PORT JEFF, NY – Fake Sandy’s youngest son (by minutes) here, chiming in with some observations re the All-Star Break and a MLB Trade Deadline Preview.
All-Star Break Observations
Let’s start with the Home Run Derby. That’s right, let’s get the elephant out of the way. My trendy pick of Gunnar Henderson did not go so well. Mets star Pete Alonso struggled as well finishing with the lowest amount of home runs in the contest, as a Mets fan myself it pains me to say that this may be a blessing in disguise, as the Metros have bigger fish to fry in the second half of this season. In a stunning turn of events, the Mets have found themselves in a Wild Card position to end the first half of the season, and SHOULD buy at this seasons trade deadline. With the return of ace Kodai Senga looming, the Mets may get better without making a transaction – not to mention the hopeful returns of RP Sean-Reid Foley, Reed Garett and RF Starling Marte. If David Stearns can work a little magic at the deadline and snag a few arms to pair with Diaz, Butto and Nunez, perhaps the Mets can return to the postseason.
MLB Trade Deadline Preview
With the deadline on the horizon let’s take a look at some deals that could make sense around the league:
–Marlins CF Jazz Chisholm is surely to be moved. Some teams that could make sense are Angry Ward’s Seattle Mariners. The M’s have a CF – and a darn good one in J-Rod – but Jazz could slide over and play left or perhaps 2B, for a team that desperately needs some more thump. The Mariners could also use another reliever, as could just about every other contending team.
-All-Star closer Tanner Scott (from those same Marlins) to the New York Yankees. The Yankees bullpen has been a bit shaky as of late and could use a legit left-handed difference maker that they have not had since prime Aroldis Chapman. Someone like Garret Crochet from the Chi-Sox would also be a perfect fit. Yes, Crochet is a starter but he has already thrown more innings this season than he has in his entire career. The Yanks would also get him for the next two seasons.
–One other team that I have been fascinated by during this season is the Chicago Cubs. They got off to a 18-11 start but have since seemingly fallen apart. The Schlubs were in almost the exact same position they were last year at this time. A year ago they were able to rattle off 7 in a row and become buyers at last season’s deadline. This year they will need another run of sorts to get back into the NL Wild Card race. The fascinating thing to me, though, is that the Cubs do not really have anyone they can “sell.” Most of their current roster is under control for a few more seasons. I think they should try and catch lighting in a bottle and see if the next ten days can get them back to within a few games of the Wild Card.
That’s all for me. Comment below and come back tomorrow for Aristotle “Mugsy” Sakellaridis.
