As usual, relievers will be in high demand as the trade deadline approaches. Certain potential sellers, like the Orioles, Brewers, and Diamondbacks, aren't shopping quality relievers. The Padres and White Sox are trying to make the playoffs, not break up their bullpens. With no clear relief ace hitting the market, we're left with this poll question:
Who is the best available reliever?
Click here to vote and here to view the results. Note: if you don't think someone listed will be made available, don't vote for him!
Matt Capps got my vote
No Carlos Zambrano?
I would love for the Yankees to acquire Aardsma or Dotel.
no thanks to either of them
Aardsma in the teeny tiny Yankee stadium? Yea, that’ll go well. Dude is a flyball pitcher, there’s a reason why he’s been a decent relief pitcher and that reason is he plays in the giant Safeco field.
Scott Downs gets no respect, it’s laughable.
Brandon League got my vote also,it was ME who voted for him.LOL!
I’m sure Heath Bell can be had at the right price, no reason not to put him there.
I’m sure he forgot…teams in first place always trade their All Star closers away.
Well, the “right price” is pretty ambiguous, no? I’m sure if the Dodgers offered Matt Kemp or the Diamondbacks offered Justin Upton or the Rays offered Evan Longoria the Padres would make the deal.
But there’s probably not a legitimate deal the Padres will be offered to make them give up Bell – who has, to be fair, only been the third best reliever in the Padres bullpen this season. (Behind Gregerson and his 0.51 WHIP and 12:1 K/BB ratio and Mike Adams). But you don’t deal from your primary strength unless you’re overwhelmed, IMHO.
The padres offense is pitiful, and the bullpen is a place of strength. If someone offers an OF with an above average bat, I can’t see them turning it down.
The Padres offense isn’t actually as bad as many like to think it is – thy have the best run differential in the National League – but it needs some help. Problem is, I can’t see too many OF with “above average” offense available on July 31st. Dejesus, maybe, but the Royals don’t need a closer or bullpen help. Austin Kearns is available, but he’s a risky bet, and the Indians have, I would assume, no interest in Bell. Same with Milwaukee and Corey Hart.
The best run differential is made by the excellent pitching they have. There are currently riding their superstar 1B, clutch hitting, great defense, and inhumanly good pitching. Their best bet to continue winning… get a decent bat. The pitching will likely come back to earth (or at least not as godly awesome) at some point. But I agree, there is not much of a match to make a deal, unless an unlikely 3 team deal scenario occurs.
The other day League ran out there and in his 2nd inning of work he sat at 99 MPH and struck out the side. The guy is straight filthy… Anybody not from Seattle that thinks Aardsma is any good needs to watch him pitch. It is frightning… 93 and belt high everytime with no secondary pitch.
Brandon League is scary good. He looks so harmless and mild mannered, then that fastball just explodes. I would think he’s a keeper for Seattle. I know I’d keep him.
Brandon League is scary good. He looks so harmless and mild mannered, then that fastball just explodes. I would think he’s a keeper for Seattle. I know I’d keep him.
Scott Downs got my vote. He’s a lefty and a bullpen can never have enough lefties. I would love for the Padres to pick him up. They only have Thatcher right now and could use another lefty in there pen. The way Darren Balsley turns water into wine, in regards to the bullpen, he would be a great pickup for the Padres down the stretch.
Scott Downs got my vote. He’s a lefty and a bullpen can never have enough lefties. I would love for the Padres to pick him up. They only have Thatcher right now and could use another lefty in there pen. The way Darren Balsley turns water into wine, in regards to the bullpen, he would be a great pickup for the Padres down the stretch.
The Padres WON’T be trading Heath Bell this year. Count on it.
I would not be surprised at all if Heath Bell is dealt after the all-star break.
I would not be surprised at all if Heath Bell is dealt after the all-star break.
The Padres WON’T be trading Heath Bell this year. Count on it.
Regardless that the White Sox are back in the race, I still think Bobby Jenks could be dealt.
Matt Thornton (and possibly J.J Putz or Sergio Santos) are good enough to close, and the Sox certainly will try to deal or non-tender Jenks before next season.
Regardless that the White Sox are back in the race, I still think Bobby Jenks could be dealt.
Matt Thornton (and possibly J.J Putz or Sergio Santos) are good enough to close, and the Sox certainly will try to deal or non-tender Jenks before next season.