Interleague Play: The Big Weekend

What a weekend of games we have coming up in Major League Baseball as three of the National League's best take on three of the American League's best. So, what will happen in these big matchups.

New York Yankees at Washington Nationals

Harper has become baseball's newest star

The Nationals and the Yankees are the hottest teams in baseball as both teams have won six straight as the Nationals have won nine of their last eleven while the Yankees have won eleven of their last thirteen. The Nationals have the second best record in the majors while the Yankees have the third best. This is the undoubtedly best series in Interleague Play this year as both of these teams are World Series contenders. The Nationals rotation has been dominant and despite the fact that Stephen Strasburg is not pitching in this series, the Nationals have Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, and Edwin Jackson pitching. All three of those starters are in the top 30 in ERA along with the aforementioned Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals have the best team ERA in baseball thanks to a dominant bullpen led by Tyler Clippard who has done well at taking the place of closer Drew Storen while he is injured.Offensively, the Nationals have been led by All-Star caliber first baseman Adam LaRoche who is tearing it up with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs which is the most RBIs for any first baseman in baseball. Meanwhile, the Nationals might have the NL rookie of the year in 19-year-old Bryce Harper. The thing that makes Harper a great young player is the fact that he plays the game right with his great hustle and high energy. Harper has earned his way into the Nationals lineup and a return minors may never happen unless he picks up an injury.

Jeter has turned back the clock this year.

The Yankees also have a very strong rotation and despite not having the fron two in their rotation pitching this weekend, the Yankees do have Andy Pettitte pitching this weekend. Pettitte has been a huge surprise this season as he has found his old form that allowed him to dominate. Also, Ivan Nova has got it going rcently as he has only allowed one run in his last 15 innings (last two outings). Just like the Nationals, the Yankees lost their closer Mariano Rivera and then his replacement, David Robertson. However, the Yankees have found the replacement and a dominate one in Rafael Soriano. After a rough first season in New York, Sorianohas refound the form that allowed him to be one of the best closers in baseball in Tampa. Curtis Granderson has become one of the biggest power hitters in the game as Granderson is putting more All-Star numbers with 19 home runs and 39 RBIs while Derek Jeter has turned back the clock and has been the table-setter like he has been in the past. This will be an exciting series and this could even be a World Series preview but I think the Nationals will take two of three from the Yankees.

Adam Jones has had a career year at the plate

Baltimore Orioles at Atlanta Braves
The Orioles have been one of the biggest surprises in baseball while the Braves have had a strong start despite a lack of depth in the rotation. The Orioles have been heating up recently with four straight wins while the Braves have lost four straight and are struggling. The Orioles have not had the best rotation but Jason Hammel has been stellar thisyear as he has become the ace of the staff. However, the Orioles have a great bullpen which is led by closer Jim Johnson who is dominating hitters and having a career year. Pedro Strop and Darren O'Day have also been key to the success of the Baltimore bullpen. The Orioles have alsohad some excellent production from their lineup led by star center fielder Adam Jones. Jones has been a key for the Orioles success this year as he has been driving in tons of runs and has been rewarded with a contract extension. Chris Davis has been secretly putting upbig power number as the Orioles first baseman has twelve home runs.

Brandon Beachy has become the Braves' ace.

The Braves have been in playoff contention though they have had some struggles against some of the best teams in baseball like the Nationals and Yankees. The Braves rotation has a lack of depth at the back end but they have an ace at the front in Brandon Beachy who has had a breakout year. The Braves' bullpen has not been as good as it was last year except for closer Craig Kimbrel who is proving once again why he is one of baseball's best in the ninth inning. Dan Uggla is once again hitting well as he has had a great start with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs as he received some support from teammate Freddie Freeman who is having a breakout year with 37 RBIs. The Braves need wins and they will take two of three from the Orioles in what will be an exciting series.

Adam Dunn has refound his home run stroe

Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Dodgers
The White Sox have been a major surprise under first year manager Robin Ventura but the Dodgers have been a bigger surprise as they have the best record in baseball. The White Sox were not expected to be AL Central leaders but they are as Chris Sale has gone from a dominant reliever to one of the best starters in the American League. Jake Peavy has returned to the form that made his move to Chicago from San Diego so costly. The White Sox have not found a fit at clsoer as Hector Santiago was not any good while Addison Reed was not much better. However, Jesse Crain and Matt Thornton has been rock solid in the bullpen on the south side of Chicago. The White Sox has been electirc thanks in large part to the revival of Adam Dunn who has had 21 home runs in his second season in Chicago after an awful start to his White Sox career. Paul Konerko once again is swinging the bat well as he has a .366 batting average with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs.

