Latest On Jermaine Dye

Jermaine Dye stands to be one of the bigger names dealt within the next seven days.  He’s been hitting well since the All-Star break, but it’s only been 48 ABs.  Here’s the latest on the 33 year-old right fielder.

• Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times names the Mets, Padres, Dodgers, and Mariners as the top suitors for Dye.  In case you were wondering, Dye has not played more than one game in left field in a seasons since 1996.  A position switch could be necessary, depending on where he ends up.
• Bill Madden of the New York Daily News thinks Dye could be had in August.  I don’t agree – Dye has only $2.6MM left on his contract this year and Kenny Williams would be better served trading him in July.  Plan B would be to just let him leave via free agency and take some good draft picks.
• MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone believes that Dye would cost a leadoff hitting center fielder or a zero-to-three reliever.  The Mets might be able to offer up the CF, but is Dye worth it?
• Plenty of speculation around Chicago that the Cubs could pursue Dye.  However, I haven’t seen any reason to think this is more than just speculation.  He does seem like a fine fit on the North Side.  Paul Sullivan believes Cliff Floyd’s fragility may force the Cubs to acquire an outfielder.  Will Carroll thinks the Cubs are the best fit for Dye as they can offer the White Sox a prospect and a reliever.
• Something that could heighten the Cubs’ interest: the Brewers are said to be kicking the tires on Dye.
• I don’t see why the Mariners would pursue Dye; there is good reason to believe top prospect Adam Jones would outproduce him.