More surprises likely ahead as trade deadline looms

[July 17, 2015]  By Larry Fine
 
 July 16 (Reuters) - Major League Baseball's first-half surprises included the rise of the Astros and Twins and a dip by Detroit with more twists likely to come with the trade deadline looming as play resumes Friday following the All-Star break.

The next two weeks separate teams into the buyers and the sellers.

Teams looking to re-arm their starting pitching may well be bargaining with the Reds (39-47) over Johnny Cueto, the White Sox (41-45) for Jeff Samardzija, or the Phillies (29-62) for Cole Hamels -- who can probably be had for promising prospects.

The Yankees, Tigers, Blue Jays, Cubs and Astros are among the interested buyers.

Bullpen relief could come in the form of Philadelphia's Jonathan Papelbon, who has made it clear he hopes to be pitching for a playoff contender rather than the woeful Phils.

Hitters presumed to be on the market include the versatile Ben Zobrist, who is toiling for the underperforming Oakland A's (41-50), whose general manager Billy Beane is adept at retooling for the next season's battle.

Slugger Justin Upton of the San Diego Padres may be available as well for contending teams needing an offensive jolt, including the Mets (47-42), Rays (46-45), Angels (48-40) and Giants (46-43).

Even teams sitting pretty in the standings could be shoppers.

NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (51-39), are in the market for starters due to injuries in their rotation, while NL East-leading Washington Nationals (48-39) are rumored to be in the running for Zobrist.

Surprisingly potent have been the St. Louis Cardinals, who boast Major League Baseball's best record at 56-33, fueled by a a 31-11 record at their Busch Stadium home.

Surprisingly tight has been the AL East, led by the aged New York Yankees, who rode the revived form of sluggers Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira to a 48-40 record for first place.

Detroit, who have reached the playoffs the last four years, are third with a mediocre 44-44 mark in the AL Central behind reigning league champions Kansas City (52-34) and upstarts Minnesota (49-40), and suffering now from the loss of slugger Miguel Cabrera to injury.

Houston, riding emerging young stars such as double-play combination Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, held first in the AL West until losing eight of 10 before the break and now trail the Angels and their young superstar Mike Trout by half a game. (Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)

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