The Mid Summer Classic is in the book as the second half of the 2015 Major League Baseball season picked up action on Friday night. While the action has been in full swing we expect the action to pick up as teams fight to climb back into the playoff picture. These next two weeks will be key for a number of teams around the game to determine whether or not to be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
As we look at the American League currently at least eight teams are in play for the playoffs with as many as ten on the doorsteps. This includes all five teams in the American League East as the Boston Red Sox recent play have pulled them within seven games of the first place New York Yankees.
Over in the National League the same type of picture could play out as eight teams in contention with a few other teams knocking on the door. This includes three teams in the National League East as well as three teams in the National League Central. Depending on an early second half run the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds could play themselves back into play.
This leaves as few as 14 teams in play to be sellers with a chance that could increase. That being said here are a few players that could be traded before the July 31st trade deadline.
Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies recently hired Andy MacPhail to help turn this club around like he helped do in Baltimore. That being said MacPhail shipped out high priced players such as Eric Bedard and Miguel Tejada. If the Phillies can find someone to take on Hamels as well as Ryan Howards contract a deal will get done. Continue reading