VirtualGammons Returns

VirtualGammons

Most of the springs, we see a commerce in players of high profile like Roger Clemens. Waiting for trades as clubs return to fields for spring training, more players are possibly to be traded than in recent memory, even in 1993. As teams finish putting their teams together, there are fewer names sure to stay put, though you may have not heard that.

The Astros are still averse to giving up top prospects for Roger Clemens but it remains a confusion. Clemens will most likely go to spring training with Toronto unless a bidding war starts. Injuries on rich teams could start a quick fight to give up young stars for the ace Clemens. Look for a team without an ace such as Cleveland to surprise with an offer to decide the bidding. Consider that for the playoffs.

In Anaheim, all the seconds could have gone already, but there are no prospectors for nugget Garret Anderson. A strange transaction may have both Jim Edmonds and Garret Anderson to Seattle for young pitcher Ken Cloude. Cloude would have to step up to be the starter Anaheim still needs. Cloude threw well last year but obtained many blows during the season, ending with a terrible ERA and decent record. This is commerce that would benefit most sides, with Seattle and its injured outfield helped too.

Often a general manager will find the market has dried up. This has occurred to small-market teams with marketable good people for trade. The Twins are looking to cut payroll desperately and are willing to trade Brad Radke and Rick Aguilera. Look for a rich team to increase its riches by offering unremarkable prospect players for these two. I consider the Orioles to be the most likely, for they are smart in that way.

The Orioles and Red Sox may also both try to acquire pitcher Kevin Appier. Though it is said he is healthy, he is a horse not to be traded until playing freely and without pain. Royals seek several prospects for Appier but may not get them until the season begins and when the medical status is clear. Internally, Kansas City would like to trade before the situation is resolved in either direction.

Greg Vaughn may be traded again before the season starts. The Reds for a while would like to see his value, but have many young and cheap players that can replace Vaughn in the lineup. Look for Vaughn to be bartered to a team that can offer talent on the left side of the diamond. The Reds need pitching prospects as well. Teams looking for starting pitching to start competing will realize soon that they can't have what they want. Then they will look for other options. What team can't use a power hitter who hits 50 home runs a year? Vaughn has many possibilities for this market.

The Orioles suffered a decline last year, a thing not understood by many, but what was sure was that the only thing preventing the shame of a last-place finish was the veterans who led as well as playing, and if their contributions on the field were not as good, it was their clubhouse that made the season competitive at all. I see the Orioles making two or more big good trades that will make them a destructive monster in their division and combine their known leaders with more proven starting talent. Hardly a year ago all agreed that they would make (and win) the playoffs, but it is this year that they will surprise the same people.

Many teams plan to open the season with the team they open spring training with. This is not likely to happen for anyone, though. Look for many of these teams to try and trade for starting pitching.

about the author

We've been toying with the idea of moving VirtualGammons to a blue G3 Macintosh, but we're scared his grammar would clear up. Offer condolences at vgammons@strikethree.com.