any at all—to deal with another younger player.
A bit speculative, but not out of reach of the type of moves the Yanks have made in recent years.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
