Pitchers and catchers are just a few days away from reporting to spring training. For these All Stars, this may very well be their last camp with their current team.
Adrian Gonzalez The Padres are headed nowhere fast. All Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez may certainly be on the move. He’s owed just $10.25 million over the next two seasons. Easily one of the best bargains in the game. Trading Gonzalez will be rookie GM Jed Hoyer’s first significant opportunity to put his stamp on the franchise. San Diego is need of impact players up the middle: starting pitching, middle infield and center field. The Red Sox were rumored to the be the front-runners to land A-Gone (Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz for starters) until they signed Adrian Beltre, which forced Kevin Youkilis to first base. The White Sox, Marlins and Athletics can each offer the Padres a package of prospects who are close to big league ready.
Brandon Webb The Arizona farm system is thin. Brandon Allen and Jarrod Parker are on the way. That’s about it though. On paper, if Brandon Webb is healthy, this club can compete in 2010. Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes will have a tough decision to make come July. If Arizona is on the fringe of the playoff race, do they still trade Webb for a bundle of prospects? The answer is yes. It’s more realistic that the D-Backs will be true contenders in 2011. Dan Haren, who’s signed through 2013, has proven he can be the ace of the staff. Trading Webb, who’s likely to leave via free-agency, is the best chance they have to add some young talent. The Dodgers, Rockies, Mets, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Twins and Rangers may all come knocking around the All Star break.
Adam Dunn Washington wants to extend Adam Dunn‘s current contract. He’s eligible to be a free-agent at the end of 2010. But as Dunn puts it, talks are currently at “stage zero”. If the club doesn’t have a new deal in place for Dunn by June, the phone will start to ring with some tempting offers. Dunn won’t command the type of prospects that Adrian Gonzalez will. He’d still net Washington one or two high-end prospects. The Mariners, White Sox, Marlins and Giants comprise a short list of potential suitors.
Carl Crawford Consider Crawford a goner after 2010 via free-agency. The Yankees are gearing up to make him their next big splash. Perhaps the Rays can expedite the process by shipping Crawford to the Bronx for a package centered around catcher Jesus Montero. Tampa figures to be in the playoff chase come July, so this won’t be an easy decision for GM Andrew Friedman. Other clubs sure to be interested include the Red Sox, Tigers, Cubs and Mets.
Ben Sheets Big Ben better not get too comfortable in Oakland. The Athletics are a long-shot to win the AL West. Billy Beane would gladly exchange Ben Sheets for two or three top prospects. The Texas Rangers have attempted to sign Sheets two off-seasons in a row. Would they pay Beane’s ransom if the AL West title is on the line? The Yankees and Red Sox may also be a part of any trade talk for Sheets. Other possible destinations include Joe Torre’s Dodgers as well as the Rockies, Cubs, Marlins and Twins. Stay tuned to see how this plays out.
Dan Uggla The Marlins have unsuccessfully tried to trade Uggla for some time now. He’s certainly no Roberto Alomar with the glove, but the man can hit. The funny thing is the Marlins are ready to compete in 2010. So why trade Uggla now? Let’s say Florida can land a top prospect or two in exchange for their second baseman. The Marlins would then have some extra ammo to land a true middle of the order bat like Adrian Gonzalez, or a top of the rotation starter to pair with Josh Johnson. Some teams may view Uggla as a viable option at first or third base as well. The Cardinals quickly come to mind as a potential suitor. The Cubs, Dodgers, Braves, Angels, Tigers and Mariners could also be interested.
Kerry Wood At just 32 years old, Wood should have a few more years left in the tank. Although 2009 was a huge disappointment for him, he’s a good candidate to bounce back since 2010 is a walk year. With free-agency pending, Cleveland will look to deal Wood by the All Star break. Brad Lidge is on a short leash in Philly. The Cardinals (Ryan Franklin), Mariners (David Aardsma) and Cubs (Carlos Marmol) all have young closers with a short track record of success. If any of the aforementioned falter, Wood can serve as a replacement.
Carlos Lee The Astros have been mired in mediocrity for four years running. They owe slugger Carlos Lee $18.5 million per season through 2012. This summer will be a good time for Houston to get out from under this contract. Lee possesses a no-trade clause through the end of this season. If he’s willing to waive it, there should be a bonafide playoff contender, or two, willing to bring him aboard. It won’t take much by way of prospects to pry him loose. Any club willing to pay the remainder of his contract can have him at the cost of just one top prospect. Lee would fit real nice in the middle of the Giants batting order. The Tigers and Rangers may also be a match here.
Miguel Tejada Don’t expect this reunion in Baltimore to last long. While Tejada gets used to his new position at third base, the Orioles will look to deal him by the deadline. The Birds won’t be contenders in 2010. Tejada can fetch them a prospect or two that can play a role once the O’s young arms are ready for the big stage. Teams that should be in on Tejada include the Cardinals, Marlins, Angels, and Twins.
Russell Martin His power numbers have been in a steady decline since his breakout season in 2007 (.293/.374/.469, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 21 SB). Now is an excellent time for Los Angeles to find a club willing to overpay for Martin’s grit and defense. The Dodgers need pitching. The Brewers and Mets need a backstop. Manny Parra or Mike Pelfrey could be the cornerstones of a deal that pluck Martin from Hollywood.

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