Jim Edmonds and the Top 10 Old Guys That Could Spell MLB Playoffs Gold

Add one more to the Early Bird line in Cincinnati.

On Monday, the Reds traded for 40-year old CF Jim Edmonds, adding to their slew of ageless former-Cardinals, including 35-year old Scott Rolen (an All-Star this year) and 37-year old Jason Isringhausen (still toiling in Triple-A). 

This is a huge win for the Reds, who could use a veteran presence to boost their young and talented, yet underachieving, outfield.  Fine, so, Edmonds is 40. He can't play CF like he used to.  But he still hit .284 in 73 games with the Brewers this season, and he's a career .274 hitter in the postseason with 13 HRs. 

The Reds (who are leading the NL Central by a game over the Cards entering today's action) gave up Chris Dickerson to the Brewers, a 28-year old utility OF who hit .205 this year.  Something for nothing? It happens. 

So that gets us thinking: Who are some other veteran players (read, old guys) that could be traded or acquired to help a contender? Here are some names to consider.

Manny Ramirez, 38

Manny being Manny... Even despite his eccentricities and an off-year plagued with injuries, Manny Ramirez is one of the best right-handed hitters of all time.  The stats are irrelevant here.  Everyone knows that Manny could be a game-changing addition to their team.  The Dodgers have every incentive to get rid of him now.  He'll be a free agent next year, and he may even retire.  But if he could make one last run... that would be fun to watch.

Carlos Beltran, 33

The biggest hurdle is whether the Mets could move Beltran, who has a full no-trade clause and is due to make $18.5M next season.  But Carlos has clearly fallen out of favor with the Mets this season, hitting just below the Mendoza line in 33 games with only 1 HR.  So why should a contender even try to land him?  Well, he's a career .366 batter in the postseason, with 11 HR in 22 games.  He's an above-average fielder.  And he's just 33, which means he's not getting fitted for dentures yet. 

Buy low and sell high -- this is an opportunity to buy low and get a great return.

Hideki Matsui, 36

He was the 2010 World Series MVP for the Yankees.  He's hit .312 in 11 postseason series.  And he's on a rapidly sinking ship in the AL West that could be looking to unload some guys who will be free agents next year.

Matsui won't be a regular OF, but he's a left-handed bat off the bench who still has some pop left (14 HR this season). If he doesn't get claimed off waivers, he could be a great fit with a team like the Braves, who, even though they got Rick Ankiel, could still use some outfield help.

Jose Guillen, 34

He's a perpetual malcontent, a so-so fielder, and a guy whose only postseason experience came in 2003, when he was a member of the Oakland A's (he hit .455 in 4 games, by the way). So why should I care about Jose Guillen?  Because he's hitting 16 HRs with 62 RBIs this year.  Because every team needs one guy who could potentially light a fire under someone else (perhaps this will force Andruw Jones to get going).  Because he's likely available, with Kansas City looking for whatever they can get.

Why not? Can't be worse than Jones.

Frank Catalanotto, 36

So, this might be more of an emotional plea, but I would personally love to see Frank Catalanotto make it to the postseason after 14 years in the majors.  He's the anti-Jose Guillen: a good clubhouse guy, a utility player, and the type of hitter who will always give you a great at-bat.  Yeah, so he's reached the end of the line this season with the Mets... but he's a career .291 hitter. He can turn it around.

Someone, PLEASE, just give Frank a chance.  Seriously, .291 hitter.

Melvin Mora, 38

Melvin Mora is another utility player who can provide good defense and quality at-bats. It's not worth it to trade the farm to get Mora, but he's a guy who can play both infield and outfield.  This season he has a .358 OBP while playing for the Rockies, and, despite his limited postseason experience, could be a good addition for a team needing versatility.

Tim Byrdak, 36

Tim Byrdak is a great story -- made it to the bigs in 1998, stuck on for one more season, then was out of the league for 5 years before he caught on again in 2005.  Well, he's back in 2010, pitching for the lowly Astros and maintaining a 4.18 ERA. For any team who needs a lefty RP (who doesn't?), Byrdak would be a good option. Thing is, Astros might not part with him. He's arbitration eligible in 2011.

Garret Anderson, 38

Earlier today, Anderson was designated for assignment by the Dodgers, which will make it easier for any team looking to pick him up.  He hit .181 for the Dodgers in 80 games, but a change of scenery could do him good. He still hit 13 HRs with Atlanta last year, and he's a serviceable outfielder.  He won't win any awards for his hitting or defense, but he's still a good veteran presence... and he has a World Series ring.

Derrek Lee, 34

It'll be tough with his no-trade contract, but free-agent-to-be Lee could be a big pick-up for any contender.  Sure, he's had an off-year this year, and people might think he's on the decline, but Lee is an excellent fielder who hit 35 HRs last year. He'll make it through waivers -- the big hurdle is getting him to agree to a trade.

Pedro Martinez, 38

So he says he won't return to the majors this season -- but when has Pedro Martinez ever turned down the limelight?  Just a few weeks ago, Pedro was tantalizing baseball fans with his best Favre impression, hinting at a comeback by saying that he's "100% healthy," then refuting rumors that he'll be back before next year.

Why not this year? Oh, family vacation.

But I'm guessing that for the right opportunity -- and for the right price -- Pedro could be back before we know it.  He can still pitch (he went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 games with the Phillies last year, en route to the World Series), he's a good clubhouse guy, and he could be a great help to a team like the Rays, who just sent two of their starting pitchers (Niemann and Davis) to get their shoulders examined.

Pedro will be back. Count it.