Baseball’s trade deadline is probably the most important date of the season.  Everyone knows it’s July 31 and everyone knows it’s the last chance to make a major move to improve your team for this season or the future.  Rather than look at every team I will focus on those that must make a deal to improve their chances of succes this season.  Let’s have at it.

Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Outfielder

They’re actually in a good position.  First place in the AL East and they are starting to pull away from the Yankees.  They don’t have to make a move, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they were to acquire another starting pitcher to bolster their depth.  There is talk of Los Angeles Dodgers Hiroki Kuroda being a possibility, but Boston would prefer a long term solution i.e, Colorado Rockies Ubaldo Jimenez.

Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Relief Pitcher

It’s becoming a problem again, but don’t expect them to make a big splash.  They have enough in the farm system to do it, but that’s not GM Brian Cashman’s style with ‘The Boss’ no longer around. They might settle for someone who can provide depth in the rotation and help for the setup role in the bullpen.

Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Outfielder

They are in the middle of the rumors for Mets OF Carlos Beltran and Dodgers P Hiroki Kuroda.  The chances of landing either one are slim.  The market doesn’t bode well for Detroit getting either one, but they will have to make a move to get some pitching. They won’t win the AL Central without some extra support in the pitching department.

Must Have: Outfielder, Starting Pitcher

Obviously getting another starting pitcher would help tremendously, but since OF Grady Sizemore went down with another injury, getting a bat is priority number one.  Getting Beltran might be out of their range, but getting say Rockies utility player Ty Wigginton would help ease the burden.  That would keep them in the race for the division title.

Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher

They can make a trade for a bat, but with OF Alex Rios and DH Adam Dunn getting paid big bucks they have to count on them to have a better second half.  The focus is on pitching and rest assured that GM Ken Williams will be aggressive in getting help for the bullpen and a quality starter for manager Ozzie Guillen.

Must Have: Outfielder, Starting Pitcher

They seem to be very agressive in their pursuit of Carlos Beltran. Even with Beltran stating that he’d rather play in the National League, Texas should still be one of the favorites to get him. Getting another starter to solidify what they have for the stretch run will be critical if they want to hold off the division rival Angels.

Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Third Baseman

The market for a big bat is thin for what they need.  The Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez is the ideal fit, but with his high salary it will be difficult to manage.  The big acquisition would be getting Padres closer Heath Bell. He would help stop the Angels bullpen woes.

Must Have: Outfielder

If they were to acquire Carlos Beltran they would have pulled off one of biggest trade trifectas in baseball history.  Remember it was Roy Halladay, then Roy Oswalt and if Beltran’s next, I don’t see anyone stopping them on their way to the World Series.

Must Have: Outfielder, Relief Pitcher

They’re duking it out with Philadelphia for Beltran.  The one saving grace is that they have some of the best pitching prospects in the game.  Also they could make a run at some of the Padres bullpen. Not Heath Bell, but Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson are perfect for them.  

Must Have: Outfielder, Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher

It would be a tremendous feat if they nabbed Beltran.  They have a good farm system that took almost 20 years to build.  However, they will most likely make modest moves.  Ty Wigginton would be a great fit.  If they could shore up their bullpen as well they will stay in contention til the end.

Must Have: Relief Pitcher, Starting Pitcher

Their pitching has become a major weakness this season.  The bullpen especially.  They don’t have enough prospects to trade off for a major piece.  If they were to trade OF Colby Rasmus as part of a larger deal that could bode well for them getting that big piece they need.

Must Have: Starting Pitcher

They already have solidified the back end of their bullpen by getting Francisco Rodriguez.  They won’t be in the running for a high end starter, but if they were to acquire a back of the rotation type to help down the stretch.  There is plenty of those on the market.

Must Have: Starting Pitcher, Relief Pitcher

They have to make a move.  One that makes sense now and for the future.  Getting Ubaldo Jimenez would do just that.  They have the pieces to make that move to satisfy Colorado.  Doing something small I’m afraid won’t keep them in the race for the NL Central title.

Must Have: Outfielder

They need to find the next Cody Ross.  Their pitching is what’s keeping them ahead in the NL West.  It might not be enough with Arizona right on their heels.  If they were to get Beltran that would solve a lot of their problems.  For one it will keep them ahead of the rest of the National League.