MLB Trade Rumors: How Can Rest of MLB Outdo Boston's Adrian Gonzalez Move?
MLB trade rumors are going to start swirling this week with the winter meetings kicking off today in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
As you know by now, there have already been some huge moves out there: Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter re-signed with the New York Yankees. Adam Dunn joined the White Sox for big dollars. And Jayson Werth just got an enormous contract from the Washington Nationals.
But Adrian Gonzalez being dealt to the Red Sox is probably the most momentous of all the offseason moves in 2010-2011. Gonzalez will take up residence in Fenway Park next spring.
That has us wondering how the other teams in MLB are going to compete in 2011. What moves might be out there to match the Gonzalez-to-Boston deal?
Inside we'll choose one move each team might make, from least impactful across the league to most impactful, with a guess at how possible each move is.
No. 30: Pittsburgh Pirates
1 of 30
Move: Sign Brandon Webb
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Minimal
Webb's dominance a few years back is still enough to warrant a big deal from plenty of teams. But contenders might not want to waste a handful of early season starts to see if he's recovered from his shoulder injury.
A team like the Pirates can bring him in and not disappoint their fans: they cannot become any more disillusioned. And if he turns out to make a nice recovery, it will offset the recent departure of Zack Duke.
There has been little contact between both sides recently, but that doesn't mean a marriage between the two is dead.
No. 29: Kansas City Royals
2 of 30
Move: Sign Adam LaRoche
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Minimal
The Royals will probably move Zack Greinke, and they might only get prospects in return. Yes, they'll need to add another veteran arm to the staff if they deal away their former Cy Young winner.
But power might be a bigger void on the roster.
Last year, the Royals had the second highest batting average in baseball. But they only hit 121 home runs, third last in the AL.
LaRoche might not be a long-term solution, but he should add 25 home runs next season, which would have led the club by leaps and bounds in 2010. .
No. 28: Arizona Diamondbacks
3 of 30
Move: Keep Justin Upton
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Minimal
The Diamondbacks just moved Mark Reynolds to Baltimore. Do they really want to deal away another young (potential) star who is not making very much money?
There are some free agents out there that could add to their lineup and rotation. And maybe dealing Upton helps move that along. But he has shown so much in the past two seasons, they should wait him out.
Whatever behind-the-scenes conflict is going on there shouldn't ruin a promising career in Phoenix. And if the Red Sox are the most interested team, then they probably have less trade chips now since the club just acquired Adrian Gonzalez.
No. 27: Oakland Athletics
4 of 30
Move: Sign Jim Thome
Possibility: 30 percent
Impact: Minimal
Only the light-hitting Mariners hit fewer American League home runs than the A's. Yet they were pretty solid contenders in the AL West, finishing .500 and in second place.
They might not be a likely candidate to overtake the big-spending Rangers and Angels, but they can make some noise into August.
To have any hopes of doing that they have to upgrade at the DH position: Jack Cust and Eric Chavez gave them almost nothing last year. And although Thome's best days may be behind him, he should be a good clubhouse presence, draw plenty of walks, and not cost more than a few million.
No. 26: Houston Astros
5 of 30
Move: Sign Wandy Rodriguez to a long-term deal
Possibility: 60 percent
Impact: Minimal
This type of move isn't to make the Astros a contender in 2011, but it does keep them solid for the future. There is a good chance the team will move Carlos Lee, so they need to show the club's fanbase that they are committed to winning.
And although there have been whispers that Cliff Lee is on their radar, that doesn't seem likely.
Rodriguez might not be all-world yet, but he has posted a pretty respectable ERA the last few seasons. It would be wise to lock him up, especially after they dealt away the club's best pitcher (Roy Oswalt) since Randy Johnson.
No. 25: Cleveland Indians
6 of 30
Move: Trade Grady Sizemore
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Minimal
The Indians are not going anywhere next year.....and probably not anywhere the next five years.
If they can get something for Sizemore, they should look into it.
His knee injury will turn some suitors off, but he is just 28. And he can provided a lot for any team interested: glove, speed, doubles-power.
Cleveland doesn't want to see him go, but he's just as likely to leave in 2012 and for nothing in return.
No. 24: Baltimore Orioles
7 of 30
Move: Sign Jesse Crain
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Minimal
Just because the Orioles went out and traded for Mark Reynolds doesn't mean they are done.
They need to shore up the bullpen now: to get Reynolds and his 35 home runs, they had to deal away both David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio.
