Sometimes trade deadlines come and go without any phenomenal blockbuster; such was the case last year when July’s biggest deal may have been the Randy Winn trade. However, one type of player is sure to change hands – contenders will add relievers this month. Let’s break down the best available.
The reliever who could make the biggest difference this year is probably Tom Gordon. Trading him now could free the Phillies from the worrisome agreement to pay him $5-7 mil per season as he nears 40 years old. Gordon has been excellent this year. A return to the Yankees has been mentioned, and the Brewers or Dodgers could certainly use him.
Joe Borowski has been quite solid in Florida, and he makes less than $400,000. JoBo’s actually been a lot better than his 3.71 ERA indicates. He seems a lock to be dealt this month.
Adding a Salomon Torres or Roberto Hernandez from the Pirates doesn’t seem like it could possibly improve a team’s playoff chances significantly. Still, there’s no reason for Dave Littlefield to keep these guys around given their salaries.
Bob Wickman, an impending free agent, has been connected to the Dodgers in rumors. LaTroy Hawkins seems like a good candidate to move. Other possibilities include Brian Meadows, Scott Williamson, Guillermo Mota, Arthur Rhodes, and Gary Majewski.
