Let's Make A Deal

As the halfway mark has passed on the 2011 MLB season, the All-Star break is fast approaching. This means that the trade deadline is fast approaching as well, and there are a few teams who may want to give in, and trade away some valuable players.

The Dodgers season has been a train wreck thus far, but surprisingly they have

had some players who have performed at a very high level. I believe that with the bankruptcy crisis that the Dodgers are going through, they may have to trade away some of their young talent. Clayton Kershaw, Andre Eithier, and Matt Kemp have all had great seasons, but look for one of them to be traded away. I don't see the Dodgers dealing Kershaw because pitching is too important in this league, and he is young and has room to grow. I would expect to see either Matt Kemp or Andre Eithier traded before the July 31st trade deadline.

Another team in the NL West who may be looking to deal is the San Diego Padres. The Padres are currently 9 games back of the San Francisco Giants, and it doesn't look like they are going to be able to make a push for a playoff spot. San Diego does not have as many appealing players as the Dodgers but they do have a closer who many teams are after, Heath Bell. Bell was recently named an All-Star, and is one of baseball's best closers. Getting the save 25 times in 26 opportunities this season.

The New York Mets have been the center of trade rumors almost all season. I strongly believe that they will not trade Jose Reyes. Reyes has had too good of a year to be traded, he leads the league in hits, batting average, Reyes is also 9th in on base percentage. A player who could be traded is Carlos Beltran, Beltran is 34 years old but still has some power and hits for a good average. However the Mets are currently at .500 so they may think that they can contend, and may be unwilling to make a deal.

Some other players who could be traded include: Michael Cuddyer(MIN),

Hanley Ramirez(FLA), Vladimir Guerrero(BAL), Josh Willingham(OAK), JJ Hardy(BAL), John Lackey(BOS), Francisco Rodriguez(NYM), Hiroki Kuroda(LAD), and Matt Capps(MIN)

Written on July 5th