Names to watch at trade deadline

[Diamondback Jay]

Adding another name to this list..

Chris Carter

- The DBacks one time, two week rental (they acquired him from the White Sox for Carlos Quentin in December 2007, then traded him two weeks later as part of the Dan Haren deal) is currently one name being bantered about by Houston as they go in to "full sale" mode. Could the Snakes do a re-do in acquiring him, this time keeping him a tad longer?

Pros: He's got major power. In his first season when given regular at bats, he hit 16 homers in 218 AB. This year, he's got 17. Still hasn't begun to reach his peak as a Major Leaguer, the progress he's shown in the last two seasons is evident. growing. He's capable of playing either corner OF position and his power would be a big addition to the lineup, as a compliment to Goldschmidt. Does a nice job of drawing walks (he's in the top 30 in MLB in most walks drawn) although his OBP of .321 this year isn't quite indicative of this. At $494 k, is quite a bargain and is under team control until 2019. Can be acquired without having to trade Bradley or Skaggs.

Cons: Strikes out... A LOT (currently leads the Majors with 121). Sometimes undisciplined at the plate. A good coach/manager could do some fixes to his swing and plate approach that could cut this down, causing his OBP to rise and Ks to go down. See Chris Davis as a prime example of what Carter COULD be with proper coaching. Problem is, he's not there now and for those who are worrisome about taking a step back in terms of players K'ing alot, Carter won't help your concerns.

 

[Dback Jon]

All is speculation at this point, however here's some of the names I think could (and in some cases WILL) be moved come July 31. I'll include my own pros and cons to each.

Start first with the pitchers.

Ricky Nolasco

- Reportedly, a half dozen teams have inquired about Nolasco's services. The ones that have been most actively pursuing him are reportedly the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies.

Pros: : Despite having a subpar record this season, and not exactly the most eye popping ERA (3.85 at current print), it also should be noted he's allowed three ER or less in 12 out of his 17 starts in 2013. Further breakdown, the Marlins have scored one run or been shut out in nine of those 17. Thus, could his numbers improve with more run support? The outings he's put forth this season while playing on one of the crappiest teams in baseball seem to indicate that a relocation could lead to better numbers than indicated on stat sheets this season.

Cons: First things first, looking at career numbers as a whole, Nolasco has been mediocre at best. In seven and a half seasons as a pro, his ERA has been below 4 just once prior to 2013 (2008) and has been over 5 twice. His career ERA average is at 4.44, you toss out 2008 and this first half, it's closer to 5. Secondly, Nolasco is a free agent at the end of the season, and the Marlins are asking for several top prospects for him. I question whether it's worth giving up multiple top prospects for a pitcher who's career numbers have been iffy and who is going to possibly walk at season's end.

Nolasco gone to LA Doyers