The Nationals opened this season’s second half the same way they closed the first: with a thud. They’ve dropped seven of their last nine games; they’ve strengthened their hold on last place in the division; and they’re 34 games under .500 since the 2005 midway point.
None of that matters anymore.
All that matters now is how successful General Manager Jim Bowden and Co. are when it comes to making trades. That’s what will determine if this is a good season; and if they’re headed in the right direction.
The trade deadline is July 31st, though waiver deals can be made after that point. A handful of players will be up for grabs. The following is a list of name players who could be dealt, in order of likelihood, with some analysis by ESPN’s Steve Phillips, former New York Mets GM.
1. LF Alfonso Soriano
Why trade him?: Because he’s a free agent at season’s end — or haven’t you heard? And nobody would help the Nationals restock their farm system more than Soriano.
What he’s worth: Two blue-chip prospects and possibly a third mid-level one. “After [Bowden] got Austin [Kearns] and Felipe [Lopez] for two middle relievers, it raised the ante,” Phillips said.
2. RF Jose Guillen
Why trade him?: Because he’s a free agent after the season and, at 30, doesn’t figure in the plans. Also, the newly-acquired Kearns is better suited for right field.
What he’s worth: Considering his current production (.216 BA, 9 HR) and constant injuries, he’d probably fetch only a mid-level prospect. Barring a hot and healthy streak, moving Guillen solely provides financial relief.
3. P Livan Hernandez
Why trade him?: Because teams are desperate for starting pitching and his postseason history will prove tempting. Another team might think a change of scenery is what Hernandez needs.
What he’s worth: “He brings back more than he should based on his numbers,” Phillips said. “You might get one A-type prospect and then a mid-level or lower-level prospect.”
4. 2B Jose Vidro
Why trade him?: Because he’s signed through 2008 and by contract’s end will be an expensive ($8.5 million), broken-down player. But he hits well enough to be helpful elsewhere.
What he’s worth: Not much. “I can’t imagine they’ll score big knowing his contract and his health,” Phillips said. “It would be more about salary relief than getting talent.”
5. P Ramon Ortiz
Why trade him?: Because he’s just good enough for another team to think he can help down the stretch. And because he’s a free agent after the season.
What he’s worth: With starting pitching at a premium, a desperate team might relinquish a decent prospect. “[Bowden] is trying to push Ortiz as a solution for people,” Phillips said.
6. P Tony Armas
Why trade him?: See above. Too many teams crave starting pitching. Also, Armas is a free agent at season’s end. “Teams are looking more at Armas than Ortiz,” Phillips said.
What he’s worth: Same as Oritz, though his injury past is a concern. To get anything decent, he’d probably have to be packaged with a Marlon Anderson or Daryle Ward.
