The Landing Zone

Written by: Zach Hammer, The Reserve Clause

I had a discussion with a "friend" this past weekend about how the MLB Trade Deadline works. Although he is a fan of the game, I have to admit that he has no idea how salaries and contracts work when a player is traded. While I do my best Michael Heisley impression when trying to figure out the NBA salary cap rules ("ARE THERE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU HAVEN'T READ?!?!"), one thing that I do know is how the trade deadline works. Teams want to dump ridiculously bad contracts of players who are both productive and non-productive alike in order to either build for the future or to make a last-ditch run to the World Series. Teams will wager their future (prospects) for guys who will don their team's uniform for a month or two. It is the ultimate gamble, but regardless, it is incredibly important for a team to get it right. 

I want to take some time to look at a couple of players that could find new homes. Unlike some networks (hmm hmm), I am not going to take a flier and recommend 20 possible destinations. That's just a waste of time for everyone. I'm going to give you my best guess, combined with the best fit. 

Carlos Beltran, OF, New York Mets

It's no secret that the Mets are in some financial difficulties. Fred Wilpon was a Madoff investor and has been linked to multiple SEC and Federal Investigations. In danger of losing his team, he is trying to douse the fire by dumping contracts. The most ludicrous contract is that of Beltran. During his tenure in New York, Beltran has been a pariah. Under performing, steroid scandal and constant injuries has killed his reputation. However, for all of his downfalls, he can surely help a contender. Beltran was a former five-tool player in Kansas City before he left for "greener" pastures. He is a plus defender and gives a team a nice middle of the order bat. My prediction is that he moves back to the American League and to a team that could use some additional pop from an outfield position.

My Guess: Beltran is shipped off to the Los Angeles Angels. Bourjos is hurt, Trout is 19, and they need a solid centerfielder to best the surging Rangers.

James Shields, P, Tampa Bay Rays
Shields has been the best pitcher on a team that has extreme depth (both MLB and MiLB). Although I'm not sure that Tampa even wants to deal Shields, they are in no position to make a run for the playoffs. I think that their mindset is to get guys like Hellickson, Niemann and Price comfortable and settled in as the backbone of the Rays' staff. Those guys are the future and Shields isn't part of it. Tampa has been very open about their intention to not want to move Shields, but do I really believe that? Not a chance! Shields will be moved and in return, Tampa will probably add an organization's top pitching prospect.

My Guess: There is no contending team in baseball that needs to reaffirm their rotation more than the Detroit Tigers. Shield won't come cheap, but one thing that Detroit does have is pitching prospects. Expect them to deal Casey Crosby - a lefty who can flat-out bring it. It will take more than Crosby for Tampa to bite. I expect them to move an MLB-ready player.

Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs
Surprise, surprise. The Cubs are going to be preparing for next year. The Cubs needs are immense. They do have prospects, but most of them are so low in the organization that they can afford to wait - maybe even for another hundred years. In the time being, they must get this contract off their books for next season. Ramirez is one of the bright lights of this team and his trade value may be the highest that it's been since his time in Pittsburgh. I think he stays in the National League and more than likely in the same division. Most pundits view inter-divisional deals as consequential, but when you deal with the Cubs you're probably pretty safe.

My Guess: Pittsburgh Pirates. Neal Walker and Andrew McCutcheon are rising stars. They can both hit for power and average, but their priority will be to protect the former Pirate. With Ramirez, the Bucs are going to be in a position to contend right now. The NL Central is a very weak division and this deal can solidify their position.