Kershaw has been the ace for the Dodgers' rotation once again

The Dodgers have been baseball best so far and Clayton Kershaw is leading one of the best rotations in baseball as Kershaw has been in Cy Young form all year and will face off against Chris Sale Saturday in a great pitching duel. Kenley Jansen took over the closer's role midseason and has been dominant i that role ever since as Jansen could be the Dodgers' closer for years. Andre Ethier was recently rewarded with a contract extension as he led the Dodgers' offense since the injury of Matt Kemp as he has drove in 55 runs, hit 10 home runs, and has a batting average of .291. AJ Ellis has been a surpise as the Dodgers' catcher has been hitting for a batting average of .303 and an OBP of .436. This will be an exciting series but the White Sox are starting to cool off and that will continue as the Dodgers will sweep the White Sox out of LA.

Where will Bryan LaHair end up?

Bryan LaHair has been one of the few bright spots for a Chicago Cubs team that has been awful and will probably be trading plenty of players to contenders for prospects. With young first baseman Anthony Rizzo waiting in the minors, LaHair might be one of the players moved as tons of contenders need help at first base.So, where will LaHair end up by July 31st.

Cleveland Indians
The Indians have had a disappointing season from first baseman Casey Kotchman as they will needs some help there if they want to stay in the playoff picture.LaHair would be the perfect upgrade as he would give them another power hitter in the Cleveland lineup that could allow them to stay up with the White Sox. LaHair would probably force the Indians to cut Casey Kotchman but it would also allow them to use Matt LaPorta as trade bait to make more upgrades. LaHair would be a huge bost to the Indians' lineup as they look to win an AL Central that now seems more wide open.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite getting off to an impressive start, the Dodgers still could use some improvement at first base as James Loney is not a good enough hitter due to his lack of power. LaHair would be exactly what they need as he has the power to drive in runners and could fit in the lineup at cleanup or most likely in the fifth spot. The Dodgers could use young second baseman Ivan DeJesus Jr. as a trade chip in this deal as Darwin Barney is not the long term solution at second base. A deal for LaHair is very realistic and he could be the player that sures up the Dodgers lineup and makes them the favorite to win the National League pennant.

Miami Marlins
The Marlins have had a disappointing performance so far this year from first baseman Gaby Sanchez as Bryan LaHair would be the perfect fit in the lineup. With guys like Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio at the top of the lineup, LaHair would give the Marlins another power hitter to put beside Giancarlo Stanton. LaHair would fit in perfectly with the Marlins and Miami also has the prospects to make a move as young third baseman Matt Dominguez could be a centerpiece of a trade for LaHair. The Marlins have the ability to make a move for a big time bat like LaHair and this can help them in the battle to win the NL East.

San Francisco Giants
The Giants could use some offense especially at first base as both Brandon Belt and Aubrey Huff have struggled to produce offensively and Bryan LaHair would be that perfect upgrade. LaHair would be very good at AT&T Park as he would be able to pull tons of home runs down the right field line as LaHair could end up with 30 to 40 homers. Belt could be the center piece of a deal as Belt has the ability to move to the outfield and become a 30 home run, 90 RBI type player. LaHair wouldd be a great addition to a weak San Francisco offense as the Giants look to get back to the playoffs as a wild card or possibly NL West champions.

On The Move: Seattle Mariners Closer Brandon League

Brandon League is off to a decent start this season as the Mariners' closer has been fairly solid overall and is in the top half of closers in the majors right now. League has been pitching well and with the Mariners not being contenders, League is definitely a candidate to be traded to a contender that needs help at the back end of their bullpen. So where could Brandon League be headed this summer?

Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers do not have an experienced closer as Kenley Jansen does not have too much experience in the ninth inning at the major league level. League will give them the closer they need at the back end of the bullpen and allow them to put Jense, and Javy Guerra in seventh or eigth inning rolse. This will also allow the Dodgers to use guys like Kenley Jansen, and Josh Lindblom earlier in games. Stan Kasten and Ned Colletti will definitely look at this move as the Dodgers are definitely contenders.

