Christmas In July...What A Halladay/Holliday!

How many just love unwrapping that gift on Christmas? You know the one I’m talking about…the one you’ve only been asking for since the summer. Well some teams are going to feel the same way as they get the gift that is an extra arm or bat in their arsenal.

However, this year we might not see as many deals as we think. Currently only nine teams can really be counted out of the race for October, which means that 21 are slugging it out for only eight spots. This translates in not enough sellers for the amount of buyers in the market. However there is talent out there to be had, and it could make all difference in the brawl for October.

TOP 5 AVAILABLE:

5. Dan Haren, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Although he is only in the first year of a 4-year extension, rumors have surfaced about whether he will stay in the desert. Pitching is always an essential part of any playoff run, and Haren is quality on the mound, posting some of the best numbers in the league in the past three seasons. Teams that do not have the prospects to go land astray Jay, such as the Brewers or the Braves, may look at Haren. However, in the end, Haren will probably stay put.

4. Justin Duchscherer, SP, Oakland Athletics
While he is yet to throw a pitch this season due to off-season elbow surgery, the free agent to be has been one of the most commanding pitchers in baseball the past few years if you’ve been paying attention. Last year he maintained a WHIP under 1.00 as a starter and, if not for an incompetent Oakland offense, he may have wound up with 15 wins (won 10). He will most likely stay in Oakland, but if teams are desperate for pitching, he’s not a bad target.

3. Jack Wilson, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
Although Neil Huntington has had a fairly long career in baseball, the Pirates GM must have been a used car salesman and one point by the way he’s shipping off products. The Pirates have already traded Nyjer Morgan, a speedy defensive outfielder, and Nate McClouth, their 2008 stud, in an attempt to “rebuild”. Wilson could be next, as he’s expressed an interesting in winning (clearly something not happening at PNC Park) and he’s a free agent to be. Plus, he’s put up quality numbers in the small market that is Pittsburgh.

2. Matt Holliday, LF, Oakland Athletics
While the probability of his departure has greatly diminished due to his production this season, Matt Holliday is a bright young star that needs to find a home. Beane’s crapshoot hasn’t panned out, and it’s completely improbable that he will re-sign with Oakland after the season due to payroll. With the right package, he can be drawn away from the Bay Area, otherwise Beane will sit with him and take the draft picks he gets when Holliday signs elsewhere after the season.

1. Roy Halladay, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
Can’t say much more than what’s already been said the past few weeks, but yes he’s this good. The “Doc” has put up some astonishing numbers north of the border the past few seasons and would be extremely valuable to any team that can arrange it. While the Phillies are the obvious front runners, others might be in the mix. Even though they’re white hot, the Phils need this arm. Even if its in exchange for Happ and two other stud prospects, if the Phils can lock up Halladay for 5-6 years, its worth it.

Some people love Black Friday in November. I personally love watching the shopping done in July.