It’s not even July, but for some teams it’s time to start thinking about 2011. Here are five teams that would be well served to shed some big contracts, add some prospects and start looking towards the future.
*All statistics compiled prior to Monday’s games.
Chicago Cubs (33-42, 4th in NL Central)
Not only are the Cubs 10 games out of a wildcard spot but they would have to leapfrog eight teams to get there. That doesn’t bode well for a team that appears to be in total disarray.
Carlos Zambrano’s latest episode included a heated confrontation with Derrek Lee and a dinner date with Ozzie Guillen that drew the ire of Cubs officials. It has been widely speculated, though not yet substantiated, that Cubs GM Jim Hendry could look to move Zambrano, although his tattered reputation, hefty contract, and full no-trade clause will make it difficult.
Big Z is slated to earn almost $18 million annually from 2010 to 2012 and has a vesting player option for 2013 worth more than $19 million. If Hendry does shop Zambrano, the best-case scenario may be an exchange of high-priced headaches. Ollie Perez anyone?
Despite owning a losing record, Ted Lilly has pitched well for Chicago and would be a very marketable commodity should the Cubs decide to look towards 2011.
Houston Astros (29-47, 5th in NL Central)
Houston has played sorry baseball in 2010, scoring the third-fewest runs in MLB while ranking 27th in runs allowed. Meanwhile, the Astros aren’t getting any younger. Houston’s three highest paid players, Carlos Lee, Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman, are 34, 32, and 34 years old respectively.
Oswalt, who has expressed his desire to play for a contender, will be a big-ticket item as the trade deadline approaches. The fact that Oswalt is under contract through 2011 makes him arguably the most valuable starter on the market. Owner Drayton McLane has acknowledged Houston’s willingness to absorb money in a trade if it would net them better prospects for Oswalt.
While the remaining years and money on Lee’s contract – he’s set to earn a combined $37 million in 2011 and 2012 – make him an unlikely trade candidate, the Astros might find a taker for Berkman if they’re willing to eat a portion of his contract. Berkman is in the last year of his contract, but like Oswalt and Lee, has a full no-trade clause.
Kansas City Royals (32-44, 4th in NL Central)
July approaches and Kansas City finds itself in the familiar role of seller. The Royals haven’t been bad offensively (342 runs scored for 16th in MLB), but poor pitching (4.71 team ERA for 12th in the AL) has left them waiting for next year, again. The plan of Kansas City GM Dayton Moore is presumably to rebuild around Zach Greinke, Billy Butler and Alex Gordon, who the Royals have very high hopes for.
Jose Guillen figures to be available as does David DeJesus, whom the Giants have reportedly showed interest in. Both Guillen (.282/13/47) and DeJesus (.331/5/35) are having solid years offensively. The Royals will likely push harder to move Guillen. DeJesus is younger, makes less and is under contract through 2011. Guillen is in his walk year. They might even find a taker for Scott Podsednik, whose contract pays less than $2 million in 2010 and includes a $2 million club option for 2011.
Cleveland Indians (27-47, 5th in AL Central)
The Tribe began their rebuilding efforts over the weekend when they dealt Russ Branyan to Seattle for prospects, opening the door for Matt LaPorta to be recalled from Triple-A Columbus.
As the march towards 2011 progresses in Cleveland, other trade candidates include Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona, Austin Kearns, Jhonny Peralta and perhaps even Kerry Wood. Wood’s $10.5 million salary will keep him in Cleveland unless the Indians are willing to eat some of the contract or accept poor talent in return.
The Indians will look to rebuild around LaPorta, Grady Sizemore, Shin-Soo Choo and stud prospect Carlos Santana, who is batting .333 with four homers and 14 RBIs in his first 15 games as a major leaguer.
Baltimore Orioles (23-52, 5th in AL East)
On the bright side, most baseball people agree that the Orioles have a good collection of young talent, led by Brian Matusz, Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. Unfortunately, contending in the loaded AL East will be a Herculean task for Baltimore, at least for the foreseeable future.
Chances are the Orioles will move Ty Wigginton, who can play multiple positions and could provide a contender with some pop. Wigginton makes $3.5 million in 2010 and is a free agent at the end of the year. Kevin Millwood is another candidate to be dealt, although he’s hurt his cause lately after going 2-4 with an 8.29 ERA over his last six starts. Right hander Jeremy Guthrie should also draw some interest.