EHCC Trehde Rumors: Western Edition

With Dominican Today reporter Freddie May saying the Western Division is having a down season, rumors can't help but start swirling. Someone will have to end up on top, and it'll be the team willing to make the right moves that takes full advantage. With literally every team in the division feeling as if there's still light at the end of the tunnel, we may see all 6 teams as buyers this deadline season, but you can't buy what's not being sold. Here's a 6-team breakdown of the rumors swirling around the Western Division, as first reported by others, and compiled by EHCCTrehdeRumors.com.

EHCC Trehde Rumors: Western Edition<
By: Jim Fierkes


Quebec City

One week they're threatening to trade away every veteran with a pulse, the next week they're playing San Fernando Valley and feeling like champions again. The ownership goes back and forth each week trying to figure out what to make of the 2017 season, but our gut is they'll be sellers come the deadline - even if they have a shot at the playoffs - which they do since they're in the Western Division. The biggest moves will revolve around slugger Edwin Encarnacion. Edwin has the best ability to make an impact on a contending team this season, even with his slow start to 2017. He'll bring back the biggest haul to Canada, as the Piglets look to build for 2018 around Yoan Moncada at 2B and [George] Springer and [Michael] Conforto in the outfield. Sure, other rumors swirl around longtime piglet Evan Longoria, as Pat Renaud has been trying to unload him for over a season now, but unless the Piglets are able to convince a team to take his contract (like they did with McCutchen to Vegas), don't expect Longoria to be the centerpiece of any deal. Possible waiver trade after the deadline. [First reported by Kole DasHale of the Canadian Freeze Press]

Rio De Janeiro

As first reported last month, Rio is stead fast on their approach to the upcoming trading season. They've improved considerably already with the "additions" of Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitzki, and Robinson Cano. They continue to utilize their 12th waiver priority to their advantage, picking up young, unprotected talent that other teams are unwilling to use their waiver priority out of fear of missing out on "the next best thing". Look for Rio to become buyers come July, as they will realize that those waiver pick ups won't win them a championship. As the only 'Claffey brother' without a ring, Rio ownership has felt a lot of pressure from fans and family alike to stop being a terrible disappointment. All signs point to Rio going out and buying up depth in their rotation - value they won't be able to find on the waiver wire. [First reported by Emma Zonnrevar of the Rio Times]

Tokyo

It's been really difficult to get any information out of Japan. The Omyoujis have one of the best firewalls installed and leaks are very difficult to come by. Fans are clamoring for more winning, as they've finally gotten a taste of the good stuff - something they've been without for over four seasons. Fans are hoping their new robot overlords have been programed to be buyers after the MiDraft. Their biggest need? You guessed it, starting pitching. The biggest asset to spare: Draft Picks. The team rarely makes it to the drafts anyway, so these things should be flying off the shelf in Tokyo come July. Making a move before the 2017 MiDraft should also be on the table, but unless management has been reprogramed they will probably only look to move those picks for future picks so that they can move them closer to the deadline. [First reported by Kim Moanoe of the Japanese Gazette]

Tijuana

The Hispanics have found a way to take advantage of a weakened Western Division thus far, but they'll need to do more to sure up their roster to keep it going for the entire season. With Rio already making moves, Tokyo showing life, and Dublin bound to push along, Tijuana just doesn't have the roster to sustain their early track record all season. Other issue, Tijuana ownership has simply forgotten how to be "buyers". When you've been sellers for the past 3 seasons, you get into a sort of groove. The last time they made a "buyers" trade was 2012 when they traded for Jake Peavy and Rex Brothers (yes, Rex Brothers) at the deadline. Rumors do say Tijuana will look to solidify their relief pitching core, as they look to win saves every week for the entire season - even if it's at the cost of making the playoffs all together. [First reported by Bill Dawahl of the Cartel Chronicle]

Dublin

With the strongest chance of winning the division heading into the season, the Snake Chasers have tried everything they can to stay under the radar. It's their way of life really. No one expects them to make any moves at all. But maybe that's how they get you? No, it's not, it's just who they are. Ownership continues to to be happy with their excellent core of starting pitching and simply feels there's nowhere to improve their line up. They are just that good. Look for ownership to 'try' to unload one of their many middle infielders for an additional ace, or top tier closer, but in the process fail to return calls and refuse to negotiate, because Dublin.[First reported by a drunk fan in a nameless sports bar - because, Dublin]

Santo Domingo

Even with their poor start to the season, Santo Domingo will look to be buyers at the deadline. Their biggest hole is middle infielders (ring ring Dublin ring ring), or outfield. Depending on how they want to play it, or what becomes available in July, the All-Star Factory could part ways with Carlos Gonzalez to another team looking to buy low, and then spin the goods they can get for him for an upgrade in their line up. With the deepest bullpen in the league, Santo Domingo also has assets to burn to a team looking to sure up the category and isn't willing to fight for waiver wire closers in August (ring ring Tijuana ring ring). Cole Hamels will be a nice addition when they get him back, but not enough to hold firm. All-Star Factory should be targeting rotation depth, possibly even before the MiDraft as they hold 2 of the top three picks in the upcoming draft - which could net a good haul if there's a team already looking to sell and think about 2018/2019/2020 (ring ring Quebec City ring ring). [First reported by Don Minokan of the Caribbean Broadcast System]


Jim Fierkes scours the internet looking for anything that resembles an EHCC rumor. He does no reporting of his own and lives in his aunt's attic, unbeknownst to her.