With wild card possibilities, before the deadline July 31’s 4 pm ET AMERICAN LEAGUE clubs eye veteran talent. Buyer or seller, depending on their post season race status.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has a view, “If you get a veteran guy who’s won before and put him in a winning situation, you get an adrenaline hit.”
While Blue Jays continue to regard Tampa Bay shortstop Julio Lugo as a possible “finishing” piece, for Devil Rays, Lugo is the most marketable, having another solid season on the brink of free agency
Orioles is a classic seller with a boatload of veterans to walk the plank, Red Sox would also like to leverage Trot Nixon, whom they do not figure to re-sign, into a long-term right fielder.
For Yankees an outfielder remains a higher priority. Indians, the league’s biggest flops have to slice through their disappointment and make a shrewd move with Jake Westbrook, atop the list of pitching shoppers.
Royals are the team with the type of rental vets with whom contenders like to load up, most desirable could be Mark Redman. Tigers would prefer one who hits from the left side.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire likes his current mix. GM Terry Ryan would still like to find a taker for Kyle Lohse. White Sox, the leagues busiest team thus far, netting Sandy Alomar Jr. and MacDougal on consecutive days.
Angels are still shopping for a big outfield bat, but now they’re also interested in a first baseman. Athletics may end up in a showdown with the Angels over Sean Casey.
Mariners has some solid prospects to gainfully trade Adrian Beltre.Rangers GM Jon Daniels is desperate to engineer an impact deal, to shake up what has been a static race
Billy beane, GM Oakland points out, “We’re always buyers and sellers. I don’t think there’s necessarily a distinction there, because with every buy, you’re also selling. That’s the nature of a trade. “A basic aspect of every deal.