MLB: Cincinnati Reds' Potential Acquisitions Before the Trade Deadline

With the MLB season more than half way over, contending teams have begun their search for the missing piece (or pieces) that would convert their World Series dream into an entity of reality.

Perhaps the hottest team in baseball, the Cincinnati Reds, are one of those contending teams. Now, nineteen games over .500, the Reds GM Walt Jocketty, has mentioned that he does have plans of acquiring another capable bat to add a little more depth into their lineup.

With the July 31st trade deadline approaching, here are a few potential players that could be sporting a Reds' uniform by seasons end.

The Boston Red Sox, surprisingly, are not in contention for the playoffs, and are in the running to be the most disappointing team in the 2012 MLB Regular Season. Rumor has it that the Reds have been contacting the Red Sox with interest in outfielder, Cody Ross. Ross would add some depth to the Reds' very limited bench. The deciding factor would rely on whether or not the Reds Sox are overvaluing Ross or not.

In this past offseason, the Cincinnati Reds acquired pitcher, Mat Latos from the San Diego Padres. Eight months later, the Reds could be looking to do business with the Padres again. Left fielder, Carlos Quentin would be a guy that would provide more power to the Reds' already formidable lineup.

The Phillies also fall into the category of biggest disappointment of the 2012 MLB Season. With players like Roy Halladay, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley battling injury, it looks as if the Phillies could see their season terminate as early as late September to early October. The Reds could add a player such as Shane Victorino who would fit nicely in the lineup at the leadoff spot.

The Reds will look to add a player via trade prior to the July 31st trade deadline in order to solidify their chances of beating a team like the New York Yankees or Detroit Tigers in the 2012 World Series.