Dismantling a First Place Team

It's about that time of year when you have a pretty good idea if you should be a buyer or seller in thinking about a year-end game plan. Although my Jundland Wastes are tied for first place in the division in the Shadowball League, it seems unlikely that this team will be able to win the Championship this year due to injuries to Brandon Webb, off-season acquisition Aramis Ramirez, and recent DL tripper Grady Sizeless. In thinking about 2010 and beyond, the Wastes do have some fine young players to build around, so contention for next year is the goal of this rebuilding project. To that end, I look to be very active in the trading market over the next few months to hopefully acquire players to help the team next year and beyond.

Here is a quick overview of my team and forward-looking plan for each player:

Name ML Team Pos Salary Contract
Brandon Webb Ari SP 7205
>On the DL so I do not expect a lot of interest for this year. Very happy to keep him for 2010 when he'll have a lower salary.

Tim Lincecum SF SP 6491 2011
>It is my estimation that this signing is the most valuable in the league as no player with as high a productivity value as measured by salary is under a contract for as long as 2011. Lincecum offers about $16mm in value free and clear thanks to the long contract (all else equal). It would take a nice package for me to move him.

Grady Sizemore Cle OF 5920
>On the DL currently; may need elbow surgery. Will hold for next year.

Brad Lidge Phi RP 5730 2009
>Signed for this year, so despite the slow start to the season, could be a valuable piece for another team and a chip I would consider trading at the right price.

Aramis Ramirez ChC 3B 4624
>Biggest disappointment for me this year. On the DL. Will hold for next year but would entertain offers in a month or so after he's back from the DL.

Garrett Atkins Col 1B, 3B 4190
>Let's be realistic: No trade value.

Kevin Youkilis Bos 1B, 3B 3855
>Lots of value here with the productivity and position flexibility. Would entertain offers, but they would have to be very strong. Figures into 2010 roster.

Brian Roberts Bal 2B 3757
>Figures into 2010 roster. Great top-of-the-lineup guy.

David Bush Mil SP 3063
>Decent P4-P5.

Corey Hart Mil OF 3003 2010
>Signed through 2010, so he can play in the starting lineup or the bench and save a team some money. Figures into 2010 roster but would entertain offers.

Wandy Rodriguez Hou SP 2930
>I'll probably look to sign Wandy to an extension.

Heath Bell SD RP 1751
>Looking like an extension here too.

Jack Cust Oak OF 1724
>Decent player and not very expensive. Not as attractive as Corey Hart.

Marco Scutaro Tor 2B, 3B, SS 1467
>I have Scutaro in a few leagues. Great year so far with great positional flexibility. Figures into 2010 roster plans but would talk trade here.

Alexei Ramirez CWS 2B, SS, OF 1289
>Great flexibility, but underperforming high expectations. Good bench player.

Rick Ankiel StL OF 1147 2010
>Just traded Beau Mills for Ankiel. Having a slow year (lost his HGH?) but I like that he's under contract. Figures into 2010 roster.

Mark Loretta LAD 2B, 3B, SS 910
>Good bench player.

Daric Barton Oak 1B 853 2009
>He's still on my squad?? Need to remedy that.

Clayton Kershaw LAD SP 719 2011
>Nice signing here. Figures into 2010 roster.

Carlos Ruiz Phi C 713
>Nothing to get excited about here. Would look to upgrade for 2010.

Elijah Dukes Was OF 629
>Could be a starter or bench player. DL stint and crowded outfield has taken away some early-season playing time. Definate 20/20 potential.

Frank Francisco Tex RP 603
>Doing a great job in TEX and will be extended. Figures into 2010 roster.

Willy Aybar TB 3B, 1B, 2B 560
>Nice bench player. Figures to get more playing time with Aki gone for the season.

Santiago Casilla Oak RP 446 2009
>Free player for this year with good numbers. Could be a trade piece to upgrade a bullpen at no dollar cost.

Chris Coste Phi C 406
>No comment.

Leo Nunez Fla RP 272
>Closer in waiting? I'm waiting. Figures into 2010 roster.

Rick VandenHurk Fla SP 216
>So injured, so often.

Homer Bailey Cin SP 127 2010
>AAAA pitcher? No one knows for sure.

Josh Outman Oak SP 106
>Nice start to season so far. Figures into 2010 roster.

Brett Anderson Oak SP 100
>More heralded than Outman, but making less outs, man. (That was bad... sorry) Figures into 2010 roster.

Andrew Bailey Oak RP 100
>Extending. Figures into 2010 roster.

So, there are some attractive players for other teams, most of which are under contract for this year. So for teams making the run in 2009, I should see some interest.

I will be posting finalized trades as the season progresses. If you're in Shadowball and have some prospects or other useful players to deal, please feel free to drop me an e-mail or trade offer and we can try to work something out to help each of us.