The last couple weeks, a few teams expected to compete have begun to fall to the side. Thanks to some lucky good health and a generally fabulous starting rotation, the Giants are not among them, though for some pundits the Giants weren't expected to compete in the first place. That said, let's have a quick look at which American League teams might be willing to trade talent early, and whether that talent is a good fit for the Giants.
Yankees: Eight games back, there's no way in hell Steinbrenner, Cashman or Torre waves the white flag. But the team may be persuaded to deal one of its high-priced hitters for more pitching. Bobby Abreu has been awful so far (1 HR, .602 OPS), but how long will he stay awful? Hideki Matsui is another the Yanks could spare. The big question: would the Giants want the contracts of either player, both of whom could head quickly toward DH-land in the next couple years? Trading Matt Morris would help recoup some salary, but the Giants would still take on a lot of dough for either Abreu ($15 M pro-rated this year, $16 M club option or $2 M buyout in '08) or Matsui ('07: $13M, '08:$13M, '09:$13M). And both of them have full no-trade clauses.
Blue Jays: Ten and a half games back, and sinking fast under the burden of injuries. Troy Glaus is an obvious candidate to move, and boy howdy would the Giants love a right-handed hitting 3B. They could also give him time at 1B to ease his aches and pains. Even his contract isn't that outrageous: $10.75M this year, $12.75M next year, and a $11.25M player option in '09. However, he's got a no-trade. If they keep him healthy and happy, Glaus could also solve the Giants' first-base dilemma for the next few years.
Orioles: Not really expected to contend, but this team is going to improve because of its young pitching, not high-paid hitters like Miguel Tejada and Melvin Mora. I'm not a big proponent of trading for Mora, but Tejada's contract ('07: $12M, '08: $13M, '09: $13M) doesn't look that bad in light of recent inflation. Even if he's in slow decline, which his batting stats suggest, he'd provide instant protection behind Bonds this year and a fairly reasonable offensive cornerstone for two more years. For Vizquel and two pitchers other than Cain or Lincecum, I'd think seriously about getting Tejada.
Later this week: The N.L.
