Diamond Gems: Buyers and sellers

By Jim Sandoval, Madison Record
(Updated: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:01 PM CDT)

HUNTSVILLE - Baseball’s trade deadline is July 31 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Up to that point trades can be made directly between two teams, without first obtaining waivers. The waiver process means that in reverse order of the standing teams can put in a claim for a player who has been placed on waivers and for a small amount of money (by major league standards) acquire the player’s contract. If a player makes it through all of the teams without being claimed they then can be traded to another club. Most major trades are made before waivers are necessary.

Contending teams try to find the missing pieces that will lead them to the pennant. Teams that are out of contention try to leverage their tradeable players for young players who can help the team improve in the next few seasons. The toughest situation is for the clubs that are borderline contenders. They must make the decision; are they buyers to make a run at the pennant or sellers to build a better team for next year.

It can be like a chess match, with clubs reacting to the moves other clubs make. Sometimes a team will pick up a player, even though they may not have a need for him just to keep another team from acquiring him.

Some big trades have already gone through including the Brewers acquiring C. C. Sabathia and Ray Durham. The Oakland A’s have traded away two good starting pitchers, Rich Harden and Joe Blanton. Since last winter the A’s have made five trades in which they acquired 17 prospects, some of whom like former Huntsville Star Dana Eveland are already in the majors. The last place Washington Nationals traded their closer Jon Rauch to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

An example of a team on the fence is the Cincinnati Reds. Contending teams have some interest in their bullpen pitchers. Many rumors claim the Reds will be ready, willing and able to trade sluggers Adam Dunn and/or Ken Griffey, Jr. in the right deals.

The time just before the trade deadline keeps major league organizations in a frantic mode, those who cover baseball in a frenzy and is a exciting time for the serious fan.

Jim Sandoval can be reached at casandman@aol.com

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