Impact Players on the Block

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 10, 2008

Impact Players on the Block

Matt Holliday

Though the Rockies aren't set on trading him, the Rays, Mets, Yankees, Angels and Cardinals, have all expressed interest in the three-time All-Star left fielder's .344 batting average and 14 home runs.

Mark Teixeira

With the Braves still in the wide-open NL East race, Atlanta might be hesitant to part with its starting first baseman, who is batting .275 with 67 RBIs. If David Ortiz's wrist continues to bother him, the Red Sox could make a move but would likely have to part with their own first baseman, Kevin Youkilis.

Huston Street

Unlike recently dealt teammate Rich Harden, the A's closer has no injury issues, increasing his attractiveness to potential suitors. Street would boost any team's bullpen with his 17 saves and 3.79 ERA. The Tigers showed interest in the offseason, and Street would be an improvement on closer Todd Jones' 5.08 ERA as Detroit pursues the AL Central leaders.

A.J. Burnett

With Sabathia and Harden gone, Burnett might be the best pitcher on the market. The Cubs were interested before trading for Harden, but now the Phillies and Orioles seem to be the most likely suitors, though neither has the shortstop the Blue Jays appear interested in acquiring.

Erik Bedard

Bedard's stock has been falling, but he still boasts a 3.67 ERA in 15 starts. He has a prickly relationship with the Seattle media and talked about a trade on Philadelphia radio, where the Phillies don't seem concerned about his health issues.

Garrett Atkins

Having spent all six of his seasons in Colorado, Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins is back in trade rumors, especially with backup Ian Stewart poised to replace him. A logical destination could be Cleveland since the Indians are looking to fill a third-base position, or Los Angeles since the Angels expressed interest in him around this time last year.

Jason Bay

Considering Bay leads the team in home runs (17) and is second in runs and hits, it would probably take a big package deal to send him elsewhere. The Angels and Dodgers have expressed interest in trade deals involving the power hitter with his .292 batting average, but the likelihood of a deal, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is slim.

Adam Dunn

Despite leading the Reds in home runs (22) and being second in RBIs and runs, his .225 batting average, inconsistency at the plate and potential arbitration at the end of the season is what may propel the Reds to trade him. The Mets -- who are in need of an outfielder -- have expressed interest in Dunn recently and could really benefit from his power hitting.

George Sherrill

Traded to the Orioles this year after four seasons with the Mariners, Sherrill is tied for second in MLB with 27 saves and headed to the All-Star Game. Earning an All-Star appearance, Sherrill would benefit a team like the Brewers who are in need of a solid closer.

Brian Fuentes

With the Rockies currently 7.5 games behind in the West, the possibility of striking a deal involving closer Brian Fuentes is becoming more likely. Five teams originally expressed interest in the 7-year veteran including the Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, A's and the Yankees, who still remain interested.