Dave Cokin’s Hardcore Baseball: NL buyers

Today’s focus is on potential NL buyers as we head into July. Unlike the AL, things are really wide open in the National League, and I have a feeling that we’ll see a good deal of activity on several fronts.

Don’t expect many blockbusters, but my opinion is that several teams will look to add a piece here or there that could make the difference in what looms as a potentially dynamite battle for the Wild Card.

The Phillies clearly need a starting pitcher, preferably a righty. I don’t think they’ll be able to land a big fish. One might not be available, and beyond that, the only really enticing prospect available would be OF Dominic Brown. He’s a five-tooler, though, and he’s having a decent campaign in Hi-A.

I doubt the Phillies would part with Brown, however, unless it’s for something strong. So they may be setting their sights significantly lower. Brad Penny has been rumored as a possible target.

The Mets have no choice but to be buyers if they want to make a push for the playoffs. Their injury situation has forced their hand, and the fact is, they’ll have to pay heavily as everyone else knows they’re under the gun. Making matters worse is that they don’t have a deep system.

Would the Mets consider dealing top prospect Fernando Martinez for what is far from a sure shot to get to October? If it were me in charge, I’d stay with what I have now and hope for the best.

The Marlins ought to be buyers. In that they’re the Marlins, they probably won’t, as that might mean spending a few bucks. But maybe they’ll surprise everyone and make a run at a quality reliever or a veteran 3B who wouldn’t cost them much. Melvin Mora comes to mind, as I believe the Orioles would deal him for a decent prospect and be satisfied.

The Braves have been buyers in the past and if they believe they have enough to stay in the race this season, look for them to make a move. Nothing along the lines of the Mark Teixeira deal from a couple seasons back, but I can see Atlanta trying to land another OF. In other words, someone to take over RF for Jeff Francoeur.

The Cardinals are said to be interested in Matt Holliday, and that’s easy to understand. My guess is that they would have to part with 3B Brett Wallace to get Oakland to deal. That’s a huge price to pay for what might be a two-month rental. But the Cards may well feel it’s worth it.

If Chris Carpenter can stay healthy and this team gets to the post season, they’ll have a big chance to make the World Series.

The team I feel is most likely to buy is the Giants. They’re stamping themselves as legit contenders thanks to outstanding pitching, and they’re clearly contenders if they can add an outstanding bat. I believe San Francisco is the destination for Matt Holliday. He’s a perfect fit for the team and they have enough of a talent pool to be able to afford moving a strong prospect.

Also bear in mind that with a new power structure at the executive level, GM Brian Sabean may well need to make the playoffs to stay employed. Angel Villalona and Nick Noonan are position prospects that may rev up Oakland’s Billy Beane. I really feel as though the Giants are the current favorite to land Holliday based on all the variables.

There aren’t many likely sellers in the NL this season, but I’ll go with that rundown tomorrow.

Thursday free play

The Phillies were shut down by Matt Garza Wednesday night, but they should find the serves of Andy Sonnanstine much more to their liking in the series finale.

Rookie Antonio Bastardo’s fly ball tendencies are playing better on the road than at home, which is not surprising. He’ll have a tough challenge with the high-scoring Rays, but I think he has the edge over Sonnanstine, and the Phils continue to be a force on the road.

I’ll go with Philly as small road dogs.