MLB Trade Scenarios: One Deadline Deal to Satisfy Fans of Every Team
MLB fans are unique in their baseball philosophies and opinions of particular players.
It's difficult to get an entire team's following to agree on anything...but not impossible.
If completed before July's trade deadline, each of these potential deals is guaranteed to satisfy the diehards of its respective organization.
In a recent article, I identified immediate transactions that could fill holes in each of the league's 30 clubs.
Now, I'm looking forward a couple months to when there will inevitably be a flurry of player movement.
Heated negotiating during the days, hours and seconds before 4 p.m. ET on July 31 is one of the sport's great traditions. "Midsummer Madness," if you will.
I kept the the scenarios realistic while ensuring that every suggestion would please baseball's toughest critics: its passionate fans.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Trevor Bauer and Josh Collmenter for Wandy Rodriguez
1 of 30Why it satisfies
Though Arizona Diamondbacks fans are drooling over Trevor Bauer's potential, the team already has enough capable, pre-arbitration eligible starting pitchers.
Wade Miley and Tyler Skaggs will be there for the future.
Joe Saunders has looked great in 2012 but against weak opponents.
Wandy Rodriguez would be an accomplished, veteran, left-handed alternative in case he regresses from an awesome April.
With a trade, however, Rodriguez's $13 million option for 2014 becomes guaranteed. That won't be a problem if his performance since 2009 is any indication of what he'll bring to the desert.
Atlanta Braves: Jair Jurrjens for Matt Dominguez
2 of 30Why it satisfies
Jair Jurrjens is injury-prone and inconsistent.
The Atlanta Braves need wins in 2012 to stay relevant in the competitive NL East. In four starts before a demotion to Triple-A, Jurrjens wasn't contributing to the cause.
The Braves have internal options to fill out their rotation, including Kris Medlen.
Meanwhile, Matt Dominguez has the potential to succeed the retiring Chipper Jones at third base.
Martin Prado can serve as a stopgap in 2013 until Dominguez is MLB-ready.
Baltimore Orioles: Mark Reynolds for Grant Balfour
3 of 30Why it satisfies
Overall, Mark Reynolds is a terrible player.
His home run total—I'm assuming he'll have about a dozen by the trade deadline—is the only perk that makes him movable.
Chris Davis is shedding his reputation as an "AAAA" player and looking like an everyday first baseman. Wilson Betemit isn't exactly Brooks Robinson at the hot corner, but he's significantly better than Reynolds.
The lineup can thrive without its strikeout king if designated hitter Nick Johnson builds upon his first hit of the season.
Reliever Grant Balfour is an ideal fit for the O's bullpen as a setup man for Jim Johnson.
Boston Red Sox: Carl Crawford for $50 Million of His Remaining Contract
4 of 30Why it satisfies
Superstar free agents commonly underachieve once signed for astronomical salaries. Outfielder Carl Crawford might be the biggest bust of them all.
The Boston Red Sox will have paid him more than $25 million through July 31, 2012.
Unless the three-month timetable for his return is an over-estimation, he'll have given them a .255/.289/.405 triple slash with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases for all that dinero.
This proposed salary relief would give the Sox considerable spending ability at the deadline.
They will need to be big-time buyers to replace their wounded. Kevin Youkilis is the most recent addition to their disabled list.
Chicago Cubs: Alfonso Soriano for $15 Million of His Remaining Contract
5 of 30Why it satisfies
The Alfonso Soriano quandary is preventing the Chicago Cubs from beginning the rebuilding process.
He's like Carl Crawford, only a lot older.
Soriano labors to steal bases, play defense and make contact. And this season, he has lacked his usual ability to drive the baseball.
At least he's healthy.
A trade partner eager to cover one-third of this messy contract because of some crazy notion that Soriano will be worthy of starts as a 38-year-old in 2014 would receive a hero's welcome whenever tripping to Wrigley Field.
Chicago White Sox: Adam Dunn for Mark Ellis
6 of 30Why it satisfies
Adam Dunn is defying all odds and striking out more frequently in 2012 than he did during his historic campaign a year ago.
Though the slugger has been productive by other measures, Chicago White Sox fans have had enough of his consistent whiffing and mediocre defense.
Deviating from the last couple scenarios, I believe the South Siders could get somebody in return for Dunn. His pay isn't so enormous, and there's plenty of power left in his bat.
Sure-handed Mark Ellis would be preferred over subpar second baseman Gordon Beckham.
Cincinnati Reds: Homer Bailey and Jose Arredondo for Shane Victorino
7 of 30Why it satisfies
Homer Bailey is a tease. The former top-10 overall prospect is unlikely to progress beyond his current middle-of-the-rotation role.
