“Hitting the panic” button is one of those cliches you hear all too often in the world of sport. It comes about when a team that had high preseason expectations makes a decision, a hasty one usually, as to whether they are resigned to losing in the current season or if they should infuse some fresh blood. The Majors have seen their share of disappointments through fifty or so games. Here is a team from each division on the verge of hitting the “panic button” and what might happen when they do.
AL EAST- Boston Red Sox
There isn’t a team in the sport that has defied the pundits like the Boston Red Sox. They were a popular pick for any of the two Wild Card slots in the American League. Some experts even had the BoSox winning the division outright. Instead, their offseason acquisitions have yet to significantly gel as both the pitching staff and batting order have taken turns in being the latest scapegoat for their place in the AL East cellar. John Henry came out yesterday to say that both GM Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell are safe as of now. However, original pitching coach Juan Nieves got the ax in early May and hitting coach Chili Davis should be looking to rent rather than buy. The most bantered about panic button move for Boston would be a trade for Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels. Philadelphia GM Ruben Amaro has yet to come down off his high asking price for his prized lefty, but if Henry becomes more than just “disappointed” at his team’s run of play it may force Cherington’s hand in to paying it.
AL CENTRAL- Cleveland Indians
There is a sleeper team every winter in terms of a squad that will slip under the radar of the general public and eventually make a significant impact. For 2015, that team in most circles was supposed to be the Indians. Through 50 games though, they are under .500 due predominantly to their inability to win consistently at home. While their bullpen ranks in the upper half of the American League, it has been proven through the first third of 2015 that Cody Allen may be ill-equipped for the full time closer’s role. Though he’s only blown one save, his performances have been rough on the eyes following his breakout 2014. His ERA has more than doubled and he’s added over half a point to his WHIP. Though the pitching provides the most concern, there are several panicky moves the Indians could resort to. Rushing prized farmhand Francisco Lindor to replace Mendoza-liner Jose Ramirez would be one. There is also a slight undercurrent of making a move that would reunite manager Terry Francona with his former closer, current Phillies stopper Jonathan Papelbon. The Indians’ minor league cupboard (no pun intended) is very bare, it may be better to see if Allen can turn it around rather than emptying it further.
AL WEST- Seattle Mariners
Like the Indians, the Mariners were one of those teams that many believed would take that next leap into the 2015 Playoffs. Even though the Astros’ rise has thrown a monkey wrench in the AL West hierarchy, the M’s have been quite the disappointment through two months. Their offense has left a lot to be desired but they too have fell victim to late inning woes. Closer Fernando Rodney and setup man Danny Farquhar both sport ERAs over 6.00 as well as ERAs over 1.50. It is yet to be determined whether those horrid numbers, or the .226 batting average seated next to Robinson Cano will provide the most impetus for panic. There have been rumors swirling about Seattle bringing Rafael Soriano in, but will the former Nats closer and his agents come down from their ridiculous contract demands? Another potential knee jerk move may be to acquire the services of Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki. It would cost them not only several top prospects, but it would also put another nine-figure deal on the books in the infield. Will Nintendo of America, who are under immense pressure in their own industry, add that much more of an investment on either front with so many teams to leap frog? It’d be tough to fathom.
NL EAST- Miami Marlins
It may not qualify as a panic move, but the Marlins have already showed that they are willing to stir the pot to turn their underwhelming 2015 around. They jettisoned struggling catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and demoted closer Steve Cishek following early season tribulations. While this team is more likely to go into fire sale mode than make a trade to make a run, they’ve said thus far that they aren’t giving up on this season. They will be steadily getting starting pitching back over the next month, including ace Jose Fernandez and Opening Day starter Henderson Alvarez. Still, they are rife with maladies in the rotation (Jarrod Cosart & Mat Latos are out as well) and could go for a more cost effective arm- say Oakland’s Jesse Hahn. If any moves are going to be impulsively made, it will most likely involve the offense or bullpen. What would it cost to add a Wilin Rosario to the battery or Carlos Gomez to a slumping outfield? We’ll see if GM/manager Dan Jennings is willing to find out.
NL CENTRAL- Pittsburgh Pirates
As of press time, the Pirates are the only team on this list that is over .500. Why would they need to panic? They would because of the teams they are chasing. Even at four games over level pegging, the Pirates would be on the outside looking in on the playoffs as of now. They are starting to heat up (8-2 in their last ten) and former MVP Andrew McCutchen and company are rounding into form. Gerrit Cole is a legitimate Cy Young candidate and the rest of the rotation and bullpen has been rock solid. But, as it happens every year, teams chasing tend to resort to desperate measures to propel themselves into the postseason. Offensively, Jung Ho Kang’s transition takes them out of Tulowitzki discussions. Francisco Cervelli has been a more than admirable replacement for the departed Russell Martin. The lone blemish for the Bucs seems to be the back of their rotation. Arms are costly chips to add the later the season goes. Replacing Jeff Locke or Vance Worley wouldn’t qualify necessarily as a panic move. The later they wait though, the cost of a Scott Kazmir or Aaron Harang may definitely cross that threshold.
NL WEST- San Diego Padres
The Padres made headlines this winter for the breakneck speed in which they retooled their entire roster in seemingly less than a week. A whole new outfield, All-Star catcher, stud closer and legitimate ace were supposed to turn them from the crushed to the crushers in the NL West. Instead, it has been more of the same as they sit under .500 still looking up at both the Dodgers and Giants in the standings. General manager A.J. Preller showed that he is unwilling to sit on his hands when it comes to making the Padres competitive again. They are easily the most apt team to hit the panic button of the six listed. There are teams willing to part with big time players as we inch closer to the All-Star Break. Troy Tulowitzki, Johnny Cueto, and Scott Kazmir are all for the taking. The thing is, has Preller already depleted his resources so far that another move of this caliber isn’t possible? Would ownership sign off on eating a massive contract (Tulo) or selling off the rest of the farm for a rental (Cueto)? After the past winter, it would be silly to discount the chances of either of these moves happening, or even the Padres interjecting themselves into the Cole Hamels sweepstakes. Preller’s reputation, albeit a small sample, has panic button mashing written all over it.