National League West, Buy or Sell as Trade Deadline Approaches
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is quickly approaching and teams are trying to decide to buy, sell or remain the same. In the National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers have skyrocketed to the top having gone 22-5 over their past 27 games played.
Nevertheless, they only lead the Arizona Diamondbacks by a half game. The difference between first and last in the division is just eight games and the Dodgers know from experience that eight games can be overcome in a relatively quick fashion.
That means each team in the division has a decision to make before the middle of next week when the trade deadline arrives.
The first place Dodgers remain in a buy mode even though they have spent millions over the last season. Los Angeles could use help in the bullpen, another starter (they already picked up Ricky Nolasco) and possibly a starting second baseman. The team’s new owners seem to have an unlimited amount of cash on hand.
Arizona knows if they do not want the Dodgers to just fly by them, they must add to their current roster. The second place Diamondbacks need pitching due to poor performances and injuries, both starters and relievers. Names like Jeff Samardzija and Yovani Gallardo have been tossed around.
The Colorado Rockies started the season off strong, but have now come back to the pack and are sitting in third place five games behind the Dodgers.
Surprisingly the Rockies pitchers have done well this season, as has the heart of their batting order, if they can keep Troy Tulowitzki healthy.
However, they have gone 21-33 over their past 54 games played and could use a few more bats in the lineup, a starter and reliever.
The San Francisco Giants have taken a huge turn for the worse. Just last October the team was celebrating their World Series victory and now are trying to just stay close and add some talent to their roster. The Giants have three pitchers Barry Zito, Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum who will all be free agents after the season.
Adding a starter, such as Bud Norris to this nucleus could be the answer the team is looking for. With Matt Cain not having the season he had last year, the Giants have only Madison Bumgarner who has pitched consistent the entire season.
The San Diego Padres were able to reach the .500 mark early in the season for just the first time on over two years. However, since that time they have lost 22 of 33 games and sit 8 games behind the Dodgers.
The Padres, to help for the future, should look to sell. The Padres offense is strong and young with Jedd Gyorko, Chase Headley and Yonder Alonso and Kyle Blanks.
However, the pitching staff needs a great deal of help. The Padres are headed in the right direction but there is still much to be done.
Moving out some veterans for youngsters that will help the future should be the Padres plan before the deadline.
