Bryan Albin’s MLB Trade Deadline Analysis

With the trade deadline less than a week away the rumor mill has been spinning out of control and some deals have even been made. When it comes down to it, contenders for playoff spots are desperately seeking the one additional piece that might take them from being a divisional winner to a World Series contender. Before I discuss possible moves over the next few days, allow me to recap what has already happened this week.

DAN HAREN TO THE ANGELS

The Angels were able to pull off a deal that sent 4 players ( the centerpiece being Joe Saunders ) to the Diamondbacks in exchange for hard-throwing righty Dan Haren. While some people think this is a sign that the Angels are still trying to make a run at the AL West title, I see this more as a trade that simply improves the team for a while. Haren is under contract for tow more years if the Angels pick up his club option, and he has proven to be a strong starting pitcher. The Rangers are already 7 games up on the Angels and the Cliff Lee is a much better addition than Dan Haren, so while I think this was a good move for the Angels, I do not think it will put them back in playoff contention. This move was the first major move of this week, but others may soon follow, including:

EXTENSION OR TRADE FOR ADAM DUNN?

Nationals slugger Adam Dunn has been drawing a good deal of interest from many AL contenders, including the White Sox, Yankees and Tigers. However, a trade may not happen if the Nationals and Dunn can agree to a contract extension. Currently it appears an extension is Dunn’s first choice, but if the Nationals are unwilling to commit to him for 4 years or more, it is believed that Dunn will be traded. The question would then become, which team can snag him. The White Sox appear to be most eager for Dunn’s services because they need another power bat in their lineup, but if you ask me, the best fit for Dunn outside of Washington is with the Yankees. He always has a high OBP and the short porch in right would be to Adam Dunn what Madison Square Garden was to Reggie Miller: automatic fireworks. There would be little pressure for Dunn to produce in the loaded Yankees lineup, so he would be able to relax right away, settle into the new stadium and be on a contending team for the first time in his career.

WILL ANYONE CLAIM ROY OSWALT

Oswalt has apparently been on the trading block since May, but he still is an Astro. At this point in time I am not sure that he will be dealt. He is asking for his 2012 club option worth $16 million to be guaranteed by any team that trades for him and that is a large asking price for a guy who turns 33 next month, and who’s ERA is 3.42 (his best since 2007). It doesn’t appear at this time he is worth $32 million for the next two years, because at this point in his career he is more of a N0. 2 starter than an ace.

All and all, rumors will fly around until the deadline hits on July 31st, but if you had to ask me, do not expect the Yankees to be quiet over these next 5 days. Whether it’s Adam Dunn or someone else, expect them to try and make a move. The question is will teams like the White Sox do enough to be able to compete with the Yankees in October?