It's a bit too early to see concrete trade rumors surfacing, but by now teams have figured out what areas may be in need of upgrade. Over the past week, we've gotten a bit of a picture of what a few things that could be in store for the summer. Let's take a look:
- Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said this week that his club is on the lookout for offense. That news shouldn't come as much of a surprise; the Mariners are averaging just 3.13 runs per game and hitting .225/.302/.315 on the season. They've already shown preliminary signs of interest in Royals' DH Jose Guillen.
- Despite just a .237 OBP out of the leadoff spot as of Friday this week, the Reds are unlikely look to trade for a leadoff man on the trade market. You have to wonder, however, if that attitude will change if Drew Stubbs continues to struggle.
- Tim looked at whether or not the Nationals and the Padres could become buyers at this year's trade deadline. Both teams are off to surprising starts, though neither is without weak spots. The Nats could use some pitching help (though Stephen Strasburg looms in the minors) and the Padres are in need of an offensive upgrade.
- What players might become available this summer? If the Nationals slip up, Adam Dunn is a pending free agent, and to his knowledge, there have been no talks for a contract extension to this point. Dunn would likely be appealing to any team in need of offense, especially an AL club like the Mariners or White Sox (my own personal speculation).
- If not Dunn, maybe Lance Berkman will be on the move. Berkman has said that he's willing to waive his no-trade clause. Berkman was adamant that he's not asking for a trade, but it's logical that as he gets older he'd like the chance to make it back to the World Series.
- The Mariners released Eric Byrnes this week after a slow start to the season. Byrnes seems to be leaning toward retirement.
- It can be tough to keep track of all the vesting options out there, but luckily for our readers, you won't have to. Tim compiled a list of all the 2011 vesting options and their triggers this week.
- A minor trade this week saw the White Sox acquire Buck Coats from the Royals in exchange for cash considerations. The White Sox also signed Luis Rodriguez to a minor league deal.
- Speaking of former Twins infielders signing minor league deals, the Marlins inked Doug Mientkiewicz this week. He'd been released by the Dodgers earlier this year.
- Curious to see how the offseason trades are panning out so far? Last week, Zach and I looked at some of the hottest starts and slowest starts from players who were traded this offseason.
- Updates to the 2011 Contract Issues series for the week included the Tigers, Royals, Rockies, Red Sox, Reds, and Rays.
- Lastly, if you didn't take the survey Tim posted earlier this week, please spare 15 seconds and fill it out! Hey, even I did it.