If they really think they can make some kind of noise in the ever-changing AL East, they have to fill that hole. Bringing in Crain isn't quite as impactful as signing Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford, but he was very good for the Twins in 2010, and he's only 29.
No. 23: Florida Marlins
8 of 30
Move: Trade Anibal Sanchez
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Minimal
Sanchez might still have a bright future ahead of him, but with the signing of Javier Vazquez and the departure of Dan Uggla, the Marlins might want to move one of their arms and get a bat in return.
There should be plenty of teams out there interested in the soon-to-be 27-year old who has shown ability but struggled to stay in the rotation.
And since the Marlins now have Vazquez, Josh Johnson, and Ricky Nolasco, they can afford to move Sanchez.
No. 22: San Francisco Giants
9 of 30
Move: Re-sign Edgar Renteria
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Minimal
Now that the club has brought Miguel Tejada to town, there really is no reason to keep their World Series MVP. Unless they want to have him as a reliable utility man.
Renteria has expressed a willingness to play second base.
If Rentereia's career was essentially over last summer, then he probably won't mind being a late inning defensive replacement or a pinch hitter. And it never hurts to have his leadership in the locker room.
Besides bringining in Tejada, they re-signed Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell, so with that rotation, there aren't many holes to fill.
No. 21: Chicago Cubs
10 of 30
Move: Sign Carl Pavano
Possibility: 75 percent
Impact: Some
Pavano declined arbitration with the Twins so he should be elsewhere in 2011. And although the Cubs are not exactly favorites to win the NL Central, they can be considered "a contender" if they make enough moves, something that will interest Pavano.
More importantly, they his greatest years came in the National League, so that's where he belongs.
It won't be hard to pay him the likely $30 million and three years he'll ask for, but if there is any chance of unloading Carlos Zambrano, they can afford to court Pavano.
No. 20: Washington Nationals
11 of 30
Move: Sign Brad Penny
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Some
The Nationals would like to think they can add either Cliff Lee or Zack Greinke to go along with their recent signing of Jayson Werth, but it doesn't seem likely.
Nevertheless, they have to add another starter to the rotation, and because they gave Werth so much money, they probably can't break the bank of one of the better free agent starters out there.
Penny is not necessarily a bad move here: he won't be able to command a long-term deal, if he's healthy he can eat up innings and give their decent bullpen a rest, and his new fiance should find a dance studio somewhere in the area.
No. 19: Milwaukee Brewers
12 of 30
Move: Trade Lorenzo Cain
Possibility: 75 percent
Impact: Some
The Brewers don't seem to be ready to deal Prince Fielder right now. That might prove to be smart, as his trade value could be through the roof around the time of the deadline.
If the Braves are showing interest in Cain, which they are, the Brewers can improve the team without trading away their biggest chip in the offseason.
Cain showed lots of promise in minimal time during 2010, but acquiring one of the Braves arms could really help a woeful pitching staff.
No. 18: Colorado Rockies
13 of 30
Move: Sign Ty Wigginton
Possibility: 80 percent
Impact: Some
Todd Helton's career is starting to wind down in Denver, and the Rockies are interested in bringing in a right handed bat to help ease that situation.
Wigginton would be a nice fit for the club. He can play first, and the power numbers should increase for him with a move to Coors Field.
Wiggington's contract demands won't be all that unreasonable either. He made just over $3.5 million last year. With all the money they just paid Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies have to think smaller now.
No. 17: San Diego Padres
14 of 30
Move: Sign Russell Branyan
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Some
Trading away their only big bat will cost the Padres a lot. Even more if they cannot replace some of his home runs. They were already one of the weaker hitting teams in baseball in 2010.
Branyan is not good in the field and probably belongs in the American League where he can DH. But for a veteran player, he is extremely cheap.
And since they only got prospects in return for Gonzo, they need to bring in some big leaguers.
No. 16: Atlanta Braves
15 of 30
Move: Trade Kenshin Kawakami
Possibility: 75 percent
Impact: Some
The Braves might be able to pull in Lorenzo Cain to add another versatile player for the club, since they dealt away Omar Infante and aren't bringing Matt Diaz back.
And it might make sense for the Braves to deal away Kawakami in exchange.
The rotation is now set with the sparkling return of Tim Hudson and the arrival of Tommy Hanson. They shouldnt' need Kawakami for spot starts, and since Johnny Venters and Peter Moylan were so good last year, they should be okay without Kawakami in the bullpen.
No. 15: New York Mets
16 of 30
Move: Trade Carlos Beltran
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Some
Big changes might be on the horizon for the Mets, but dealing away Jose Reyes would be a mistake: he's young and his talents aren't easy to replace.
