Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings (Part One)

As the July 31 Trade Deadline rapidly approaches, MLB contenders are facing a new issue: will the extra playoff spot in each league have an impact on the trade market? At first glance, some would assume that the market would heat up to unprecedented levels. More teams feel as if they have a chance to make the playoffs, so more teams will be trying to make deals, right?

But with the extra playoff spot, fewer teams are throwing in the towel and focusing on the future. Five days before the trade deadline, there are only three AL teams that I consider outside of striking distance for a wild card spot; those would be the Mariners, Royals and Twins.  

The NL list is a little longer, with the Astros and Marlins (so much for Marlinsanity....http://www.lobshots.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Marlinsanity-SI.jpg) already clearing out their rosters and the Cubs soon to join. Throw in the Rockies who are surely not willing to part with Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez or Todd Helton (I seriously doubt you can name any more Rockies off of the top of your head), the Padres (who have some tradable assets) and the Brewers and the supply of available players grows to a somewhat respectable crop.

Taking all of this information into account, it's clear that this year's trade market is most certainly more favorable for the sellers. Isn't it? There are more buyers competing for fewer pieces from a smaller number of sellers.

Not so fast my friend! With more teams in the race 100 games into the season, teams like the Athletics, Orioles or Rays may feel less of a need to add a piece. Plenty of teams may be thinking something along the lines of, "Heck, we've made it this far with our roster, why panic now?" Or, "Why jeopardize our franchise's long-term goal for a two-month rental?" Or maybe even, "What the $*#% are the Marlins doing?" Wait a second, every team is asking that last question.

But enough of this market analyzation; I'll sum it up by saying that sellers will probably have more patience because of the increased number of contenders (that is, excluding the Marlins) and that buyers may have to up their offers to move key players. The sellers have the advantage, but it may not be as large as you would think.

Hopefully I don't look like an idiot later today when I post part two of my Trade Deadline Ramblings, Ramblings and Ramblings, in which I will state my position on the Braves' current starting pitching predicament. Hopefully, all of the major rumors are still simply rumors. But if they are no longer simply rumors, prepare for trade analysis as well.

Until next time.......