The Running "Areas of Need" tread

Eh, maybe. That would be the sticking point for me. Donaldson hasn't been playing great this year, and maybe the Jay's are nervous he'd accept a QO. His salary is pretty large, so you'd have to offset it with someone like McCarthy to try and somewhat balance the dollars. But, I would think if it costs more than a Ruiz type prospect, you walk away.

Hmmmm from MLB trade rumours---There’s a growing feeling among talent evaluators” that the Braves will go after Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas in advance of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, according to Cafardo. That may have become even more likely Sunday when the Braves ended their brief Jose Bautista experiment, though they’re bent on giving Johan Camargo a serious look at third base for the time being. Regardless, Moustakas does seem like a strong bet to finish the season outside of Kansas City, which is rebuilding and doesn’t have him under contract beyond this season (there is a $15MM mutual option, however). Moustakas is making a very reasonable salary ($5.5MM) and enjoying a terrific year at the plate, having slashed .294/.333/.528 with 10 long balls in 195 PAs.

The problem I would think is that there would be several other teams interested in trying to grab him as a rental too. We wouldn't have to give up 3 prospects or anything too drastic, but if he stays healthy and picks up his hitting he's likely to bring more than I would feel comfortable parting with.

Yeah, I would only be interested in him as a buy-low. With all the contenders having 3B, the market is in our favor, and I feel like we can pick who we want and drive the price. Jays will have to make a call, as he's not been playing well, and has a $20M+ salary this year. If they give him a QO, he may accept looking to bounce back and reestablish his market in a year without Machado and Harper stealing the headlines. If they don't, he walks without them getting anything in return. Those circumstances are what make me think we can snag him relatively cheap.

The Braves would have to get him for a really good deal (McCarthy + Ruiz), get LM to agree with bumping payroll, and basically bet on Donaldson rebounding into a .900 OPS player down the stretch. If they can't get those parameters, I would walk away.

If it worked out, I prefer Donaldson over Moose simply because he's a RH bat. You could slot him 4th and Neck 5th, and have great balance. Moose would give you conceivably 3 LHB in a row, or you bump him to 6th behind Suzuki/Flowers, where his impact is muted. But, you never know. A trade for Moose and Herrera would certainly be an "all in" move.

I've always thought of Camargo as a utility player.  He has a platoon split and his numbers last year were inflated due to a high BABIP.  I was fine with Camargo starting this year/last year in the sense that if the Braves were throwing the towel it didn't matter who they had at third.  The Braves are clearly a good team right now.  Therefore, I don't think Camargo should be starting.

Depends the cost. Agree on Riley though.

yes Beltre is in his final year.  he would be great in a Matt Kemp roll.. plays 5 days a week at 3rd.. getting defensive subbed when ahead.  

I like Moose.. just makes our lineup so LH IMO..