Beltran is a much better option. Certainly Beltran's production has dwindled in the past two years, but plenty of teams know that if he can stay healthy, he should be able to play center, drive in close to 100 runs, and hit 30 home runs.
Although his salary is pretty absurd and hard to justify to any team not named the Yankees, the Beltran name has to draw interest. And the Mets could use whatever arms they might get in return.
No. 14: Toronto Blue Jays
17 of 30
Move: Sign Carlos Pena
Possibility: 75 percent
Impact: Medium
The Blue Jays just dealt their top starter, Shaun Marcum, away to the Brewers, but they have thoughts about acquiring Zack Greinke.
Whether or not that happens, the Jays might want to think about going the power route. They have Jose Bautista, Vernon Wells, and Aaron Hill. Adding a player like Pena could give them a really potent lineup.
If they're going to have a first baseman who hits under .250, they might as well have a guy who produces more home runs and RBI than Lyle Overbay did in 2010.
No. 13: Los Angeles Dodgers
18 of 30
Move: Sign Paul Konerko
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Medium
It's not that likely to happen, but the Dodgers could really bolster their lineup by bringing in their former prospect from the mid-1990s.
There is a pretty good chance that the club parts with James Loney, and maybe even Russell Martin. They'll have to fill the lineup somehow.
A club like the Dodgers can afford to over pay for Konerko, and although both Konerko and Dunn can play together at first and DH, the White Sox might not really want to give a long term deal to the soon-to-be 35-year-old.
No. 12: St. Louis Cardinals
19 of 30
Move: Nothing
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Medium (Long term)
Maybe the Cardinals could use Lance Berkman in 2011, and maybe he'll have a good season. But isn't there some chance that that $8 million would have been better used stuffed in Tony LaRussa's mattress so they could give it to Albert Pujols next year?
Letting Pujols leave next offseason would be a major hard-luck blow to the club, so they should do everything they can to preserve money.
No. 11: Seattle Mariners
20 of 30
Move: Sign Adrian Beltre.....just kidding. Trade for James Loney
Possibility: 30 percent
Impact: Medium
For the remainder of the 21st century, Seattle will probably be leery of bringing in a corner infielder from the Dodgers.
But if Loney is on the blocks as reports indicate, going after him would be a good move.
They got almost no production out of the first base position in 2010, and that's one of the main reasons they hit a league worst 101 home runs.
Loney won't add that many home runs to the position: maybe 20 in 2010 if he's lucky. But he does have power and will keep the average over .300. Furthermore, his 2011 salary isn't going to be outrageous, so perhaps they can add another big bat in the free agency market.
No. 10: Chicago White Sox
21 of 30
Move: Re-sign Bobby Jenks
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Good
The club has not closed all the doors on bringing Jenks back, so there is still a chance, albeit pretty slim.
Still, it would be a wise move for them to try. Unless they are in the market for Rafael Soriano, they really cannot afford to part with Jenks.
He is their second all-time leader in saves, and at age 29, he's too young to think that his career is on the downside, just because he did not pitch well in 2010.
There might be a lot of changes to this club, so consistency at the close spot cannot be a bad thing.
No. 9: Detroit Tigers
22 of 30
Move: Re-sign Magglio Ordonez
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Good
As MLB.com's Jason Beck wrote, the Tigers would be wise to try and bring back Magglio Ordonez in 2011.
His leadership will be one factor. And because the club missed out on signing Jayson Werth, one of their top targets, they might have no choice.
Ordonez is 37 and coming off another down season. But he cannot ask for a long term deal, and the Tigers should not have to pay him anywhere near the price of his last contract.
No. 8: Philadelphia Phillies
23 of 30
Move: Sign Jeff Francoeur
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Good
It's hard to believe that Francouer, who is only 26 years old, just finished up his sixth season with his third major league team.
And although his career has taken a well-publicized down turn since 2008, there is no reason to believe he cannot resurrect his career. He is supremely talented and might just need to play his way out of his slump.
Charlie Manuel and Philadelphia might be a great place for that. He won't need to produce right away, and there will be less pressure on him given the other big bats in that lineup. And with dozens of chances to play against two of the teams that gave up on him (the Mets and Braves), he will have plenty of motivation.
No. 7: Minnesota Twins
24 of 30
Move: Sign Rafael Soriano
Possibility: 10 percent
Impact: Huge
It's a longshot, but if the Twins can go out and add a closer like Soriano, they would have to be considered the front runner to repeat as AL Central champions in 2011.
