Deadline Breakdown: NL East

NL East – This division race isn’t as close as it has been in past years; however, that could change after this year’s trade deadline. With the Braves starting to falter atop the division, and the resurgence of the Phillies, Mets and Marlins in the second half, the only team that seems to be out of the pennant race is the Nationals.

1. Atlanta Braves – It’s no secret that the Braves are in dire need of another big bat in the outfield. Rookie sensation, Jason Heyward, has returned from the disable list on a tear, and their trade for SS Alex Gonzalez was a move in the right direction. They’re still going to need someone with a little speed to play some center field for them, because Nate McLouth has been a huge disappointment in ’10.
   Possible Players: OF – David DeJesus – Kansas City Royals, OF Michael Bourn or Hunter Pence – Houston Astros, OF Garrett Jones – Pittsburgh Pirates (although he’s more of a corner outfielder).
   
   
2. Philadelphia Phillies – The Phillies are in talks right now for starting pitching; specifically Roy Oswalt of the Houston Astros. Right now, Brad Lidge is a big concern for the Phils as he continues to get himself back to where he was two years ago – when the Phillies won the World Series. If the Phils can get back their key bat, Chase Utley, and continue to pitch as well as they have, they’ll be in good enough shape to make a run at the Braves without making a major splash this weekend.
   Possible Players: SP Roy Oswalt – Houston Astros, DeJesus, Jones, SP Ted Lilly – Chicago Cubs.
   
   
3. New York Mets – The Mets are a tough group to size-up. Currently, they’re still in the race for the NL East, so I’m going to assume that they’re trying to add to their roster. They need some hitting in the middle of their lineup, because they are ranked 20th or below in every major offensive category. Free agent signee, Jason Bay, has been a total disappointment thus far. If the Mets are sellers this weekend, look for them to deal guys like Carlos Beltran, Alex Cora or Pedro Feliciano. Beltran has a big contract and doesn’t seem likely to move, but Angel Pagan has played very well in his absence. I believe the Mets wouldn’t mind trying to get some value for the injury-prone outfielder.
   Possible Players: depends on whether they’re sellers or buyers but two guys that could really help their chances are 2B Kelly Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks, or OF Corey Hart – Milwaukee Brewers (although the asking price might be too high for these guys).
   
   
4. Florida Marlins – The Marlins are looking like sellers this deadline; even though they are playing well and could possibly be one or two key players away from the postseason. I am looking for the Marlins to try and get a maximum return for players like Dan Uggla and reliever Leo Nuñez. They could also end up dealing lower level fill-ins like Jorge Cantu and Cody Ross to teams that need a short-term fix in a key spot.
   Possible Players: prospects from the Yankees, Red Sox, and/or any other team that is looking to trade with them at the deadline.
   
   
5. Washington Nationals – The Nats have a lot of young talent in their infield – Ryan Zimmerman and Ian Desmond – and especially in pitching – Strasburg and Drew Storen. They will likely be trying to add to their wealth of young talent at the deadline with teams asking for Adam Dunn and Josh Willingham. They could also end up dealing reliever Matt Capps, who is having a career year and would likely bring the Nationals at least one very good prospect.
   Possible Players: prospects from the Yankees, Giants, Braves, Rays, or Tigers.