As we’ve discussed in previous posts, the MLB Trade Deadline (July 31st) brings plenty of excitement, but plenty of anxiety as well. Owners of Matt Holliday were ecstatic to see the slugger go from the nightmare that is Oakland to much greener pastures in St. Louis, but what about owners of Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus. Suddenly, Rasmus’ latest injury notwithstanding, both players are now locked into a platoon battle for center field, and there is no question that one will eventually come out ahead of the other. And what about those fantasy baseballers that were getting by with Travis Ishikawa as their first baseman? Sure, he hasn’t been anything special, but now he goes to the fantasy irrelevant with Ryan Garko in town. There are fantasy GMs (myself included) that are agonzing over stuff like this, and it’s not going to get any easier. Here are are few more that fantasy GMs are sweating…
Roy Halladay to the Rangers? Oh please don’t let this happen. I can deal with a trade to Philly because even with the bandbox known as Citizen’s Bank Ballpark, a move to the NL will be huge for his value. But to Texas? Ugh! He stays in the AL and then goes to an even more horiffic park. Not good.
Orlando Cabrera to the Twins? A move from Oaktown will certainly benefit him, but what does that do to the guy who’s been getting by on Nick Punto? No doubt Punto moves into a reserve role, but worse is that he’ll steal time away from Alexei Casilla and Brendan Harris.
Heath Bell to the Yankees? Despite the move to a better club, it’s an immediate downgrade as Bell goes from elite NL closer to regular old set-up guy in New York. Hell, it doesn’t have to even be the Big Apple. If he goes anywhere and doesn’t get the 9th inning job, then he’s got very little use to you.
Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee to the Dodgers? While it may sound nice for NL-only leaguers, AL-only leaguers are cringing. Not to mention owners of James Loney who could end up in Cleveland in the deal. V-Mart’s power will definitely be tested in pitcher friendly Chavez Ravine and Loney owners could see a massive decrease in PT, especially if the Tribe really wants to give Matt LaPorta another look at first.
Freddy Sanchez to the Giants? OK, so here’s one you don’t have to sweat. Sanchez isn’t a power guy, so a move to AT&T Park won’t be so bad. He’ll also likely continue his high average hitting as the outfield makes the one in Pittsburgh look like a little league field.
Jack Wilson to the Red Sox? Well, if you were hoping to see Jed Lowrie come back, you could be in for it this time. Bad enough that Nick Green is still getting most of the time, but Wilson would certainly take over as the primary guy in Beantown.
George Sherrill to the Cubs? Troublesome if you own either Sherrill or Kevin Gregg. The Cubs will likely keep Gregg in the closer’s spot until Sherrill gets a little more NL experience, but after that, who knows? Sherrill’s value will take a hit if he goes to set-up duty and vice versa for Gregg. Carlos Marmol continues to work the 8th though.
There’s plenty more to start sweating through, but we’ll leave it alone for now. No sense in getting you worked up just on rumors alone. Keep your eyes open though, because deals are happening all over the place and we should see an even bigger frenzy over the next 3 days. You’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for whatever gets thrown your way.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!!!
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