The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away. This season one of the most competitive divisions has been the National League East, as annual cellar dwellers Washington and New York have jumped to the top of the standings, while Philadelphia has taken a step back. In fact, for the first time in five years, the Phillies appear to be in sell mode, with Washington and New York looking to add a player or two from their most hated rivals. Today we’ll look at why the NL East could be the busiest division on July 31. 
Sitting comfortably atop the NL East with a 51 – 36 record, the Washington Nationals are in desperate need of starting pitching help, as the trade deadline edges closer. For the first time in franchise history, the Nationals can actually be buyers at the trade deadline, as they have the farm system to make one or two trades to make them contenders. With NL Central team the Milwaukee Brewers rumored to be willing to trade Zach Greinke, the Nationals would be one of the teams that should acquire his online betting services. With Stephen Strasburg due to be shutdown later in the season because of an innings count, the Nationals may attempt to acquire a veteran starter such as Joe Blanton from the Phillies to shore up the back end of the rotation.
The Atlanta Braves are one of the more confusing teams in baseball. Carried primarily by a strong pitching staff, the Braves are always in the playoff mix, regardless of an inconsistent offense. However, this season, the injury bug has hit the rotation, and Atlanta may need to make a major splash in an effort to make it back to the playoffs after last seasons collapse. Two names that bookies have associated with the Braves are the aforementioned Zach Greinke, as well as Cole Hamels from internal rivals the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels is scheduled to become a free agent at season’s end, and what better way to show you can be an ace, then to jump ship to your current teams arch nemesis?
The New York Mets similar to the Washington Nationals earlier find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being in a position to buy at the trade deadline. Over the past few seasons, the Mets have been considered one of the worst franchises in sports, as the level of mediocrity has been hard to watch. This season, the Mets have been right in the hunt and don’t look to be going away anytime soon. Although they sit six games behind Washington, and three behind the wild card, if the Mets can fill their 5Dimes needs, they could be poised for a run to the playoffs. The Mets could really add another starting pitcher, as Johan Santana and RA Dickey need some help. They could also add a catcher and a few relief pitchers. New York’s 4.90 ERA amongst relievers is the worst in baseball.
Finally, the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies both could receive nice returns if they go into sell mode later this month. The Phillies are enduring one of their worst seasons in franchise history, as they sit dead last in the division. Meanwhile, the Marlins went from overspending in the offseason, to losing their identity midway through June. Where the Phillies can rebuild their farm system through a trade of Cole Hamels, the Marlins need to decide if they want to continue down the playoff path or also enter rebuild mode. For all the latest MLB trade deadline news, log onto betonline casino .