Frontpage Features

BY WILLIAM MORRISS

Now that the trading deadline has passed, baseball players everywhere can settle in with a sense of comfort knowing that they're safe at home for the season. Well not exactly. Players can still be moved as long as they pass through waivers. The waiver-trading period offers some of the most intriguing storylines of players changing teams. But the process of obtaining a player through waivers is tricky and confusing. Here are some players that could be moved and their potential suitors.

Adam Dunn

Rumors swirled earlier this week that Adam Dunn had already been claimed off of waivers, although he apparently has been pulled back as he still plays for the Washington Nationals. Dunn, who is working on his seventh straight season of 38-plus homers, was a highly sought after piece before the trade deadline and should attract lots of attention on the waiver wire. The Rockies, Giants, and Angels figure to be the most likely competitors for Dunn's services, although there are a lot of teams out there with holes at first base and DH that could use Adam Dunn. My best bet is that Dunn stays put in Washington as the Nationals try to sign him to a long-term contract.

Manny Ramirez

It seems that “Manny being Manny” has worn out his welcome in Los Angeles now that he has quit producing. Manny only has 8 homers and 39 RBIs, although his .317 batting average and .409 on base percentage are worthy of a lineup spot. Manny is in the last of year of his large contract, so if a team can afford to bring him on, they don’t have to worry about being on the hook after this year. The White Sox made a run at him before the deadline, although a Manny Ramirez-Ozzie Guillen combination is like lighting a cigarette at a gas station…a bad idea. Now that the Yankees added Lance Berkman you can cross them off the list. The Rays could be an option if they decide to take on salary, as could Detroit.

Aaron Harang

To say Harang has had an off-season would be an understatement. Harang’s ERA has jumped almost a full point to 5.02 and given up 15 homeruns in only 17 starts. He is still a veteran presence who could provide a few starts to a team that loses a starter to injury in the next month. He would have no problems clearing waivers considering his $12.5 million dollar salary. The problem is what teams would want him. Right now he has no clear suitors although as I said, just wait for an injury to occur and you can watch the offers come flying in.

There are plenty of other names to look for as waiver wire deals start to occur. And don’t think because these deals are less publicized they don’t carry the same significance. Jeff Bagwell was traded from Boston back in 1990 in a waiver deal for reliever Larry Anderson. And perhaps the most lopsided trade in major league history, future Hall of Farmer John Smoltz going from Detroit to Atlanta for Doyle Alexander, was a waiver trade. So, if your team lands one of the players listed on this list, just hope it isn’t repeating the Red Sox and Tigers mistakes.