After Years of Low-Impact Swaps, Trade Deadline Could Be a Big Deal
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Every contender seems to need starting pitching at every trade deadline, but for all the rumors of blockbuster deals the past few summers, the trade deadline has been little more than one big tease after another. Arguably, the starting pitcher acquisitions with the biggest impacts at the last three trade deadlines have been Shawn Chacon (Yankees, 2005), Oliver Pérez (Mets, 2006) and Kyle Lohse (Phillies, 2007).
Still, the circumstances of this season -- needy contenders, big-payroll disasters and aces on the verge of free agency -- have made this year's trade climate particularly conducive to big-name pitchers changing teams. Among the contenders looking to add a piece are the Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Brewers, Red Sox, Cardinals and Phillies.
And among the pitchers who appear to be available are these enticing names:
C.C. SABATHIA: The notion of the Indians trading their ace left-hander has gone from unthinkable to nearly unavoidable, after a rash of injuries (Jake Westbrook, Travis Hafner, Victor Martínez) decimated the Tribe. This would be a pure rental -- Sabathia appears determined to try his luck at free agency this winter -- and the price will be steep, but someone (our guess is the Cubs) will be desperate enough to pay it.
ERIK BEDARD: With the Mariners in the process of blowing up their $117 million disaster of a team, they appear willing to cut their losses with Bedard, the talented lefty for whom recently ousted GM Bill Bavasi gave up five solid players this winter. The M's never will get that much in return, but they could get back a decent chunk of what they lost.
A.J. BURNETT: He has an opt-out clause in his contract after this season, and the Blue Jays appear inclined to deal him before he can exercise it. The downside: He has made 30-plus starts only once in his career, and he's carrying a 5.42 ERA this year.
RICH HARDEN: Will anyone take a chance on Oakland's supremely talented but often injured would-be ace? Or more to the point: Will anyone give Billy Beane what a healthy Harden ought to be worth?
GREG MADDUX: The 350-game winner has a full no-trade clause and prefers to stay on the West Coast, but the tantalizing question is whether he would waive the no-trade clause to go back to one of his former teams -- the Cubs or (if they haven't given up yet) Braves.
OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Bronson Arroyo (Reds), Tim Redding (Nationals), Ben Sheets (Brewers), Randy Wolf (Padres).
-- Dave Sheinin
