MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Players Baltimore Orioles Can Trade to Contenders

At 38-55 and 19.5 games behind the AL East leading Boston Red Sox, the 2011 Baltimore Orioles appear to be going nowhere fast. 

Despite their place in the standings, the Orioles still possess a handful of veteran players who could be of value to contending teams. 

The Orioles could look to trade some of those veteran pieces in exchange for young talent, as they continue to rebuild and gain relevance.

Here are five Orioles who could be traded to contenders in the days leading up to the July 31st trade deadline. 

Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds embodies the proverbial "hit or miss" label. Just take a look at his 20 home runs and .220 batting average.

However, for a contending team he may be well worth the gamble. 

Reynolds' power is a rare commodity to come by in today's game, and for any team vying for a playoff spot the slugging third-baseman would be a welcome addition. 

It may prove difficult to unload Reynolds, as he's currently in the second year of a three-year, $14.5 million contract, and holds limited no-trade protection. 

However, for a contending team looking to bolster their power at the corner positions, the allure of adding Reynolds' bat to the middle of their lineup may be all too strong to ignore. 

Koji Uehara

At 36 years of age, Koji Uehara has no place in the Baltimore Orioles' plans for the future. 

However, he's an excellent set up man as evidenced by his 1.84 ERA thus far in 2011.

Solid bullpen arms are always a hot commodity at the trade deadline, and if the Orioles choose to trade Uehara they'd receive at least a mid-level prospect in return for the right-hander. Not bad for a 36-year-old pitcher on a team sitting in dead last. 

The Orioles would be wise to shop Uehara as the trade deadline approaches, and expect contending teams to show vast interest in the former Japanese baseball star. 

Kevin Gregg

Like Uehara, Kevin Gregg could be of interest to any number of contending clubs. 

He has a great deal of relief experience, and that's an aspect that can't be overlooked when it comes to dealing with contending teams at the trade deadline. 

Although his best days as a closer appear to be behind him, Gregg could fill a contending team's need in the seventh or eighth inning roles. 

With the "Baltimore Brawler" in the first year of a two-year $10 million contract, the Orioles may have to pick up a significant portion of his salary in order to trade him.  However, contending teams often overpay for relief help at the trade deadline, and the Orioles would be wise to position themselves to reap the benefits. 

Vladimir Guerrero

Currently, Vladimir Guerrero finds himself on the disabled list with a sore right hand. 

However, the former American League MVP has shown he can still hit, as he's posted a .279 batting average this season to go along with seven home-runs and 31 RBI. 

Guerrero is on a one-year, $8 million contract, making it relatively easy to deal the nine-time All-Star. 

Contending teams would certainly show interest in acquiring the slugger, as he has playoff experience from both last year's pennant run with the Texas Rangers, and from his years with the Los Angeles Angels. 

Adding Vladimir Guerrero to a contending team's lineup can prove to be invaluable, as his mere presence in the order will have a trickling effect, enabling his teammates to see better pitches. 

Derek Lee

With first-base prospect Joseph Mahoney waiting in the wings, Derek Lee figures to be out of Baltimore following the 2011 season. 

He's currently on a one-year, $7.5 million contract, making him easy to move at the deadline. 

The former NL Batting Champion is hitting .239 with nine home-runs and 34 RBI this season, proving he can still somewhat handle the bat. 

Having an experienced player such as Lee coming off the bench for a contending team can prove to be invaluable, as he'd give the regulars a rest during the exhausting stretch run without sacrificing the team's chances of winning.

The Orioles wouldn't acquire much in terms of big-time prospects for Lee, but getting a young player in return for the first-baseman now is better than letting him leave for nothing come this winter.