Toronto started the season red hot, having the best record in the league for a couple of sims. Although they have cooled slightly, they’re a threat. Looking at their roster, there are a couple of places that they would benefit to upgrade, most notably the bullpen. Of every contender, they would benefit most from a top reliever. That being said, their biggest need in this esteemed writer’s mind is… Need: Cap Space Credit where credit is...
Arizona spent the offseason selling off some pieces and have gone through this season so far not missing a beat. Although their division lead has shrunk, they’re still in first and squarely a team to beat. The pitching staff, like usual, has worked its voodoo magic and is one of the best in the league, despite moving on from guys like Myers and Sebra. Offense on the other hand… Need: Center Fielder The revolving door that has been center...
This writer is curious to see whether the Rangers see themselves as a buyer or a seller (or both), but at .500 with good veteran pitchers and Carlos Delgado and Chipper Jones leading the offense, it would be unwise to rule them out. Need: Designated Hitter John Kruk is a fun player. John Kruk has had a good career. John Kruk should no longer be playing regularly. Kruk is worth -1.2 WAR this season, making him one of the worst regulars in the...
A series through July looking at needs of contenders The Seattle Pilots started their season slowly, only showing a .500 record after the month of May. Thanks to a strong June, they find themselves 1 game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks. Need: Middle Infield The middle of their infield, Aaron Ledesma and Scott Fletcher, have combined for -0.4 WAR, while the rest of their offense is ranked in the top third of nearly every major category....
The trade deadline may still be weeks away, but the first true blockbuster of the summer has already landed. The St. Louis Cardinals sent shockwaves through the league by shipping out Matt Williams and Doug Glanville to the Florida Marlins in exchange for Jay Bell, Steve Finley, and $71,570 in salary relief. The Deal in Detail St. Louis Cardinals send: 3B Matt Williams (ML) CF Doug Glanville (ML) Florida Marlins send: SS Jay Bell (ML) CF Steve...
Earlier this year, we chronicled the Toronto Blue Jays' wild two-step—first trading away Carlos Delgado for a pair of first-round picks, then using those picks to pry Derek Jeter from the New York Yankees. We all remember the outrage. The confusion. The spreadsheets. And yes—Jeter isn’t Delgado. He’s not going to lead the league in home runs or RBIs. But here we are in early July and Derek Jeter is batting .299 with a .362 OBP and a...