With the 2011 season right around the corner, there have been several trade rumors circling around. Some of the players are being rumored as up for trading because their teams see them more as a liability than an asset. Some players’ contracts are nearing their end, and they may graduate to free agency. While others still might just be retiring (Bengie Molina). So let us take a baseball scoreboards look at some of the trade rumors circling around on the field.
Ryan Doumit, C – in 124 games, last season, for the Pirates, the baseball scoreboards showed that Doumit hit .251, 45 RBI and 13 homeruns. Couple that with various injuries over the years and you have a perfect mix for the Pirates searching the waters for better prospects.
Miguel Cabrera, 1B – to say that Cabrera has a drinking problem would be an understatement. After his DUI arrest people thought he would sober up, but apparently he is sober only when he’s on the field. He is one of the Tigers’ best hitters, but at the rate that Cabrera is going he may not be a Tiger for long.
Chase Utley, 2B – his knee injuries prevented him from playing in all the matches last season, which is why he ended up playing only 115 games for the Phillies. It is said that Utley hasn’t even started playing and yet his injury is acting up again. He has no doubt been a valuable player for the Phillies, but they will want to trade him while his knee is still intact!
Jose Reyes, SS – Reyes has been rumored as up for trading for the past couple of years. However, this time around it might just be true. He will graduate to a free agent in 2012 because it seems like the Mets can’t afford him or rather don’t want to keep him because of his injuries and age.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B – last season, his dislocated shoulder seriously hampered his game. He will become a free agent in 2012 but the Cubs don’t seem to be in any mood to keep him past his contract deadline. This rumor is endorsed by the fact that the Cubs are circling Albert Pujols for inclusion into their bullpen.
Manny Ramirez, LF – he may not be traded before the season starts but there is a strong possibility that he might be traded mid-season. The Tampa Bay Rays may trade him in an effort to revamp themselves and also because Manny may have passed his prime.
Matt Kemp, CF – to say Kemp has been behaving irresponsibly is an understatement. Last season he stole 15 of 34 chances and hit .249. The Dodgers were placed 4th in the National League (west division) and what they need from Kemp is for him to improve the morale of the team, and not crush it further. His irresponsible behavior might just turn out to be the reason for him being traded.
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