August Waiver Trade Candidates

Brian Cashman said repeatedly in the days leading up the trade deadline and afterward, that the July 31st deadline is increasingly meaningless, since players will be available in August who should have no problem clearing waivers. He also said that in today’s economy, nobody wants to get stuck with a contract just to block someone else.

Jon Heyman has a piece up on SI.com, looking at the potential candidates for a waiver deal. Brace yourselves folks, it aint pretty.

Likely to clear

1. Bronson Arroyo, Reds pitcher: He’s a winner, but his other stats (WHIP, ERA), probably don’t justify his salary. The Reds wanted the Yankees to pay the full $17 million freight through 2010. Realistically, they’d probably have to chip in a few million to make anything work.

2. Adam Dunn, Nationals slugger: That $12 million salary for 2010 should scare anyone off. He was traded after the waiver deadline last year, and it could happen again. Belongs in the American League, a place he has yet to play.

3. Jose Guillen, Royals outfielder: He said it himself. He “s—-.” At $12 million per, he sure does.

4. Aaron Harang, Reds pitcher: Like Arroyo, the former ace hasn’t lived up to his high pay.

5. Adrian Beltre, Mariners third baseman: Slick-fielding third baseman hasn’t produced to warrant his $13 million salary in Seattle. Very talented player could still help someone.

6. Aubrey Huff, Orioles 1B: He’s slipped badly from last year’s performance. Some see him as a DH, too.

7. Jason Giambi, A’s DH. He’ll clear: But he’ll have to hit a lot better for anyone to be interested.

8. Melvin Mora, Orioles 3B: He’s not happy with his diminished role, but he’s earned it. A $9 million salary means no one would dare claim.

9. Miguel Batista, Mariners pitcher: Quirky, intellectual pitcher hasn’t justified $7 million salary.

10. Juan Cruz, Royals reliever: For a while in winter, he looked like he’d be underpaid. Then he got $6 million for two years, and now he’s overpaid.

11. Ty Wigginton, Orioles infielder: Solid backup is having only a so-so season in hitters’ park.

12. Ron Mahay, Royals reliever: Not having his best year.

13. Willie Bloomquist, Royals utilityman: Going rate for utilitymen is less than his $1.5 million salary.

14. Lyle Overbay, Jays 1B: Power slippage means he should clear.

15. Willy Taveras, Reds outfielder: But with .279 on-base percentage, who’d want him?

Could clear

1. Jon Garland, Diamondbacks pitcher: He’d be a worthwhile pickup. Though he has been mediocre, he is dependably mediocre. Possesses a rubber arm, completed game versus Mets Sunday night (yes, that still counts).

2. Doug Davis, Diamondbacks pitcher: Productive pitcher is seen by some as an NL type.

3. Gil Meche, Royals pitcher: Only four wins and an $11 million salary. But he has talent.

4. Alex Rios, Jays outfielder: Sixty million is a lot, but he can play. The Giants have money. You never know.

5. Carl Pavano, Indians pitcher: Lots of incentives make him a risk to claim. Also has 5.66 ERA.

6. Mark Hendrickson, Nationals reliever: Serviceable lefty relievers have value.

7. Jhonny Peralta, Indians infielder: Ho-hum season for a disappointing team.

8. Jamey Carroll, Indians utilityman: Useful utilityman could catch someone’s eye.

9. Ron Villone, Nationals reliever: Started 3-0 but has settled into more Nats-like 3-5.

Looking at this list, internal options may be the best way to go. Arroyo and Harang have too much money and too many years left to make any sense for either party. If the Yanks insist on the Reds paying their salary, they might as well keep both of them. Jon Garland is basically a left handed Sidney Ponson, who was released by the Royals last week.  I won’t even discuss Carl Pavano.

If we can get some more bullpen help we could shift Aceves from the bullpen to the rotation. Bruney, Marte or even the emergence of Mark Melancon could provide this.  If we can’t find a reliable 7th inning option internally, maybe we take a flyer on Juan Cruz. The rare times when he throws strikes, he’s unhittable.