Buyers and Sellers: AL East

I've wanted to put up something more interactive, and since playing GM is an enjoyable pastime for most Fantasy Baseball enthusiasts, lets start the speculation. It is almost the end of the first month, and while some teams are probably overperforming or underperforming, we are about a quarter of the way till the trade deadline. Players in AL-only or NL-only teams need to know as soon as they can which of their stars might be lost to a deadline deal, or which players they might want to hold their waiver out for. Starting with the AL East, lets look at real baseball so far...

Tampa Bay (14-11): This one looks interesting, because the surplus of prospects and the win-now attitude, in important conjunction with the  winning now reality, points to the Rays as buyers come July 31st. I still think Barry Bonds makes sense at DH, but they've been explicit about not wanting the baggage (apparently, they are okay with the baggage of failing to have a winning season, ever). A veteran pitcher makes sense, but the one-year rentals for RF don't seem to fit the team's needs. 

Baltimore (14-11): Why do I think Tampa is for real and Baltimore is not? Well, for starters (pun intended) their rotation is about one-man deep, and Guthrie isn't really "ace" material. Luke Scott (if only for his age), Brian Roberts (if only for his value), and Ramon Hernandez (if only for catcher scarcity) are likely gone, with only Roberts holding a full time job on a contender. If he does go, it should be to a National League team--the Cubs were the rumored destination all summer--and this is worth monitoring in an NL/AL-only league. As far as pitching goes, George Sherrill is the only relevant player who will probably be shipped off, becoming middle relief. As likely as this seems, its probably best to trade the Orioles' closer in early July to whoever is desperate for saves.

Boston (15-12): I think it's a safe bet to assume that the Red Sox will look to move Coco Crisp for bullpen help, and I expect them to be in the Huston Street sweepstakes. From the same Athletics team, a Keith Foulke reunion is plausible. However, the Red Sox don't have that many holes, and the best model for this year is likely the Gagne-acquisition of last, looking only for middle relief.

New York (13-13): The Yankees have internal options at pitcher (Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa... obviously I'm talking about Joba Chamberlain) once Pettitte or Mussina wear down, or Hughes/Kennedy can't handle a full season. They have so many options at first, I can't see a deadline move unless they go all-out and push for Teixeira to sign him long term. It's possible, especially if Smoltz goes down and the Braves have to rely on Hampton/Glavine to stay healthy, but otherwise I can't see the Braves that far out of the race.

Toronto (11-15): Toronto really can't compete this year, so they will likely be sellers. The young pitching core should hold up (McGowan, Marcum), but they could definitely try to move bullpen help or A.J. Burnett. Burnett in the National League would be a force, possible as much of an impact player as Brian Roberts in fantasy leagues. Accardo and Ryan could go, with the former much more likely, but ending up in middle relief.

So who do you think is going to take a hike in mid-summer?