Some win-win deals
Now that the Winter Meetings are over, general managers around MLB are busy perusing through the remaining free agents and talking with colleagues about potential trades. Most teams are focused on applying the finishing touches on their 2009 rosters. We’ve got a few trade suggestions that would vastly improve several teams.
First of all, the Milwaukee Brewers should deal firstbaseman Prince Fielder to Tampa Bay for lefthander Scott Kazmir. Fielder is quickly becoming a malcontent in Milwaukee and the Brew Crew could use another frontline starter. Kazmir would benefit from a move to the National League and instantly become the team’s co-ace with Yovanni Gallardo. The Brewers could roll out an impressive rotation of Gallardo, Kazmir, Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush. Meanwhile, they could shift Corey Hart to first base and Rickie Weeks to the outfield to fill Hart’s spot.
The Rays would get the slugger that would undoubtedly complete their team. Fielder would serve as the DH, which is where he was going to end up eventually anyway.
Next, the Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds should swap Delmon Young for thirdbaseman Edwin Encarnacion. The Reds are looking for a righthanded power bat and Young should grow into that role. An offensive nucleus of Young, Jay Bruce and Joey Votto gives Reds fans plenty of reason for optimism.
The Twins have been looking for a thirdbaseman for years and Encarnacion would solidify that position for several years. One of the more underrated players in the game, Encarnacion hits 25 homeruns annually and gives the Twins a righthanded bat to complement Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Plus, loosing Young clears room in the outfielder for Carlos Gomez, Denard Span and Mike Cuddyer.
Finally, the Yankees and Dodgers should consider a swap of Phil Hughes and Matt Kemp. The Yankees are in the market for a centerfielder and Kemp could fill the role until prospect Austin Jackson is ready. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ recent pitching acquisitions are squeezing Hughes out of a spot in the rotation. The Dodgers have a logjam of outfielders and Phil Hughes could give them an unparalleled triumvirate of young pitchers with Hughes, Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw. The Yankees could shift Kemp to his natural position of right field once Jackson comes up. Kemp would also add some needed speed to an aging Yankee offense. Overall, acquiring Kemp makes more sense than spending $30 million to bring in Manny Ramirez, whose defense is atrocious.