Arizona Diamondbacks
The D'Backs could use an upgrade at closer as JJ Putz has been a major disappointment with an ERA over 5 and two blown saves. The D'Backs have good depth but no true closer and that is exactly what Brandon League can provide for Arizona. League can be that shutdown man at the end of games as League could adjust to pitching in a hitters' park like Chase Field from his current home park in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field. A bullpen with League, Putz, Bryan Shaw, Brad Ziegler, Craig Breslow, and David Hernandez.

Miami Marlins
The Marlins' bullpen has been a major disappointment as former closer Heath Bell has been awful in his first year with the Marlins while Edward Mujica has not done much better in the closer's role. League can be the stabilizing force in that bullpen as this could allow Heath Bell to refind the pitching form that made him so good in San Diego before taking the closer role back in 2013. League could also form a very strong bullpen wiht Bell, Mujica, Steve Cishek, and Randy Choate as that could put the Marlins in a position to make a run at a playoff spot.

Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays picked up two quality relievers this offseason in Sergio Santos and Francisco Cordero but they have both struggled as Toronto will need a strong closer if they are going to make the playoffs. League is the perfect answer to Toronto's problem as he is a reliable closer and is pitching at a high level right now. A bullpen with League, Cordero, Santos (when he comes off the DL), Jason Frasor, and Darren Oliver could help the Blue Jays maintain their status as contenders in the AL East and the wild card.

Are the Dodgers for real?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had probably the bes tstart to any season in franchise history as the Dodgers have a four game lead in the NL West, Matt Kemp tearing it up at the plate, a rotation that has been dominated, and a great new ownership group in Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter; officialy taking over the Dodgers from Frank McCourt. So, can the Dodgers maintain this rapid start or will they stumble.

Reasons They Will

1. Matt Kemp is the best player in baseball.
There is no doubt in my mind that Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp is the best player in baseball as he has great skills at the plate and of course defensively in center field. Kemp is off to a torrid start with a .400+ average, 12 HRs, and 25 RBIs. Will Kemp maintain this pace at the plate, probably not, but Kemp can definitely still hit 45 HRs, 125 RBIs, and a .350 average which is plenty for the Dodgers. Kemp also has a great arm which will not allow teams to run on potential sacrifice flies. Kemp is a difference maker in every part of the game and when you have someone like that, you can definitely win some ball games.

2. The rotation is loaded with talent.
The Dodgers have tons of experienced talent in the rotation as they have last year's NL Cy Young winner in LA's Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw is one of the top 10 pitchers in baseball and probably in the top 5 as Kershaw does not give up many walks and strikes out over 8 per nine innings. Chad Billingsley has beena surprise as he has had his best year. Billingsley is looking like a perfect number two pitcher while Chris Capuano impressed me with his stuff Sunday against the NL East-leading Washington Nationals. Ted Lilly has been off to a great start as the veteran lefty has looked very strong in four outings. The experience that this rotation has will allow them to maintain the start that they have had plus Aaron Harang should be able to turn it around from his rough start.

3. The Dodgers have an ownership group that wants to win.
New owners Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, Mark Walter, and company have stated their desire to make the Dodgers into a dominate team in the majors and the chance to win right now will make them be aggreesive on the trade market. Catcher could be a potential need and the ownership could be willing to go after a guy like Oakland's Kurt Suzuki. The bullpen is also not in the best shape and a move for the Mariners' Brandon League or the Pirates' Joel Hanrahan are definite possibilities. The other thing is that Stan Kasten knows how to make the right moves which allowed the Braves to be dominant in the Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine days while he then built the framework of the Nationals to allow them to rise to the top of the division. Kasten knows the right moves for the Dodgers and this gives them a great advantage.

Reasons They Won't

1. The bullpen is not good enough.
Over the last couple of years, the Dodgers' bullpen has fallen apart due to injuries from guys like Jonathan Broxton and Hong-Chih Kuo. Both Broxton and Kuo are now elsewhere and the bullpen has one major problem, a lack of experience. Javy Guerra has never been in a close game in the ninth inning in September and Guerra has blwon multiple saves in the past. Scott Elbert and Kenley Jansen have very little experience also and they might struggle down the stretch. However, this bullpen can be fine if veterans like Todd Coffey and Matt Guerrier are successfully able to provide that veteran leadership that will be needed in the Dodger bullpen.

2. The Dodgers do not have much offense outside of Kemp and Andre Ethier.
Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are the two key hitters in this offense as without them, the Dodgers would not be as good and not be NL West division leaders. Dee Gordon has been a disappointment from the leadoff spot as he is struggling to get on base though he has been a terror once he gets on base with 10 steals already. James Loney has nver found the power potential that he has as he is once again struggling with only one home run, 6 RBIs, and a batting average below .230. Kemp and Ethier are the only two guys with over 25 RBIs as after those two, it is AJ Ellis with only 10 RBIs on the season. The Dodgers have some offensive concerns and a move for a first baseman like Minnesota's Justin Morneau could be a good idea.

