Buy, sell or hold: NL West

Let's wrap up our division-by-division deadline previews with a look at the Nationals League West, where statuses might not be as clear as they seem.

By Dayn Perry

Jul 25, 2012 at 5:40 pm ET • 2 min read

While the non-waiver trade deadline is still days away, a number of headline-grabbers have already gone down, and a number of others are in the works. So let's wrap up our "Buy, hold or sell" series with the NL West …

Keep up on latest rumors
Jon Heyman's blog New MLB Rumors blog Danny Knobler's blog Scott Miller's blog Buy, sell, hold: AL East \| NL East AL Central \| NL Central AL West

San Francisco Giants

Status: Buyers

Needs: The Giants don't have any pressing needs, especially if Tim Lincecum continues to improve modestly. A right-handed outfielder off the bench would help, and they could use bullpen depth from the right side. For bolder moves, an upgrade at second base should be pondered. They should be buyers, but a quite deadline for GM Brian Sabean is justified, no matter how noisy things are in L.A.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Status: Buyers

Needs: The Dodgers already landed Hanley Ramirez, which, provided he rebounds in his new environment, is a wise addition. However, the Dodgers now need to complete their overhaul of the left side of the infield. If Chase Headley can be pried away from the division-rival Padres, then keep Ramirez at short. If he can't, then shift Ramirez to third and gauge the shortstop market. Dee Gordon, once he returns from injury, simply isn't adequate. Pursuing Ryan Dempster, as is widely rumored, makes some sense, but offensive upgrades are more pressing.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Status: Hold

Needs: The D-backs are still in the race, albeit behind a healthy number of teams. They're not close enough to justify sloughing off prospects for veterans, but neither should they part with useful parts who could be of help in the near-term. Wisely, GM Kevin Towers seems disinclined to part with Justin Upton. Steady as she goes is the right approach.

Colorado Rockies

Status: Everything must go

Needs: Core hitters like Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are under long-term contract, Wilin Rosario is turning in an impressive rookie campaign, and top prospect Nolan Arenado is on the way. There's also some impressive young pitching in the pipeline. With that said, the Rockies still need depth just about everywhere. As for worthwhile, tradable assets, Ramon Hernandez has drawn some interest, as has Marco Scutaro. A handful of relievers presently in the fold could also be dangled -- closer Rafael Betancourt chief among them.

San Diego Padres

Status: Soft sellers

Needs: Assumed to be bold deadline sellers, the Padres surprised us in recent days by re-signing Carlos Quentin. Now, they're said to be shopping the grossly underrated Chase Headley, which is puzzling because Headley could have much value to the Padres moving forward. Anyhow, there's sure to be a market for him. The Padres don't appear to be looking to trade Huston Street, but given that closers tend to be overvalued on the market that could be a mistake. Edinson Volquez? The Pads have the chance to "sell high" on him (3.30 ERA, still in his arbitration years), but reportedly they lean toward keeping him. One is tempted to think that GM Josh Byrnes is trying to have it both ways. While the Padres have perhaps the top farm system in baseball, their strength is more depth than ceiling. Attrition rates prove that an organization can never have too much young talent.