subject: Mlb Tickets - Players Likely To Move By Trade Deadline [print this page] While Andy Williams' classic Christmas song "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" may have been written about the holiday season, to ardent followers of Major League Baseball, it may just as well have been written about the league's trading deadline. All 30 Major League teams have until July 31 each year to decide if they're in or out. Are they contending or rebuilding for next year? This is what dictates whether they're "buying" or "selling" players on their roster. While some trades aren't as popular right away, general managers have to balance winning now and selling MLB tickets along with building for the future. Any team would rather have a sustained period of winning instead of a quick fix. Who's in? Who's out? Here are a few names where trade talk is already prevalent with them.
1) Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies:
In the past two seasons, much talk was made about the Phillies' big-name acquisitions of Roy Halladay (acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays), Roy Oswalt (acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros), and the team's re-signing of Cliff Lee. However, it's been Hamels who has been the most consistent (and healthiest) pitcher over the years. As the biggest free agent this offseason, the pitcher will be able to name his price when he signs his next contract, leading many analysts to speculate that the Phillies may look to flip Hamels at the deadline for key prospects, instead of losing him in the offseason since they won't be able to afford him with their gargantuan payroll.
2) Justin Morneau - Minnesota Twins:
Along with catcher Joe Mauer, Morneau has been the face of the Minnesota Twins for nearly the last decade. An American League Most Valuable Player in 2006, Morneau has taken awhile to regain his form after a concussion-causing collision back in 2010. For awhile, there was a question whether Morneau would even play again or if he'd end up being forced to retire like another former Twins' star, third baseman Corey Koskie, so it's a success that he's playing once again. At the same time, the Twins have been struggling for much of the last two seasons and would jump at the chance to get out from under Morneau's $14 million salaries through 2013. Can he improve against left-handed pitchers? Will a team be willing to meet the Twins' asking price?
3) Kevin Youkilis - Boston Red Sox:
The player affectionately known as "Youk" has been a fixture for the Red Sox, helping them win their World Series title in 2007. Since that time, age, injuries and the emergence of young prospect Will Middlebrooks have made Youkilis expendable. The Red Sox have been forced to uniquely shuffle their lineup to fit Middlebrooks, Youkilis, designated hitter David Ortiz, and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in it at the same time, often resorting to playing Gonzalez out of position in right field. Will a team pony up the prospects to get the Red Sox to bite? (Update: Youkilis has landed in Chicago in a trade with the White Sox. The Greek God of Walks leaves Boston after winning two World Series rings, playing on three all-star teams and taking home a Gold Glove.)
