Trade Deadline Decisions for the NL Central
With the trade deadline just six days away, teams in the National League Central are scrambling trying to decide whether to trade for a run at the playoffs, trade for the future or stay with what they have on their roster.
The St. Louis Cardinals own the best record in baseball and it is no surprise that with healthy pitchers, the staff is one of baseball’s best.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals can be very particular in whom they choose, if they decide to add to their roster.
They are already strong top to bottom on both offense and defense but any team could use another starting pitcher, but it is not a necessity for them and adding one would just be an insurance policy.
The Pittsburgh Pirates sit in second place and they should be getting their checkbook out to start buying. First, the Pirates need to shore up their middle infield due to injury and their pitching staff.
The starting rotation is strong, but could always use help, but even prior to Jason Grilli being injured, the bullpen lacked depth. Grilli and fellow reliever Mark Melancon were being overworked earlier in the season and with the injury to Grilli it highlights the need for a late inning reliever.
The Cincinnati Reds are in third in the NL Central, should and probably will hold onto what they already have on the roster.
Three of their top players, including Johnny Cueto will be back from nagging injuries and that is saying something for a team that has been able to remain in the playoff hunt.
However, if they felt they needed to beef up in an area or two it would be pitching or another leftfielder.
The Chicago Cubs have already parted ways with Matt Garza, Scott Hairston and Scott Feldman so the floodgates could open.
Chicago has a strong farm system, but those players are a season or two away, so Cubs fans could be sitting through yet another hot summer of more sell offs and more losses nest year.
The most likely players to be dealt over the next six days are Alfonso Soriano, Dave DeJesus, Kevin Gregg, Nate Schierholtz and James Russell.
The Milwaukee Brewers should and probably will start selling players. The Brewers have a strong nucleus of players to build on, such as Rickie Weeks, Jonathan Lucroy, Jean Segura, Corye Hart, Norichika Aoki and Carlos Gomez.
They could all help make up a strong club for next season if the team can sort out its pitching woes and avoid season ending injuries.
Players like Kyle Lohse and Aramis Ramirez, even though he is injured are possible players that could be traded.
