Major League Baseball's trade deadline is July 31st, which for many teams means changes on the roster. For Ohio teams, it could have two distinctly different meanings. For the Reds it may mean acquiring that big bat to that can carry them into the playoffs, for the Indians however, it may mean unloading some salary cap, and looking toward the future.
The Indians have had success in the past dealing away big name pitchers in order to recieve young talent. In 2002, the club traded away Bartolo Colón to the Montreal Expos for 3 young prospects. Those kids go by the name Grady Sizmore, Cliff Lee, and Brandon Phillips and seven years later they have four all-star selections, three gold gloves, one Cy Young, and one Silver Slugger between them...in other words, great trade. Last year it was CC Sabathia, but what big name could we see the Tribe trade away this year? One posibility is the aforementioned Cliff Lee. With Lee's contract expiring after the 2009 season, he is due for a raise, and this seems like it would be the perfect time for him to get dealt if the team is looking to dump off some salary come July. Look for his name to be a big one come July if the Indians do not rejoin the playoff race.
If the Reds are gonna make a move to help them down the stretch, it is likely to come from somewhere on the farm. The club is still missing that right-handed power bat that they tried to acquire over the off-season, and it is unlikely they would trade away any of their pitching to come by the aforementioned bat. If the Reds are still in it come late July, don't be surprised to see them deal away some of the young talent in attempt to find that big bat that could push them into the playoffs down the stretch.
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