Monday saw some good action on the trade front, so we're just getting into the busy period leading up to next week's trade deadline. Let's check out where the NL Central teams stand.
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Status: Obvious buyers.
Needs: A short-term fill-in at shortstop or an outfielder who can bat leadoff couldn't hurt (Juan Pierre, Shane Victorino, Denard Span, David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, etc.). As long as Joey Votto is on the shelf, third base could be addressed -- as Todd Frazier fills in at first base, leaving Scott Rolen at third. The bullpen could always use some shoring up as well. Really, the Reds don't have any glaring needs, but have several places where a slight upgrade could be the push they need. Thus, a blockbuster would be doubtful -- but never out of the question, of course -- and instead some tinkering is probably more likely.
Status: Buyers again!
Needs: They could stand to grab a starting pitcher and shore up the bullpen (as pretty much everyone could), but the biggest need is probably in the outfield. Even with Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez providing some help to the great Andrew McCutchen, the offense still lacks overall punch. Could they swing a blockbuster for Justin Upton? Seems unlikely. Maybe Shane Victorino or Denard Span would make more sense, as the Pirates aren't yet in a position to cough up a major prospect package.
Status: They head into Tuesday six games out in the NL Central, but after last season's late comeback and the veteran makeup of this club, there's no doubt they'll be buyers.
Needs: They could use bullpen help -- and likely will get some -- while also possibly adding a starting pitcher. They were strongly connected to Ryan Dempster in rumors, but it seems like Dempster may be headed to Atlanta any minute. Other than that, the Cardinals haven't really been mentioned much in terms of pursuit of big names. They may wait another few days to see things further shake out (as teams fall further out of the race, etc.).
Status: The best guess is they'll be reluctant sellers, though I wouldn't be surprised to simply see them hold.
Needs: If they do sell, it's possible both Zack Greinke and Francisco Rodriguez are dealt, so they need to get back pitching, in both the rotation and bullpen. In fact, the bullpen needs tons of help as it is. Position-player wise, the Brewers will be more healthy next season, but could still use some depth at shortstop and probably center field.
Status: Quite possibly the biggest seller in baseball.
Needs: They are looking to build a foundation in the minors, and new president Theo Epstein hasn't been shy about saying that they are looking to stockpile pitching prospects. Ryan Dempster (maybe even Tuesday) and Matt Garza seem likely to go, just as left-handed starter Paul Maholm's stock is rising. Lesser names like Jeff Baker and Reed Johnson are drawing interest and there's always the possibility that the Cubs eat a substantial amount of money remaining on the contracts of Carlos Marmol and/or Alfonso Soriano. Bryan LaHair, David DeJesus, Darwin Barney and Geovany Soto could also be moved, though those seem less likely than others. And, again, all the Cubs seem to want back are minor-league pitchers. Even lower-level guys would qualify, as the goal is a long-term build here.
Status: If the Cubs aren't the biggest seller in baseball, the Astros are. Then again, they've already sold Carlos Lee, J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon and Brett Myers. They don't have that much more to move.
Needs: Much like the Cubs, the Astros are looking to build depth in the minor leagues while grabbing as much young talent as they can. Unlike the Cubs, the Astros aren't focused only on pitching, and instead will take any promising young players. The big name remaining here that could be moved is Wandy Rodriguez.
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