MLB Power Rankings, Award Tracker: Who should buy, sell at trade deadline?
Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race.Here is this week’s edition, identifying which teams should be buy or sell with the Aug.
3 trade deadline less than a month away (records through Saturday morning):Buy … and sell? After all, the reigning two-time World Series champions are once again the best team in baseball.Assuming their starting rotation, which remains without Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, gets and stays healthy, they have virtually no needs.
That doesn’t mean they won’t look for upgrades.Like with all available star players, they’re all but certain to check in on Tarik Skubal if the Tigers look to move him.
At the same time, the Dodgers have used the deadline in recent years to bolster their highly ranked farm system by selling off excess pieces, as well.That figures to be the playbook again this summer.
(Last week: 1st)Buy.And not out of the bargain bin.
Once upon a time, CC Sabathia arrived at the deadline and keyed the Brewers’ magical 2008 second-half run.Maybe Skubal, or another top starter, could do the same for a Milwaukee team that remains on the Dodgers’ heels for the best record in the league.
(Last week: 2nd)Buy.And keep the momentum rolling.
Thanks to their star-studded rotation, the Phillies have overcome their disastrous opening month and are on the verge of overtaking the slumping Braves for first place in the NL East.Now, they need to shore up a lineup that is woefully short on depth.
(Last week: 5th)Buy.Like you mean it.
In a mediocre American League, the door is open for the small-market Rays to make a deep postseason run.Their pitching staff ranks sixth in ERA.
But their lineup lacks power, with the fifth-fewest home runs in MLB this year.The long ball is king in October.
Tampa Bay could use more pop.(Last week: 6th)Buy.
And be patient.Priority No.
1, of course, is surviving until Aaron Judge, Max Fried and others come back from injuries — a...