Mock Trade Series: Huston Street

Many teams are reportedly in pursuit of Street. Given his recent poor outings, I have to believe Beane is being more aggressive in shopping Street, as opposed to teams actively pursuing him. Nonetheless if teams have real interest in Street and convince themselves that his recent outings is just a blip cause by extraneous factors (maybe trade talks are affecting his head?), as opposed to an indicator of future success or injury- then they should be prepared to give up at least 2 high quality prospects to get him. Without further ado, let's run through the rumor teams, rank the likelyhood, and look at the possible returns.

1. Chicago White Sox
Reason- Ken Williams and Beane seem to mesh well when it comes to making trades. While Chicago has a poor farm system and the White Sox already have a closer- They still have a need for at least a setup man and have a just enough interesting prospects left in their barren farm system to make a deal possible.

Return: Josh Fields, Aaron Poreda

2. Tampa Bay Rays
Reason: While there isn't much of a transaction history between Beane and Friedman, given the Rays strong farm system, it's very easy to see Beane targeting the Rays as a team he wants to trade with. I hate to say it, but Street's recent performances have pretty much ruled out the chances of him being able to pry a prospect of the caliber of a Hellickson or Davis. Regardless, the rays have enough other interesting prospects to create a match.

Return: Reid Brignac, Nick Barnese, Mitch Talbot

3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Reason: I think this is a perfect match- except for the fact that Beane will have to deal with GM Ned Colleti- who simply should not be a GM. Maybe this is the year Colleti wakes up and realizes his team is one solid trade away from making the playoffs and finally pulls the trigger. The team has strangely soured on 24 yr old 3rd basemen Andy LaRoche- strangely because they haven't given him enough AB's at the major league level to determine anything. The A's should be poised to pry him away from the Dodgers ala Ryan Sweeney (who wasn't given a chance prior to coming to the A's).

Return: Andy LaRoche, Joe Meloan

4. Boston Red Sox
Reason: It is believed that Street is being shopped to the Red Sox. However, I just don't see them biting. They certainly have the prospects to pull off a deal- but I feel Epstein would be weary of Beane pulling too much talent from his system and, as a result, be very stingy in his offer.

Return: Michael Bowden, Josh Reddick, Daniel Bard

5. Cincinnati Reds
Reason: Not much reson other than the fact that there is a report that the reds are interested. This is the only team that would not acquire Street for a playoff push this year. However, you can still see the logic in a non-contending team trading for street given that he is only 24 yrs old. Still it seems like a longshot that a deal would get done.

Return- Todd Frazier, Homer Bailey or Neftali Soto, Joe Roenicke, Matt Maloney