Buyers and Sellers at the Trade Deadline

NL West- The San Diego Padres are in last place and should be sellers, but they do not want to part with Adrian Gonzales. Jake Peavy just got out a protective boot, so he will not be healthy by the playoffs. The Giants are currently 0.5GB of the Wild Card, but they desperately need to buy a bat to back up their strong pitching staff. The Rockies have the Wild Card lead. The Rockies may still want to buy to improve the team and try to win the NL. The Dodgers lead the MLB. They should consider trading to add relief to their pitching staff because their relievers have thrown more innings than any other team.

NL Central- Pittsburgh needs to sell their best players if possible because the team is last place as usual. The Reds are 6.5 GB of Wild Card lead, which means they still have a chance to make the playoffs. They may want to trade for a RH bat. The Astros have a decent record, but there have been no indications of being buyers or sellers this trade deadline. The Brewers are 3GB and are looking to acquire pitching, but they do not need an ace. The Cubs would like to buy, but they do not have many assets or the money to acquire a good player. St. Louis leads the division and may be contenders for the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. Additional pitching would help their chances to win in the playoffs.

NL East- The Nationals are on pace to lose 116 games, so they should consider another coaching change as opposed to making a trade. The Mets have many big name players so they should try to unload some of those expensive contracts. The Braves are 6.5GB. They can be buyers or sellers and it most likely would not hurt the team. The Florida Marlins are 7GB and may want to add a player to compete for the division title. The Phillies have the bats, but the pitching can be sketchy. An additional arm to support Cole Hamels would do wonders.

AL West- The Oakland A's are sellers. Matt Holliday should be at the top of the trading block because he is in the last year of his contract and he is a good RH batter who can help any ballclub. The Seattle Mariners are 4GB and should look for a trade to improve their team for the 2nd half. The Rangers are 2.5GB of the Angels, but need help with pitching and offense. Texas does not have extra cash to spend so I do not anticipate them trying to trade. The LA Angels are playing well. In addition to getting healthy, the Angels may want to add pitching help.

AL Central- The Indians are terrible. Bentancourt will most likely go to the highest bidder. Additional players may also be traded. The Royals are out of the playoff race, but rumors state that KC is unwilling to trade Zach Greinke. Other players like Teahen may be on the trading block. The Twins are playing .500 ball, but are unlikely to make any big moves at the trade deadline. The White Sox and Tigers are close in record and both teams are buyers right now.

AL East- The Baltimore Orioles are out of contention and may consider trading closing pitcher George Sherrill to a contender in exchange for promising prospects. The Blue Jays are interested in making a trade at the trade deadline, but refuse to trade stars like Halladay or Rolen without receiving equal or greater value in return. Tampa Bay is 4.5GB of Red Sox. Another starting pitcher may help, but the Rays are a young team who can use their energy to make a 2nd half run. The Yankees and Red Sox are currently tied atop the AL East. Both teams should be looking to buy at the trade deadline. The Yankees have plenty of offense, but struggle with pitching. The Red Sox have good pitching, but have struggled offensively this season.