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Getting the Ace

© Bryan Walker

We are getting close to the time when the hot stove starts heating up. The teams in contention want players to push them over the top, but the teams out of contention want to unload players who are drawing unnecessary salary. Over the next month, the primary need of the contending teams is pitching: reliable starters, left handed relievers, and closers. This week let's take a look at the trade possibilities for starting pitching.

Yankees. With the ineffectiveness of David Cone and the deep pockets of George Steinbrenner, look for the Yankees to bring in another starter to put them ahead of the Red Sox.

Indians. The Indians are in perpetual need of pitching anyway, but with the injuries to Charles Nagy, Jaret Wright, and Ricardo Rincon, the need is especially dire. GM John Hart has the fortitude to make a big trade, but does the Tribe have room for the salary?

AL West. If the division stays in a gridlock, some team or teams will pull the trigger. Oakland showed its ability to move at the last minute in 1999. Seattle wants to win in order to keep Alex Rodriguez. Texas doesn't want to give up its division title. Anaheim has a chance to compete if they want to try.

Mets. Although their top four starters seem to be coming around, the Mets are still in third place. They could make a move just to get a wild card spot.

Reds. Last year, GM Jim Bowden picked up Juan Guzman and it helped. Look for another move this year, as the Reds again attempt to win the NL Central.

Dodgers. Like the Yankees the Dodgers have the cash to make a deal if it will help them win.

Although all of these teams would like to pick up an Ace for the rest of the season, the number of possibilities is small. The number of pitchers who actual are shopped for a trade is even smaller, so the competition will be stiff. There are several teams with pitchers who have high salaries, and their teams may want to dump them for prospects. Here are the pitchers who could become available and have the potential to help a contender.

Kent Bottenfield, Anaheim Angels. Although the Angels are in contention, Bottenfield's name is already popping up in trade rumors.

Andy Ashby, Philadelphia Phillies. With the Phillies out so soon, look for Ashby to find a new team who will rent him in his contract year.

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