Joe Nathan is coming off of Tommy John surgery, and that is no guarantee. Furthermore, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch, and Brian Fuentes could all leave via free agency: the club denied arbitration to the last three.
Having Soriano as the closer, while working Nathan back into the mix could make for an outstanding bullpen in the second half of the season.
No. 6: Cincinnati Reds
25 of 30
Move: Extend Joey Votto
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Huge
The club may be optimistic about locking up their MVP long term, and Votto may have (allegedly) told Dusty Baker that he wants to sign an extension. But that doesn't mean very much without his signature on the dotted line.
The Reds may have been a one-year fluke, and they may turn out to be a perennial contender in the NL Central. But either way, they have to bring Votto back.
And with Albert Pujols a free agent next offseason, they may want to lock him up before the Cardinals go shopping for a first baseman and/or the price of someone like Votto goes up dramatically.
No. 5: Los Angeles Angels
26 of 30
Move: Sign Adrian Beltre
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Huge
Any team who signs Adrian Beltre will be thinking about his failure in Seattle, following a great season in 2004. But that cannot be on the minds of the Angels.
The club was so disappointing in 2010 that they have to make a big free agent splash this offseason. And, surprisingly enough, Beltre might be the cheapest option. There is interest in Rafael Soriano and Carl Crawford, but those long term contracts would make the Angels payroll New York Yankee-like.
Maybe they can get away with giving Beltre more money in a smaller deal and not be stuck with him for more than five seasons.
Most importantly, however, the Angels have to get more production out of the hot corner: Brandon Wood and Alberto Callaspo did not give them enough.
No. 4: Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Move: Keep Jason Bartlett
Possibility: 25 percent
Impact: Huge
Aren't the Rays set to lose enough already? Rafael Soriano, Carl Crawford, and Carlos Pena probably won't be back next year. Why would they move their shortstop too?
The market isn't great for short stops right now: since the Giants acquired Miguel Tejada and the Yankees re-signed Derek Jeter, no team out there is desperate for a shortstop.
And if the Rays are really only looking for a "late inning reliever" in return, than why even bother moving him? He could rebound with another good season in 2011.
But more than anything, the Rays have to do something to show their fans they aren't throwing in the towel, which it would seem if another starter leaves town this offseason.
No. 3: Boston Red Sox
28 of 30
Move: Trade for Russell Martin
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Huge
Adrian Gonzalez certainly adds another huge piece to the Red Sox puzzle. And he should flourish in Fenway Park, assuming his shoulder heals.
Still, the question at catcher is not solved by the Gonzo trade. Jarrod Saltalamacchia could turn out to be a very good catcher for them, and a nice replacement for Victor Martinez. And sure, Jason Varitek could remain healthy in 2011.
But those aren't the types of risks the Red Sox can gamble on considering the possible huge addition to the Yankees in 2011.
Martin might not be an elite catcher, but he's fairly young, has shown he can handle a solid staff, and will contribute at the plate when healthy.
No. 2: Texas Rangers
29 of 30
Move: Trade for Zack Greinke
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Enormous
The best fit for the 2009 AL Cy Young winner might be taking over for the 2008 AL Cy Young award winner, Cliff Lee.
Should Lee bolt out of Arlington for either Washington, Los Angeles, New York, or wherever else, the Rangers are going to have to fill that spot.
Colby Lewis and C.J. Wilson are good, but they are not enough to anchor the staff and lead the Rangers to a second consecutive AL West title. And if they do end up losing Vlad Guererro, they will have lost two of their top players during the stretch run of their pennant winning season.
The Rangers have the prospects to barter with the Royals, and Arlington shouldn't be too much of a burden on Greinke and his social anxieties.
It's a great fit all around and will keep the Rangers as a viable playoff team.
No. 1: New York Yankees
30 of 30
Move: Sign Cliff Lee
Possibility: 50 percent
Impact: Enormous
Now that the Yankees have locked up their two biggest needs (Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera), they can afford to turn their attention to the league's biggest luxury.
The Yankees are reportedly about to sit down with Lee and his agent, which means an offer is probably pending. At this stage, if Lee hasn't already made up his mind to return to Texas, he might never do so.
And the Yankees might want to go after Carl Crawford to enhance their less than elite core of outfielders. But Lee does give them an arm that will be a major factor in the pennant race.
Is it too simplistic to think that the lefty Lee automatically cancels out the Red Sox acquisition of left handed bat of Adrian Gonzalez? Probably. Still, it's an enormous addition to the Yankees and gives them the two best lefthanders in the game.
