The Bible Belt Baseball Report goes into the Major League Baseball All-Star break with rumors flying about all of the BBBR teams. It is time to dispel the myth. Who's buying, who's selling and what are they looking for. So, let's get to it because time, championship chips and prospects are wasting away!
Chicago Cubs: Buyers
Not since the days of Bartman, Wood and Prior have we heard those words. The Cubs need a real run at the National League Wildcard this year, point blank. They currently sit alone atop of the second wild-card slot with a comfortable lead. The playoffs are in sight.
Pitching is the name of Theo Epstein's game, and he'll need to acquire more of it. The Cubs are loaded with position players, so shortstop Starlin Castro has become expendable and could be on the move. Cole Hamels is the obvious choice. He would be a great haul but may be too expensive for Epstein's taste, considering the prospects it will cost. Johnny Cueto is unlikely because it's rare division rivals help each other out.
Prediction: Right-handed starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija from the Chicago White Sox who have been a major dissapointment. He'll be a free agent at seasons end and would be returning to the team that traded him a season ago.
Atlanta Braves: Sellers
Atlanta being in the race this late in the year is considered quite the upset. Manager Fredi Gonzalez and John Hart have to be satisfied with the competitiveness of the current club, but their eyes are set on the future. So, what wins out? Win now or later?
Atlanta has a pretty good trade chip in Cameron Maybin, who they traded for in the offseason from the San Diego Padres. They also want to unload the remaining salary of third baseman Chris Johnson. They would like to do this and build for the future. They will also be looking to stay in the hunt for the wildcard.
Prediction: OF Cameron Maybin and 3B Chris Johnson to San Francisco for veteran starter Jake Peavy or Tim Hudson. Also, any of the bullpen chips could move if the price is right. Hart loves young pitching prospects.
St. Louis Cardinals: Buyers
St. Louis has dealt with a flurry off injuries and still remain the best team in the National League. What they could use more than anything is some right-handed bats. While St. Louis does have the best record in the National League, they do have a losing record against left-handed pitching. With Adam Wainwright out for the season, the Cardinals could use some pitching depth in the rotation. With their sights set on a World Series championship, St. Louis is never shy about adding to their roster with veteran depth.
Prediction: Oakland A's left-hander Scott Kazmir or New York Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon, and Atlanta Braves outfielder Cameron Maybin or San Diego Padres outfielder Justin Upton.
Tampa Bay Rays: Buyers
Tampa Bay has the pitching in place to make a run at the American League East division crown. Matt Moore coming back bolsters an already formidable staff. However, there are a few positions they have their eyes on to upgrade. Outfield and first base would be the best case scenario for a midseason addition. Ryan Howard is a perfect fit, but Philadelphia would have to eat a good chunk of the contract. So far, the ineptitude of Philadelphia's front office to move anybody is at the state of ridiculousness. The Colorado Rockies are more likely to move some bodies for prospects.
Prediction: Rays land Colorado's outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.