As we approach the trade deadline at the end of this week, the league waits with bated breath to see what deals will be made. Or perhaps the better question right now is: will any deals of consequence be made at all? So far, the marketplace has largely been filled with the same message repeated over and over again — teams looking to move players in exchange for draft picks. There is nothing wrong with that approach, of course. Sellers exist...
The March 13 trade deadline is approaching fast, and across the DBL the usual cast of characters is settling into their roles. You’ve got the “one piece away” contenders, who have finished 6th three years in a row but are convinced this is the season they should trade another first-round pick. Then there’s the pick hoarders, clutching their future selections like they’re family heirlooms that absolutely cannot be touched...
Every offseason, teams talk about “building through the draft.” It’s a wonderful idea in theory. Of course, the first step in building through the draft is actually owning a draft pick. And judging by the current landscape, several teams around the league appear to have skipped that part. With picks flying around in trades over the last few seasons, the first-round board now looks a little… redistributed. Some teams are holding...
The New York Yankees trade C Mike Lieberthal and P Andy Ashby to the San Diego Padres for a 1997 1st-round pick (via Milwaukee), P Mark Langston, OF Darryl Hamilton, and P Rich Loiselle. On the surface, this trade makes perfect sense. Bad team trades good player for a 1st-round pick.Aggressive team trades future assets for present talent while clearing salary. Baseball economics 101. And yet… this is the first deal in this entire series where...
Much like the United League, the Federal League race is tightening. With several clubs jockeying for position — and Charlotte forcing its way into relevance — here’s a closer look at each contender’s pressure points and potential solutions. Florida Marlins The Marlins sit atop the Federal League, clinging to a half-game lead over Kansas City. As expected, the pitching staff is elite — top of the league in ERA for both the rotation and...
As the calendar flips deeper into July, the United League playoff picture is tightening. For clubs at .500 or better, the conversation shifts from survival to optimization. Here’s a breakdown of each contender’s biggest needs and realistic trade targets. Montreal Expos The Expos are about as complete a roster as you could construct. They sit top-three in most major pitching and hitting categories, and their 5–2 July has them ping-ponging...
First of all, let me state for the record: I do not engage in grade inflation. I simply reward competence. And thankfully for my credibility, this trade makes that very easy. Chicago Cubs trade SP Eric King, SP Randy Tomlin, and RP Frank DiPino (plus 80% of their salaries) to the Orlando Devil Rays for a 1999 1st-round pick, SP Dave Fleming, SP Angel Miranda, and RP Antonio Osuna. Blockbuster. Let’s clap it up for the Orlando Devil Rays. They...
Chicago Cubs trade 3B Vinny Castilla (plus cash this year and next) to the San Diego Padres for a 1999 2nd-round pick, a 1998 5th-round pick, and INF Jeff Frye. Let’s not ignore the comedy here. A couple months ago, Chicago acquired Castilla for: A 1997 2nd-round pick Marvin Benard Brian Rose And now? They flip him for: A 1999 2nd-round pick A 1998 5th-round pick Jeff Frye That’s not a rebuild. That’s a receipt. Chicago’s Side:...