Answer From Within

Baseball is officially four days away from the trade deadline that for many teams could be the deciding factor on whether a playoff run is possible or not. Or is it? Each year there seems to be a at least a few big pieces that can greatly impact a team and there potential to win. This year is obviously not one of those years.

Without that bonafide hitter on the market, with the exception of Mark Teixeira who will be extremely difficult to move, teams are going to struggle to significantly upgrade their offense. The Dodgers, Braves, Red Sox, and Angels who would be interested in a big bat are not going to be able to find one in return for a couple throw in prospects.

The pitching is in the same boat as the hitting. The only starter that could possibly be an impact arm would be Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins. The Marlins have been sticking to their original statement that Dontrelle is not available, and with Willis' extremely disappointing year thus far it is hard to imagine him finding a new home.

Starting rotation help is coming in the form of Steve Trachsel? When Octavio Dotel is the hottest commodity on the market, that is a pretty good sign that teams need to figure out a new solution to their problems.

That solution is right in front of them down on the farm. The Yankees have gotten a temporary boost from throwing Shelley Duncan into the lineup. These changes may not last for the enitre year, but they will help for the moment being. When they stop working, you go back to the drawing board.

As tough as it may be for GM's to stand pat and trust that the players they have developed in their farm system to do a good job, it is necessary because it is not worth it to pay such a high price for a piece that would normally come very cheap simply because the market is at an all-time low.

Prospects are great pieces to hold onto and mix into the big league club when they prove ready. It has been made very clear, just see the Yankees for an example, that teams cannot go to free agency and trades for all answers. Bringing in established players does not always work.

There are positives to giving a hungry kid an opportunity to put himself on the map and make a difference on a major league roster. Teams who are looking to improve or jolt their current roster simply need some fresh blood on the field. That does not have to cost you a top minor league pitcher when you may only get to use the guy you traded for for a couple of months.

After all of the time and money put into scouting, drafting, and player development, it is time to show a little faith in the talent teams have accumulated. The answer to winning isn't the hottest name or the popular choice. A player is who hungry to make a difference and has enough talent to compete at the major league level will overcome the inexperience issue very quickly. Trust the kids and don't ruin the frm system for the future.