2011 MLB Trade Deadline: Ranking the 5 Teams Who Need Carlos Beltran Most

Last night the New York Mets traded Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named.

Does this trade signify the waving of the white flag, or is New York looking to clear money to sign Jose Reyes to a multi-year deal.

The Mets currently stand at 46-45, 7.5 games back of the Braves for the wild-card.

Since New York will most likely be out of the playoff mix, they may try to unload Carlos Beltran to clear more money to sign Reyes.

The Houston Astros were the beneficiaries of renting Beltran in 2004. During their run to the NLCS, Beltran tied the single post-season home run record of eight with Barry Bonds. He hit over .400 in both the NLDS and NLCS.

Honorable Mention: Philadelphia Phillies

There's no question that the Philadelphia Phillies need a bat to put behind Howard in their line-up, but let's face it, they don't have the financial means to make the deal work.

Beltran would be a perfect fit in Philly, if they had the cash.

Honorable Mention: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are an interesting case. 

They were in the AL West hunt all season long until the last week or so.  Depending on their play within the next few weeks, who knows if they'll be buyers or sellers at the deadline.

The Angels and Rangers have surged ahead of the pack, with the Rangers winning seven straight while the Angels have a four game winning streak. 

The Mariners have lost five in a row and currently stand 7.5 games back in the division. They rank dead last in the American League in runs scored (301) and batting average (.224).

Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda, Erik Bedard and Jason Vargas have helped keep them afloat.

5. Cleveland Indians

Many baseball pundits are simply waiting for the Cleveland Indians to implode much like the San Diego Padres did last season.

The Indians are a young team, and Beltran would add a veteran presence who's experienced the pressure of the postseason.

Austin Kearns just isn't cutting it in left field. Michael Brantley's been ok in right field, and talented center fielder Grady Sizemore seems to always get hurt.

Cleveland seems like a fit, if they feel that they can afford to give up a big name prospect or two.

4. Detroit Tigers

At 37, Magglio Ordonez's career is on it's final legs. He's hitting just .217 on the season.

The Tigers already have some boppers in the middle of that lineup in Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Brennan Boesch, Jhonny Peralta and Alex Avila.

They have the fifth ranked offense in the American League.

The addition of Beltran could be what the Tigers need to take the AL Central crown.

3. Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox, statistically, have the best offense in baseball, but they've been looking for production in the corner outfield positions all season long.

Josh Reddick is the fan favorite. In 23 games played, Reddick's hitting .393.

J.D. Drew has had an off year hitting just .229 with four home runs and 21 RBI.

And Darnell McDonald,quite frankly, isn't the best player. 

2. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox always seem to make a big splash at the deadline. They did so with Edwin Jackson, Jake Peavy and Manny Ramirez the past couple of years.

Alex Rios and Adam Dunn have been huge disappointments. Rios is hitting just .213 with six home runs and 21 RBI while Dunn is hitting just .160, OUCH!

Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin are providing a solid punch in the middle of the order, but with the White Sox five games back in the AL Central, they may pull the trigger on Beltran.

1. San Francisco Giants

Bruce Bochy was certainly friendly to Beltan during the All Star Game festivities. Not only did he name him onto the team, over the likes of Andrew McCutchen, Shane Victorino and Andre Ethier, he put him in the starting lineup.

The Giants desperately need a bat in the middle of the order, especially when Buster Posey was lost for the season.

Pablo Sandoval is the only regular player hitting over .300.

In the outfield Cody Ross has been Cody Ross, but Pat Burrell, Aubrey Huff, Aaron Rowand and Andres Torres haven't produced.

San Francisco is currently 15th in the NL in runs scored (332), 13th in batting average (.243) and 13th in home runs (59).