Update 7/28 2:00pm
Dodgers are said to be prioritizing Hamels in a deal becauase of the recent news on David Price. Its also known that Seager/Urias are still untouchable. Seem to be falling behind Texas because of this. Check back for updates.
1. David Price:
Availability: Price has showed up at the top of the Dodgers wish-list since the report came out that the Tigers may in fact be sellers. Read our July 26th Article to get the full scoop on Price's recent developments.
Stock: If Price suddenly becomes available, he would instantly shoot to the top of the available pitchers list. He currently boats a 2.30 ERA, a number only trumped in his career by his cy young campaign in 2012.
What It Would Take: Price would be expensive no doubt. If the Tigers do intend to trade him, it would require a top level pitching prospect who is, or is nearly major league ready, and another high upside prospect. A pitcher like the Dodgers Jose De Leon seems to fit this mold- along with another young player with high upside.
2. Cole Hamels:
Availability: Update 7/29 7:24pm Cole Hamels has been traded to the Texas Rangers. Officially unavailable.
Stock: Before David Price's name came up, Cole Hamels arguably the best arm on the chopping block. Still, even with rumors of Price, Hamels is still very highly regarded. After throwing a no-hitter on Saturday, he is coming off the best game of his career; there isn't a team out there that wouldnt want him in the top of their pitching staff.
What it would take: Here is where this one gets tricky. Ruben Amaro Jr., along with the rest of the front office has high demands in return for their staff ace. A report came out recently that the Phil's were looking for 6 prospects in return for Cole Hamels, which seems like a bit much, even for a proven ace, coming off of a no-hitter. This may be the reason that he was not dealt last year, when the Phillies found themselves at the bottom of the power rankings for the first time since the early 2000's. Still, I have a very hard time seeing Hamels stay in Philadelphia.
3. Tyson Ross
Availability: After 100 million in extra spending fort this year, the Padres found themselves right back where they were last year -- in fact with the same exact record at the all star break. This means, in the eyes of the new front office, that it is time for a firesale. It seems that the Padres are shopping everyone except Matt Kemp, and while they would much rather trade Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross is drawing the most interest. If they can strike a favorable deal, Tyson Ross goes.
Stock: Ross is currently enjoying on of his best seasons, with a sub 3.5 ERA, nasty slider, and much improved fastball command, he is really coming along as a strong middle of the rotation starter.
What it would take: I can see the Padres accepting a number of offers- most include young players that can improve their roster now. They need infield help, and a player like Alex Guerrero could really improve their second base situation, especially with his hot bat. However, after the controversy involved in the Kemp/Grandal trade, I have a hard time seeing this trade go through at this late stage in the game.
4. Yovani Gallardo
Availability: The Rangers are taking a very interesting approach at the deadline. At this point there seems to be a simultaneous buy/sell attitude in the Rangers front office. As of right now it seems though, that Gallardo is certainly available. As far as the Dodgers attitude, it seems as if Gallardo is a "if all else fails" option.
John Morosi tweeted Sunday night that Gallardo is a "backup plan" for the Dodgers.
Stock: Gallardo has had a good year, putting up a 2.91 ERA and showcasing some above average stuff, but isn't on the same level as Price or Hamels. He is also coming off back to back bad starts- his last against the Angels where he walked 3 and allowed 5 runs. His control was really lacking recently.
What it would take: I can see the Rangers letting go of Gallardo for a similar deal to the Scott Kazmir deal, maybe even less. Two middling prospects would be enough for the Rangers to get him off their payroll.
NOTES
Check back for updates.