Moves for Teams Nearing the Midpoint of the Season
We’re approaching the midpoint of the season, and as the standings start to take place, we find that teams are getting more and more anxious to make deals to solidify their spot in the first ever season of pool play. With that in mind, here are moves that teams might consider to solidify their spot.
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DC Eagles loan Ben Perez
For a team that’s looking to stock the system, Perez still being on the roster doesn’t make sense. He’s a game changer, being among the top starting pitchers in the league at only 23 years of age. We’ve heard plenty of rumors surrounding the trading of him, specifically from BSPN’s Sam Collins surrounding a trade for Mike Quinn, but the fact that he is still on the DC roster leaves a roadblock between them and an absolute tank for the rest of the season. Perez is among the top starting pitchers in the game, and he can win teams important games down the stretch. Still, for a team on the edge of a Silver or Premier league birth, he can be the difference between a promotion or demotion.
Best Match: DC Eagles send Ben Perez to the Denver Wolves
Austin Outlaws trade for Pitching
Austin’s offense has carried the team. Their pitching leaves much to be desired. They’re ranked 27th out of 30 teams in runs given up, and this problem has plagued them to 33 wins. In games where they score five runs or fewer, the team plays around .300. If the lineup can’t trust the pitching staff to win games down in Texas, Austin’s well may dry up sooner than expected. An issue that comes up is Austin’s subpar defense – they rank 27th in defensive efficiency. That vastly limits the pitchers this team can trade for.
Best Match: Austin Outlaws trade for a loan of SP Brad Limbach, Cincinnati Royals
San Diego Skylarks loan Alejandro Lugo and Jose Sanchez
San Diego is currently in full tank mode, looking to snatch the number one pick away from Bay Area. Alejandro and Jose have been the main reason this Skylarks team is still in contention with the Pandas, both hitting .300 and being staples in the San Diego offense. We’ve not heard anything from San Diego involving the availability of them, but don’t be surprised if they are moved from San Diego in the coming weeks.
Best Match: San Diego Skylarks send Alejandro Lugo to the Philadelphia Liberty, Jose Sanchez to the Oklahoma Mammoths
Great Lakes Monsters trade for Batting Average
It’s difficult to picture a team trading for a specific stat, but Great Lakes is in the hunt for the first pick of sponsors. With the second worst batting average among any team, however, their pitching staff carries a load each and every game that the Monsters can’t rely on to be there. Their excellent defense limits the plugs that GLBC can afford, but their hole in second base defense opens up the door.
Best Match: Great Lakes Monsters trade for a loan of 2B Jon Wagner, DC Eagles
Los Angeles Chilis trade Kamar Alston
It’s gotten to the point where LA won’t receive a full haul for Alston, but the 30-year-old pitcher should draw plenty of interest in the market. Why should they trade instead of loan? At 30, Alston’s value goes down day by day. For a team that’s looking to rebuild, trading Kamar to a winner instead of keeping him for the long haul seems like the best option for a team slated to pick among the top three.
Best Match: Los Angeles Chilis send Kamar Alston to the Atlanta Swarm
Salt Lake City Snappers trade for Bullpen
SLC’s offense has been switching up pitchers the whole year (okay, okay, I’ll stop). Their bullpen has been blowing leads for them, pitching to the tune of 27th best ERA – which is also known as fourth worst. They already have Chris Cote and Robert Mejia, two relievers who have ERAs under 1.50. However, those two are no good if their middle sixth and seventh inning guys can’t get it to them. Look for them to add a third lights out arm to solidify their pen.
Best Match: Salt Lake City Snappers trade for Josh Karlson, Cincinnati Royals
Houston Moondogs trade Chris House, Jim Forrestall
Houston took Forrestall with the 20th pick, and House with the 21st overall pick. Even though both of them clearly can change the game, Houston is currently in the second lowest tier of teams in the league. Holding on to Chris House and Jim don’t make a lot of sense for this writer. They’re both past their prime and, for a team that appears to be trending downward, holding on to them seems to hold declining value as the days go on.
Best Match: Houston Moondogs send Chris House to the Carolina Aces, Jim Forrestall to the Great Lakes Monsters
Arizona Thunderbirds trade for a Catcher
For a team with the sixth best record, a team that’s eighth in runs scored, a team that’s eighth in runs given up, you’re telling me they need to buy? If you’ve looked at who’s receiving pitches for Zona, you’ll see instant issues. Nate Seal is not a CBA player – he’s more suited for the reserves. He’s hitting .194 and is playing subpar defense behind the plate. This really depends if Arizona wants to go offense or defense behind the plate. We prefer to think that they’ll go defensively, with most of their pitchers unable to hold a sloth at first base. If a lightning deal is made, you’ll hear the boom of the thunder throughout the land (And yes, yes, I told you I’d stop. It was too good to pass up).
Best Match: Arizona Thunderbirds trade for C Pat Brown, Iowa Predators (defense), or for C Alejandro Huizar, Miami Warriors
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This list was compiled before any trades involving these players was made. Any trades that may have come before the publishing of this article are not accounted for.
