The National League West remains one of the tightest divisions in the league. With the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants competing at the top, both teams could be looking to further tweak their batting lineups and make additions on the trade market.
The Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres have fallen out of the race and have several intriguing veteran players that could be available via trade. Don’t be surprised if the Padres aren’t one of the more active teams heading into the deadline.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have managed to re-stock their farm system with several trades in recent seasons. One Diamondbacks’ managing partner has been critical of both Justin Upton and Stephen Drew, who have been being paid to provide more consistent production at the plate. Both players could be up for grabs and could provide a solid return for Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks
General Manager: Kevin Towers
Opening Day Payroll: : $75,417,833
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 4
Status: Wait and see
Needs: Young third baseman, upgrade at shortstop
Major league trade chips: Justin Upton (OF), Stephen Drew (SS), Jason Kubel (OF), Joe Saunders (SP), J.J Putz (RP)
Top prospects: Trevor Bauer (RHP), Tyler Skaggs (LHP), Archie Bradley (RHP)
The Skinny: The Diamondbacks are loaded with quality pitching prospects so they could be focused on adding a controllable young position player. Justin Upton has been mentioned in several trade rumours and could command a huge return if Arizona decides to move the former No. 1 overall pick.
Colorado Rockies
General Manager: Dan O’Dowd
Opening Day Payroll: $81,135,571
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 17
Status: Seller
Needs: Young front-end starter, young first baseman, upgrade at second base/third base
Major league trade chips: Todd Helton (1B), Rafael Betancourt (RP), Jason Giambi (1B), Marco Scutaro (2B)
Top prospects: Drew Pomeranz (LHP), Nolan Arenado (3B), Chad Bettis (RHP)
The Skinny: The Rockies are completely out of playoff contention, and fortunately have numerous veterans that could be of some value on the trade market. Marco Scutaro has played the utility role well in his career and could make a perfect backup for a World Series contender looking for some insurance.
Los Angeles Dodgers
General Manager: Ned Colletti
Opening Day Payroll: $105,419,833
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 24
Status: Buyer
Needs: Power-hitting first baseman, upgrade at third base/left field, middle-of-rotation starter
Major league trade chips: James Loney (1B), Tony Gwynn Jr. (OF), Nathan Eovaldi (SP)
Top prospects: Zach Lee (RHP), Allen Webster (RHP), Alfredo Silverio (OF)
The Skinny: The Dodgers struggled when Matt Kemp landed on the disabled list back in May. But now with Kemp back in the fold and the recent acquisition of Hanley Ramirez the Dodgers’ new ownership group has signalled their intent to make a splash in the second-half of the season. Expect the Dodgers to further explore the trade market for position players or another experienced pitcher to team up with Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation.
San Diego Padres
General Manager: Josh Byrnes
Opening Day Payroll: $55,621,900
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 3
Status: Seller
Needs: Front-end starter, middle-of-the order power, young corner outfielder
Major league trade chips: Chase Headley (3B), Clayton Richard (SP), Edinson Volquez (SP), Jason Marquis (SP)
Top prospects: Yasmani Grandal (C), Casey Kelly (RHP), Robbie Erlin (LHP)
The Skinny: The Padres have locked up both Carlos Quentin and Huston Street to extensions, taking them off the market. The team isn’t under any pressure to move them with a strong farm system, but as long as they remain without a long-term deal they are valuable trade chips. The most likely to be moved is Headley, a 28-year-old who can play both third base and the outfield.
San Francisco Giants
General Manager: Brian Sabean
Opening Day Payroll: $131,355,298
Baseball America Farm System Ranking: 22
Status: Buyer
Needs: Middle-infield upgrade, power-hitting right fielder, veteran reliever
Major league trade chips: Brandon Belt (1B), Angel Pagan (OF)
Top prospects: Gary Brown (OF), Tommy Joseph (1B), Joe Panik (SS)
The Skinny: Despite Tim Lincecum’s struggles, the Giants’ rotation remains one of the dominant units in the National League. The team would still like to upgrade their offence for a playoff run but they might be a little of hesistant after giving up a top prospect in exchange for half a season of Carlos Beltran in 2011.
