Climbing the Ladder with the American League 7/27/08

Trades, Trades, Trades plus more in this weeks Climbing the Ladder with the American League.

The Tampa Bay Rays finish another week in first place.  Rays rookie Evan Longorialeads all rookies with 19 home runs and only 2 American League rookies have had as many home runs at this point in the season in the last 20 years.  Longoria looks to be the clear choice for AL Rookie of the Year.

The Boston Red Sox got slugger David Ortizback this weekend and despite losing their first two games of a three game series against the Yankees will look to take the final game of the series tonight.  Manny Ramirezmissed the first two game of the series with an apparent knee injury but many in the Boston area seem to think that Ramirez is trying to play out of the two $20 Million options the Red Sox hold on him.  If Ramirez were allowed to become a free agent at the end of the season, the likelyhood of him receiving a 4 or 5 year deal would greatly increase.  If the Sox were to pick up Manny’s options in 2009 and 2010 he would be 39 years old once he becomes a free agent and it would be tough to receive a long term contract at that age.

The New York Yankees have not lost since the All Star break and have creepd to within 3 games of the American League East leading Tampa Bay Rays.  New York has made moves to ensure their success continues by adding Xavier Nadyand Damaso Marte.  Robinson Canocontinues to have success in the second half hitting in .514 over a span of 8 games.  Cano became just the 4th player to collect at least 18 hits and 10 RBI’s in the teams first 8 games after the break.

Alex Rioshas continued his hot streak, hitting two home runs in yesterdays game.  After a slow start to the season, Rios has made his presence known hitting 4 homeruns in his last 7 games while hitting .344.  It may be too late for Rio’s to rescue the Jay’s season as Toronto is now 8.5 games out of first place in talent rich American League East.

The Baltimore Orioles season has been over for a while but the O’s may be able to greatly improve their team if they trade away some of their talent before Thursdays trade deadline.  The five players Baltimore recieved in the Tejada and Bedard deals have already made quite an impact in their first seasons with the team.

The Chicago White Sox’s have been rumored to be surveying the relief market now that Scott Linebrink’sshoulder is bothering him.  With the Twins playing well it will be that Chicago keep it’s bullpen strong.  Rookie Alexi Ramirezhas been on fire, hitting .400 in his last 16 games and remains among the American League rookie leaders in average, slugging, multi hit games, hits, extra base hits, RBI’s and home runs.

Minnesota has proven that they can hang in the American League Central and will host the division leading Chicago White Sox for four games begining on Monday.  The Twins will have their best chance of the season of taking over first place and will hope their success at home will help them.  Minnesota is 34-19 in the Metrodome while the White Sox are 24-27 on the road.

The Detroit Tigers have won 28 of the teams last 43 games and are in dire need of a strong run of consecutive wins.  With Detroit now just 6.5 games our of first, a decent hot streak could really pull them into contention.  The Tigers have the potential to seperate themselves from the rest of the American League Central if they can just finally put it all together.

The Ceveland Indians have proven to be big time sellers in this years trade market.  After moving CC Sabathiaa few weeks ago, the Indians sent Casey Blaketo the Dodgers. Cleveland will look to their newly aquired talent to help them in ’09 when they can start fresh and put the disappointing 2008 season behind them.

The Royals have been rumored to be working a deal with the Yankees in which Kansas City would move SP Brian Bannisterfor OF Melky Cabrera. According to the site MLBTradeRumors.com, David DeJesuswould move to left, Cabrerra would play center and Mark Tehanwould move back to his natural position of first base.

The Angels have been rumored to be active in the Mark Teixeiratrade market.  The addition of Teixeira would solidify Los Angeles already strong hold on the American League West.  The Angeles have been rumored to have offered Joe Saundersand Casey Kotchmanto Atlanta but couldn’t get the deal done.  Los Angeles’ offense has begun to heat up as of late but the addition of Teixeira would make them even more dangerous.

Oakland has a few more major trade piece left in its arsenal in Justin Duchschererand Huston Street. Street has been drawing the attention of a number of contending teams while the Rockies have inquired about Duchscherer.  The A’s could improve what is  alraedy considered the best farm system in baseball by moving either of these two arms.

The Texas Rangers really need pitching to help that offense get some wins.  Texas is expected to be one of the top bidders in the 2009 CC Sabathiasweepstakes and the Rangers could really use an arm like that.  Texas could move one of their catchers before the trade deadline but if they don’t they will look to the off season to improve their roster.

The Seattle Mariners’ could move a number of different players before Thursday in hopes of making their team better in 2009.  Raul Ibanezhas been rumored to be on the Met’s list of outfielders but his price may be too high.  The Yankees have also inquired about Jarrod Washburnand would be willing to move a mid level prospect for his services.