Well since not much else get's talked about these days on the board, and the topic has already been brought up by someone else, I guess I will throw some food for thought out there regarding trades. With less than two months remaining in the MLB season, we should already have some idea of how our teams are shaping up for next year.
Ft. Worth has a ton of position players and could open next year without making a trade and have every position covered and then some. The Bulldoggers have decent starting pitching 1-4, a good closer and a couple good relievers.
Ft. Worth will be looking to move either Brandon Inge or Jose Bautista during the offseason. Both are full-time 3b who dont play other postions. Inge has more pop and better defense. Bautista is younger and hits for higher average. Adam Everett will finally be replaced by Stephen Drew/Yunel Escobar, and will be available. LAD's rookie Tony Abreu (2b/3b) may also be available, or Omar Infante (super utility) with Det. Ft. Worth will be looking to improve starting pitching at the 4 and 5 slots, a high quality reliever, and draft picks.
Houston is in better shape than previous off=seasons, but still has many holes. The Texans have too many SS and 1B's. Johnny Peralta looks to be the odd man out at SS, with Troy Tulowitski taking over full-time SS duty next year. Houston has 5 guys that can play 3b/1b/dh. Sean Casey is having the best season of them all, has the best contract to trade and fits the least with the young bunch on this team. He doesnt hit for power, but he will have 30+ doubles, and a good avg/obp, as well as good defense. Orlando Hernandez, having a great year with the MEts can also be obtained by a team making a run at the pennant next year. Asof today he has 18 starts and a 1.08 whip. He is also healthy so figures to get possibly 10 more starts by seasons end.
Houston has to get a CF in return for Peralta or Hernandez. From a depth standpoint they lack OF, 2b and catching.
