The market for relievers

[Chrispy]

Every summer contending clubs seek out help in their bullpen, and every year, it seems, more and more teams are staying in the hunt too long to part with their arms — until now.

Among clubs that figure to start selling soon are the Astros, Mariners, Indians, Orioles, Royals and, soon, the White Sox, barring a miraculous next week or so.

The Diamondbacks have already started to move pieces, and right-handers Chad Qualls and Aaron Heilman could be next.

The Toronto Blue Jays may be the most intriguing of the group of potential sellers, as they are playing solid baseball and have hinted at being buyers despite being the fourth-best team in their division. Not only might Kevin Gregg become available if the Jays falter over the next month, but Scott Downs could also generate interest.

The Padres are in it today, but if they start to fade quickly, Bell is probably bait. Seattle’s Aardsma and the Nationals’ Capps could also serve as upgrades in the bullpen of a contending team should Seattle and Washington become convinced they aren’t in it.

The question will be: What will these clubs demand in return?

The draft occasionally has a few potential late-season call-up types, but this year may not bare such fruit, according to ESPN Insider’s Keith Law, who answered such a question in his chat Friday.

“Not for me,” Law said. “Best bet would probably be Kevin Munson at JMU, but he doesn’t have [Drew] Storen’s ridiculous command.”

http://www.bandwagonerbuzz.com/2010/07/19/the-market-for-relievers/

The Yanks need more bullpen help, Joba has been awful in the 8th inning role and without Mo our bullpen era would be one of the worst in the majors.