With the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline ending today, Here are some key players that need to be noticed while still on the deadline:
Heath Bell, P (Padres)- With so much hype going into the final week of the deadline, Heath Bell was “the” man to be watching, but yet, on the final day with few hours left, he still has not been traded.
Expect teams such as the Yankees (Just joined in the talks on this day) Rangers, Cardinals, and the Phillies to be in serious trade talks over Bell.
B.J. Upton, OF (Rays)- Another big hype player, Upton has struggled this year with Tampa Bay. Most specifically, his offense where he sports a poor average (.226) but his power and speed makes up for it (16 HR, 54 RBI, 23 SB).
The main team after B.J. Upton right now would be the Braves, who are highly in need of an OF, even after the trade to acquire Michael Bourn from the Astros.
Denard Span, OF (Twins)- Denard Span is a fast, contact outfielder. With the Twins overflowing with OF’s, they can shop a lot of them.
Expect a team such as the Nationals to go after Span. The Nationals have relievers, which is exactly what the Twins are looking for. There is even a chance the Nationals trade their top closing pitcher Drew Storen and others for Span in the end.
Ian Desmond, SS (Nationals)- Ian Desmond has been the center of attention at some points in Washington the past two years, with such stellar defense through 2011 so far, many teams would be shopping to grab him.
Problems with Desmond include a low HR and average count (3 HR, .225 BA), so he’s not much of a hitter. SS Stephen Lombardozzi down in Triple A for the Nationals has been hitting .325, so this can be a big improvement for the Nationals team in general.
Jason Vargas, SP (Mariners)- He has put up great numbers the past two years being with Seattle (near 3.80 ERA, over 100 K per year so far with Seattle) and some feel they could take a chance with Vargas.
Expect teams that are seriously in need of some pitching (Red Sox, Etc.) to consider Vargas, but with Doug Fister being traded to Seattle, the Mariners might not be willing to give up Vargas in the first place.
Those are some of the notable players left in limbo on the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline. Who will really leave, and who will most likely stay will be determined very soon.