Conclusion
The Dodgers have some concerns but when you have guys like Kemp, Kershaw, Ethier, and Billigsley on the roster and an ownership group that wants to win, you know your team can make the playoffs. I think the Dodgers can definitely win that divison though they will be pressured by the D'Backs. This Dodger team has the desire to bring success back to Chavez Ravine and that is what they will do as Dodgerland will return to the postseason this October.

David Wright: Where will he be in the long term?

David Wright has become one of the best players in baseball but he is also a great trade chip for the Mets in their big rebuilding plans. However, Wright is currently the Mets' franchise player and a long-term contract extension is definitely a possiblity. Wright has a team option after the season so the Mets have some time to work out an extension or wait for the right trade offer to move him for tons of prospects. So, how could this play out for David Wright and where might he be playing in the future.

The possibility that the Mets decide to give Wright the long term cotranct he is looking for is realistic. The Mets would love to keep their franchise player long term but they will have to put an offer similar to that of Ryan Zimmerman's extension and Adrian Beltre's contract. Wright will also have to be convinced that the Mets can make a fairly quick turnaround and become a World Series contender. David Wright could also get the chance to be one of the few stars that stayed with one franchise in his career and he could become a legend in Queens. The Mets would definitely be interested in bringing back Wright but the decision to see if Wright will stay in Queens will be up to the star third baseman.

If Wright decides he wants to leave the Mets for greener pastures, the Mets could get a great deal as tons of teams would love to have a third baseman as good as David Wright. Suitors for Wright could include the Philadelphia Phillies, the Detroit Tigers, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Angels, the New York Yankees, and the Cleveland Indians. The Mets have the potential to get a really good deal for Wright with teams of this caliber that could use the upgrade at third.

The Dodgers are a realistic candidate to go after David Wright due to their strong start and the stability of the new ownership group of Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and company. David Wright would allow Juan Uribe to move to second base and give the Dodgers a tough lineup. The Dodgers would probably have to center a trade around 24-year-old second baseman Ivan DeJesus Jr. due to the impact that shortstop Dee Gordon has made. 19-year-old outfielder Joc Pederson would also have to be a part of the package for the Mets in a David Wright trade. The Dodgers would have to put in a couple of other prospects to get this deal to work but a David Wright to the Dodgers deal is realistic.

The Angels biggest need is a third baseman who can both hit and defend and David Wright is exactly the perfect fit in Anaheim. The Mets could also include lefty SP Jonathon Niese as the Angels have been looking for a good pitcher at the back end of their rotation. 1B/3B Mark Trumbo would immediately become a trade chip and could even be the replacement in New York for David Wright. In this scenario, 23-year-old SP Garrett Richards could be the replacement for Niese in Queens while 19-year-old 3B Kaleb Cowart would give the Mets a long term replacement for David Wright. The Angels would have to thrown in a few other prospects but this would give the Angels the third baseman they needed.

The Diamondbacks need tons of help at third base as a trade for David Wright could turn the D'Backs lineup into one of the best in baseball. Wright would be a huge upgrade over the D'Backs current starting third baseman, Ryan Roberts. The D'Backs could base their trade package around 19-year old pitcher Archie Bradley as his chances of being in the D'Backs rotation could be small due to the fact that the D'backs rotation for his 2014 ETA is already filled. 21-year-old third baseman Matt Davidson and 19-year-old catcher Michael Perez could also be key parts of a Wright trade. They will then only need to throw in an extra prospect on top of that as a David Wright to Arizona deal should be considered by the D'Backs. The only concern for Arizona is how much of a budget impact this will have as Wright may push the Arizona budget near its limit.

The Tigers could use Wright for a defensive upgrade but that would create an even larger logjam between Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, and Victor Martinez as V-Mart would probably have to be traded. The Yankees would have to wait till the offseason to move for Wright as that would allow them to move Alex Rodriguez to DH. The Phillies need a third base upgrade but it would hard for the Mets to deal Wright to a division rival. Cleveland is an interesting possiblity as third base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall could be the centerpiece of a David Wright trade. The Indians could come out of left field to make this move just like they did last year to get Ubaldo Jimenez.