MLB Rumors: 10 Trades for NL Teams Trying To Match the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia has made the biggest move this offseason so far. With the signing of Cliff Lee, the Phillies have already become the favorite to win the National League pennant in 2011.
So, what about the other 15 teams? Here are 10 trades that could allow teams to match the strength of Philadelphia this coming season.
1: Kyle Drabek to Washington for Nyjer Morgan and 2 Prospects
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Washington is obviously building the team of the future, so who better to add than one of the top pitching prospects in the MLB right now behind none other than Steven Strasburg.
The Nats have a weak pitching rotation, and by acquiring Drabek, they would not only strengthen their rotation for this year, but for years to come.
2: Prince Fielder to Houston for Humberto Quintero and Pitching Prospect
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Houston lost a big piece of their lineup when Lance Berkman went to New York.
Brett Wallace is the prospect of the future for Houston but, at age 23, he showed signs of inexperience at the plate in 2010 for the Astros.
Fielder adds even more power to a lineup that features Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee. The Astros have a solid pitching rotation and the addition of Fielder could give them the extra push they need to make a playoff run in 2011.
3: Matt Garza to Cincinnati for Mike Leake, Johnny Gomes and Prospect
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Cincinnati already has a very strong pitching rotation in Johnny Cueto, Edison Volquez and Bronson Arroyo.
Could there really be a pitching rotation as strong as the one in Philadelphia? Garza would add that fourth dimension to Cincy's rotation. The Reds made a strong push last year, only to be swept by Philadelphia in the NLDS. Adding Garza could propel the Reds to make a push for the pennant.
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4: Joe Blanton to Chicago for 2 Prospects
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The Phillies need to free up money to afford Lee. Joe Blanton is the main trade target at this point in time.
Chicago needs some veteran depth in their rotation and Blanton can bring that aspect to the club. While Blanton is by no means a Cliff Lee- or Zack Greinke-type pitcher, he can win 10 to 15 games a year with an offense behind him like he had in Philadelphia.
5: Raul Ibanez to Los Angeles for Ronald Belisario and Prospect
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With Manny out in LA, the Dodgers are left with an offensive void in left field. Jay Gibbons is the projected starter for the 2011 season. However, Raul Ibanez has higher career averages in batting and RBIs, and has the same average in home runs.
6: Ian Stewart to St. Louis for Jake Westbrook and Prospect
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Stewart is a very versatile infielder who could fill in at nearly any spot for the Cardinals when needed. He also could be an everyday player up the middle as an improvement on either Ryan Theriot or Skip Schumaker.
Stewart has the potential to hit 20 home runs and drive in 70 to 80 runs for the Cards, which would add to the already potent offense including Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Matt Holiday and Colby Rasmus.
7: Jason Kubel to Florida for Anabal Sanchez
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Kubel is another versatile player who can have a huge impact for the Marlins. Used primarily as a designated hitter in Minnesota, he has proven that he can make an impact offensively.
Kubel has good power and has the ability to drive in runs in key situations, which is a huge aspect that is needed in Florida with the loss of Dan Uggla to the Braves.
8: Mark Buehrle to Atlanta for George Sherill and 2 Prospects
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Buehrle could be the perfect complement to Jair Jurjens and Tim Hudson to create a three-man attack at the beginning of their rotation. While Buehrle does not strike out many batters, he has the ability to work out of key situations and control opposing lineups.
Buehrle would give Atlanta another key arm to work with to make a run in the East.
9: Johnathan Papelbon to Washington for 2 Prospects
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Washington needs more than just Drabek. It's no secret that they need a closing pitcher.
Tyler Clippard led the majors in blown saves in 2010 with 11. Papelbon would secure a solid bullpen and could give the Nats some extra wins that were given away before.
10: Francisco Liriano to New York for Angel Pagan and 2 Prospects
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Liriano would give the Mets another proven left-hander in the rotation. Alongside Johan Santana, Liriano could become a 20-game winner for New York.
Pelfrey could be a 10- to 15-game winner and R.A. Dickey can shut down a lineup when he can control his knuckleball. Pitching has limited the Mets late in the season the past three years, and the addition of Liriano could change this and give them the extra boost they need to compete in the division.
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