nj.com
As we enter the second week of September, several teams are making their postseason push. Despite all the outcry by Phillies and Mets fans to "traid e'rybody," for the exception of Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino, the teams have stayed in tact. With teams such as the Pirates, Athletics and Orioles sticking around, would they consider trading for an outfielder even though they would not be eligible for postseason play?
First, lets talk about whether it makes sense for a team to add a player like the Mets Scott Hairston or the Phillies Juan Pierre this late in the season. With the Orioles Nick Markakis out, should they look to add at this point? I think it should be considered even though the player(s) added would not be eligible for postseason play. Nobody gave the Orioles a chance to be in the race at this point. They have, despite an inferior run differential, proven they can be a playoff team, regardless of the nay sayers. If it takes a player like Hairston or Pierre to better their chances to make the postseason, I say do it. I think the Pirates and Athletics have had their chances to make an addition or two if needed, and the Pirates did with Wandy Rodriguez. The Athletics added Stephen Drew. If Markakis is going to be out for a while, I find it necessary for the Orioles to make a move.
On the other side, I think its a touchy subject suggesting either team moving said player. I think its reasonable that both players could be part of the 2013 version of their respective teams. A trade this late in the season could effect the players' interest in returning, though its happened before. One advantage both the Mets and Phillies have with Hairston and Pierre is the tie breaker in free agent advantage. What I mean is, if another team makes a similar offer, there is a good chance both players take the offer from their current team. That advantage goes out the window once the player is traded. Add in the fact that the return will be a minimal player, if anything at all, and it makes little sense for either the Mets or Phillies to trade Hairston or Pierre.
Yes to the Orioles for wanting to make a trade and no to the Mets and Phillies. If the Orioles become desperate and decide to part with something of value, I'd reconsider. But thats unlikely to happen.
On the other side, I think its a touchy subject suggesting either team moving said player. I think its reasonable that both players could be part of the 2013 version of their respective teams. A trade this late in the season could effect the players' interest in returning, though its happened before. One advantage both the Mets and Phillies have with Hairston and Pierre is the tie breaker in free agent advantage. What I mean is, if another team makes a similar offer, there is a good chance both players take the offer from their current team. That advantage goes out the window once the player is traded. Add in the fact that the return will be a minimal player, if anything at all, and it makes little sense for either the Mets or Phillies to trade Hairston or Pierre.
Yes to the Orioles for wanting to make a trade and no to the Mets and Phillies. If the Orioles become desperate and decide to part with something of value, I'd reconsider. But thats unlikely to happen.
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