"The Cuban Missile," Aroldis Chapman, has been unhittable in relief.
The Cincinnati Reds plan to convert him into a starting pitcher. Stretching him out in time for August and September could fuel a playoff run and condition him to log a full season of innings in 2013.
Trading Bailey would create a opening for Chapman.
Oh yeah, and Shane Victorino?
He's an expert baserunner and smooth center fielder with surprising power—similar to Cincinnati's Drew Stubbs but with adequate plate discipline.
Hopefully the franchise would have the foresight to extend Victorino, an impending free agent. If not, he makes for a valuable rental.
Cleveland Indians: Matt LaPorta and Joe Smith for Wandy Rodriguez
8 of 30Why it satisfies
Excited by 2011's fiery streak through the first seven weeks, the Cleveland Indians faithful has raised its expectations. If winning necessitates spending money, so be it.
The Tribe evidently wants nothing to do with outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta. He's raking at Triple-A Columbus, but management prefers to have longtime reserve Shelley Duncan on the 25-man roster.
It makes sense to lose him if you don't plan to use him.
Parting with Joe Smith won't be easy.
Realize, though, that the bullpen is still stacked. Rafael Perez is scheduled to come back from injury before the deadline, while Chris Perez and Tony Sipp are past their early-season screw-ups.
Wandy Rodriguez reinforces a starting rotation that needs a southpaw.
He would be under team control for two-plus summers and potentially replace Josh Tomlin if he continues to struggle.
This wasn't the first time Rodriguez was involved in one of my potential trades...and it won't be the last.
Colorado Rockies: Jeremy Guthrie for Eduardo Nunez
9 of 30Why it satisfies
The Colorado Rockies have pitching depth galore. Newly acquired Jeremy Guthrie will never have success at Coors Field.
Despite respectable fastball velocity, Guthrie is inclined to stick with a pitch-to-contact game plan.
That doesn't fly in the thin atmosphere of the Mile-High City. Well, literally it does, but I mean to say that his approach isn't effective in such a hitter-friendly ballpark.
Meanwhile, the search for a regular third baseman has been fruitless. Neither Jonathan Herrera nor Chris Nelson are dynamic offensive players.
With the New York Yankees, Eduardo Nunez is second-string to Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter at third and shortstop, respectively. He has flaunted impressive speed and contact ability in limited plate appearances.
He could man the hot corner this season as Nolan Arenado blossoms in the minor leagues.
Upon Arenado's call-up, Nunez would contribute as a late-game substitute to keep Troy Tulowitzki fresh or pinch-hit in the pitcher's spot to energize the lineup.
Detroit Tigers: Delmon Young for Juan Pierre
10 of 30Why it satisfies
Delmon Young embarrassed the Detroit Tigers and showed awful judgment in committing a borderline hate crime while intoxicated.
The most stable MLB teams value character over talent and so do their fans.
In getting rid of him, they receive a veteran presence who commands attention on the basepaths and plays the same position.
Juan Pierre—baseball's active stolen base leader—still distracts the opposition with his eagerness to advance around the diamond. Albeit his success rate isn't what it used to be, but he still adds a sorely needed dimension to this slow-footed roster.
Entering May 4, the Tigers have attempted the fewest steals of any club.
Houston Astros: Wandy Rodriguez for David Robertson and Manny Banuelos
11 of 30Why it satisfies
Amid their final days in the National League, the Houston Astros are determined to trade present wins for future victories. Their organizational goal is to obtain cheap, controllable guys with upside.
The Astros don't want to pay Wandy Rodriguez for 2012, 2013 and 2014 because they won't be contending in that window.
Diehard supporters know their ace is worth a lot based on his dependability and sizzling start to this campaign.
The package from the New York Yankees includes All-Star reliever David Robertson, who is more than deserving of a closing opportunity, and Manny Banuelos, a promising left-hander in the mold of Rodriguez, himself.
Kansas City Royals: Jonathan Sanchez for Gaby Sanchez
12 of 30Why it satisfies
Red flags fly up whenever Jonathan Sanchez begins an outing.
Even in his best American League performance—where Sanchez hurled five, one-hit innings—he rarely threw first-pitch strikes.
His lucky days will look amazing in the box scores. But the statistics won't excuse his wildness when he pitches with zero control.
The Kansas City Royals are better off without his sloppiness.
Gaining a right-handed bat in Gaby Sanchez would be convenient. First baseman Eric Hosmer and left fielder Alex Gordon have ugly splits in 2012.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Mark Trumbo for Javy Guerra and Tim Federowicz
13 of 30Why it satisfies
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will have a sufficient offense without Mark Trumbo.
This move fills other holes.
