The All-Star break is over, and that means one thing in Major League Baseball: Trade talks heat up.
For the next 17 days, playoff contenders will begin adding pieces they hope will put them over the top, and the sport’s worst clubs will start selling off their soon-to-be free agents and try to steal a prospect or two who can help in the future. But for some teams — like the Nationals — the next two weeks aren’t as clear cut.
At .500, the Nats are close enough to contention that they don’t want to punt the rest of 2011. But let’s be honest — this isn’t a championship-caliber roster yet, either. So Washington general manager Mike Rizzo appears caught in the middle. But “caught” isn’t the word he would use.
“If there is a deal to be made that will make the Washington Nationals a better team now and in the future, then we would be open to doing that kind of trade,” Rizzo said last month.
The Nats have a few obvious spots to shore up, though. Center field — and a legitimate leadoff hitter — is the biggest hole. No one on the current roster appears to be a long-term solution. Roger Bernadina‘s audition continues, but his on-base percentage (.323) and OPS (.702) just aren’t good enough to start at a premium position on a contending club.
But teams aren’t exactly trying to trade young, talented center fielders, either. The best bet? Take advantage of Jason Marquis‘ strong season (7-4, 4.05 ERA) and flip him for a prospect. Remember the Matt Capps for Wilson Ramos trade last summer? That’s worked pretty well. Washington has some other options to fill in the rotation (Ross Detwiler, Chien-Ming Wang) for the rest of the season.
