As we approach the 2010 MLB All-Star Break, many of you are searching around for the latest in trade rumor info as each posible trade could have an impact on your fantasy team. But whether it's a negative impact or a positive one will rely on the final outcome—if any—of each said rumor. Here are a couple of the hottest headlines right now 'circling the bases'.
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Chad Tracy or Jeff Baker are the two top trade prospects about to be dealt in Chicago, and it is my opinion that it will be Tracy, while Baker gets designated for assignment. Baker is a nice option for those of you in keeper or dynasty leagues as he is a lefty killer (.352 in 2010) but has struggled against righties this year (0.30).
Tracy on the other hand is hitting .256 against righties and has only faced a left-handed pitcher twice this year. He doesn’t offer much fantasy options right now, but keep an eye on him as the Yankees could be a team willing to scoop him up which could mean playing time for Tracy until Jeter heals from that heel injury.
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The State of Arizona is about as broke as a joke right now, and the ironically enough, the Diamondbacks—for whatever reason—are flirting with a fire sale.
Thank God the Arizona Cardinals are still intact right?
SP Dan Haren is a guy that could be the next to go, and the Angels are currently the team the most interested.
This would be good news for owners of Haren as the Angels will provide more chances for success and wins for Haren. He is currently 7-6 with a 4.66 ERA with a 9.1 K/9 rate.
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It is well known that SP Roy Oswalt wants out of Houston—and yes it will happen—but when and who still remains a mystery. One of the leading candidates, however, is The New York Mets suggests The New York Post. Oswalt isn’t having a great year, but he does play for the hapless Astros who provide zero run support so going to New York would significantly increase his overall fantasy value.
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Pro Sports Daily.com is reporting the inclination that The Milwaukee Brewers should trade struggling first baseman Prince Fielder now before it is too late, via an original article written by Florida Today.com which can be found here.
Fielder is having the worst season of his career (.257/.390/.847, 14 HR, and 30 RBI), so it’s not as if he has a lot of clout to demand the money, but he is a FA after this season. Keep an eye on this story because if Fielder does wind up going, it could have a huge impact on his fantasy value.
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Lance Berkman 1B—amongst many other Astros not worth mentioning—is definitely on the trading block and believe it or not, the Yankees could be a perfect fit for the big man. In a season where big power bats have found a serviceable home in the DH spot (Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero and Andruw Jones) and in an era where the Yanks like hauling in throwaways who have a high profile ( Nick Johnson and Javier Vazquez) all the signs point towards a good possibility.
Berkman will continue to provide for a couple of more seasons, but in a DH spot, he could actually have a higher value since he will be utilized in key situations that will accommodate his strengths. Other scenarios are Colorado, Tampa, and the Angels.