It gets them Alberto Callaspo back on the field, more firepower in the bullpen and a backstop to handle their loaded starting staff for years to come.
Guerra is arguably the centerpiece.
Many Angels relievers are facing questions about their deteriorating skills and contract status for 2013.
But not Guerra. He'll be a mainstay.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Javy Guerra and Tim Federowicz for Mark Trumbo
14 of 30Why it satisfies
Javy Guerra and Tim Federowicz are expendable with the successes of Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis. Sending away the pair is worth a first base upgrade.
James Loney is about to hit the open market, but his mundane power numbers don't sell tickets or win games. The Los Angeles Dodgers won't shed a tear when he lands elsewhere.
Mark Trumbo clubs home runs at a more desirable rate.
It's just coincidence that these franchises with shared geography could—hypothetically—come to a mutual agreement through their fans.
Miami Marlins: Heath Bell and Gaby Sanchez for Brett Gardner
15 of 30Why it satisfies
Heath Bell and Gaby Sanchez are the most disappointing Miami Marlins of 2012. Both can be replaced internally.
Steve Chisek has starred with his unorthodox throwing motion. He bailed out the Fish on May 2 and possesses the repertoire to close.
Also, dumping Bell by July sheds more than $20 million in salary that he's assured through 2014.
Sans the light-hitting Sanchez, Miami could relocate Logan Morrison to first base.
New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner is a superb defensive player and pesky batter. He would challenge Emilio Bonifacio for the team lead in steals.
Milwaukee Brewers: Nyjer Morgan for Jacob Turner
16 of 30Why it satisfies
Carlos Gomez is emerging as a full-time center field candidate. Nyjer Morgan's volatile persona could cause a disruption if he's bitter about being relegated to the bench.
Morgan was once among the most hated players in the game. His behavior since joining the Milwaukee Brewers has been slightly more acceptable.
However, Norichika Aoki is an affordable and capable fourth outfielder. There simply won't be a need for Morgan's skill set.
Instead, the Brew Crew should focus on compiling starting pitchers.
Zach Greinke and Shaun Marcum have expiring contracts, and Randy Wolf may not be worth his $10 million team option for 2013.
Minnesota Twins: Francisco Liriano For...Anything!
17 of 30Why it satisfies
Minnesota Twins fans have suffered for a half-decade as the coaching staff has attempted to solve the cryptic case of Francisco Liriano.
He seemingly forgets how to repeat his delivery for long spells.
His talent is obvious, but what else can the club try to fix the inexplicable?
It's time for a separation.
Fortunately, there will always be suitors for a twenty-something, former All-Star southpaw who has lost his way.
New York Mets: Jason Bay for $10 Million of His Remaining Contract
18 of 30Why it satisfies
The New York Mets outfield is just as strong without Jason Bay as it is with him.
Bay has dealt with an assortment of injuries since signing with the team before the 2010 season. He has participated in fewer than two-thirds of all Mets games over that period.
Fans can't blame him for his poor fortune.
But an OPS in the .700s doesn't justify their $66 million investment.
The figures in this suggested agreement would resemble those in the dumping of A.J. Burnett this past February.
New York Yankees: Edurado Nunez and Freddy Garcia for Alberto Callaspo
19 of 30Why it satisfies
Watching Eduardo Nunez on a daily basis—his defense, at least—is torturous. And Freddy Garcia doesn't fit into the New York Yankees' plans for the rest of 2012.
Alberto Callaspo isn't the same base-stealing threat as Nunez.
However, he's a more advanced fielder with a habit of making productive outs at the plate.
Derek Jeter is performing at a ridiculous, AL MVP level. There's no rush to designate the organization's future shortstop.
Oakland Athletics: Tommy Milone for Ike Davis
20 of 30Why it satisfies
The Oakland Athletics are starved for runs...again.
If A's fans aren't going to see winning baseball for a while, then the least the front office could do is acquire a power-hitting individual to entertain them.
Recent trades have reinforced the farm system with plenty of quality pitchers.
The club won't miss left-hander Tommy Milone, while Ike Davis capably locks up first base for the next half-dozen seasons.
Philadelphia Phillies: Domonic Brown for Carlos Quentin
21 of 30Why it satisfies
A sixth consecutive NL East title won't come easy to the Philadelphia Phillies considering their notable injuries.
Domonic Brown is far from MLB-ready, but Carlos Quentin will return shortly.
Two months from now, he'll have readjusted to National League pitching after a stint with the Chicago White Sox.
The "Phanatics" would prefer to start Quentin—even as a two-month rental—over, say, Laynce Nix.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Jose Tabata for Al Alburquerque
22 of 30Why it satisfies
Moving outfielder Jose Tabata would clear space for prospect Starling Marte, whose presence would immediately strengthen a slumping lineup.
Currently, the Pittsburgh Pirates lack depth to their batting order. They might as well retake the field after Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen have their cuts!
Al Alburquerque is rehabbing from surgery. The fire-baller is tentatively scheduled for a call-up sometime after the All-Star break.
He would make an ideal setup man for Joel Hanrahan.
San Diego Padres: Yasmani Grandal for Erick Aybar
23 of 30Why it satisfies
The San Diego Padres decided to reward Nick Hundley for his defensive value in the form of a contract extension. Catcher Yasmani Grandal is consequently blocked.
Similar deals were hammered out with Cory Luebke and Cameron Maybin. This proves that the Pads are in the business of making multi-year commitments to their regulars.
Erick Aybar would fit in seamlessly.
He's in the prime of his career and inked through 2016.
San Francisco Giants: Brandon Belt for Jemile Weeks
24 of 30Why it satisfies
Second baseman Freddy Sanchez was recently set back during a rehab assignment at High-A ball.
His free agency is on the horizon anyway, and the San Francisco Giants don't have a successor in place.
Just across the bay, Jemile Weeks shows promise at the position.
The Giants under-utilize Brandon Belt, and the fans haven't yet become attached to him.
Seattle Mariners: Chone Figgins for Delmon Young
25 of 30Why it satisfies
Besides selflessly accepting an outfield role, Chone Figgins hasn't done anything worth mentioning for the Seattle Mariners.
His $9 million per season is too much to pay for some sacrifice hits and an occasional stolen base.
No disrespect to a future Hall of Famer, but 38-year-old Ichiro Suzuki isn't cut out to be a No. 3 hitter.
A Delmon Young trade would strengthen the heart of the order and bring publicity to an improving team that sorely needs it.
St. Louis Cardinals: Daniel Descalso and J.C. Romero for Daisuke Matsuzaka
26 of 30Why it satisfies
The St. Louis Cardinals aren't obligated to do anything drastic to jeopardize their healthy lead in the NL Central.
Daisuke Matsuzaka will be more than one year removed from Tommy John surgery by the July 31 deadline.
Though he underwhelmed with the Boston Red Sox—especially since 2009—trust that the supernatural Yadier Molina can straighten him out. Plus, switching leagues would allow him to face batters who are unfamiliar with his unique windup.
The Cards would add much-needed rotation depth for a small price.
Tampa Bay Rays: Luke Scott for Carlos Quentin
27 of 30Why it satisfies
Tampa Bay Rays fans are confident that their team is playoff-bound.
Beyond that, their expectations are to win the division and avoid an unpredictable, winner-take-all, one-game matchup between the American League Wild Cards.
Luke Scott is solid, but Carlos Quentin is better. That's important when they're chasing every win possible.
A delayed start to the 2012 season may turn out to be a blessing for Quentin. It will ensure that he's fresh in September and October.
Texas Rangers: Mitch Moreland and David Murphy for Melky Cabrera
28 of 30Why it satisfies
To protect Josh Hamilton's health, the Texas Rangers must search beneath every rock for an everyday center fielder.
Craig Gentry isn't the answer.
Melky Cabrera, on the other hand, personifies baseball's five fundamental tools. He has been producing at expansive AT&T Park, so he'll definitely thrive in Texas.
Fans will be satisfied as long as Cabrera doesn't mind acclimating to his fifth MLB club in four years.
Toronto Blue Jays: J.P. Arencibia for Erik Bedard
29 of 30Why it satisfies
Acclaimed catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud is coming around from a slow start at Triple-A Las Vegas. Jeff Mathis has been an effective reserve.
J.P. Arencibia is just a luxury...one who has no patience at the plate.
By mid-summer, he will have hopefully broken out of his season-long slump, and d'Arnaud will presumably be toying with minor league pitching.
The Jays are looking to fill out their starting rotation. If he's nearly 100 percent, Bedard is up to the task.
Washington Nationals: Anthony Rendon for Shelley Duncan and Joe Smith
30 of 30Why it satisfies
Though Anthony Rendon hurt his ankle last month, he remains a coveted, former first-round draft pick.
The Washington Nationals won't have a vacancy at third base until 2020 at the earliest. My guess is that Rendon will be itching for playing time by then.
Shelley Duncan is a lifelong AL outfielder destined to pinch-hit in the Senior Circuit. Here's his chance to contribute on a contender.
The additions of Duncan and Joe Smith, a left-hander who's dominating for the second year in a row, make the Nats favorites in their division.
To their followers who have always been underdogs: you're welcome.

.png)







