Cincinnati Reds Trade Speculation: Will the Reds Be Sellers or Buyers?

If the Cincinnati Reds want to contend for the NL Central, they will have to become buyers before July 31.

That gives Walt Jocketty just over six days to fulfill his wish-list for the summer, with aspirations of improving his ballclub and taking the Reds to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 1975-76.

Cincinnati is currently 49-51 and 3.5 games back from first place behind the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.

It is 4-4 since the All-Star break and its starting pitching has combined for a 3.05 ERA. However, scoring with runners in position has been a huge issue of late, with the Reds hitting just 16 for 71 (.225) during this time.

Several names come to mind when thinking of best fits for Cincinnati. This is a combination of rumors and my own speculation, but here are a few possible purchases Jocketty could make to upgrade the Reds.

Doug Fister, Seattle Mariners

You've really got to feel for Doug Fister right now.

In 20 starts this season, he has allowed 51 earned runs in 139.0 innings pitched (3.30 ERA). He's struck out 84, walked just 31, and has compiled a .252 batting average against, giving up only six home runs.

Fister thrives against the No. 4, 5 and 6 hitters in the lineup, in which he has retired 142 of the 175 batters he's faced. He spends most of his time ahead in the count and averages seven innings a game—an asset every dominant pitcher requires.

In 25 innings pitched (three starts) against the National League this year, Fister has allowed three earned runs. That's good for a 1.08 ERA.

Comparing him to others with similar statistics, it would seem Fister would have anywhere from eight to 10 wins so far in 2011.

But this isn't the case.

The 6'8" giant has three victories to 11 losses. He has the lowest amount of wins among the rest of the MLB's starting pitchers with 20 starts, and his offense is averaging only 2.4 runs per game when he's on the mound.

The Reds rank 21st in the league with an overall ERA of 4.06 and is on the move to possibly add another arm to the rotation.

And according to sportsoverdose.com, Cincinnati had a few scouts in Seattle this week to watch Fister.

B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays

The 26-year-old center fielder hasn't proved much in Tampa Bay, but maybe a scenery change could put a jumpstart on his career.

The ailing B.J. Upton is hitting .229 this season with 15 home runs and 52 RBI. He has an on-base percentage of .310 and has stolen 23 bases in 30 attempts.

Cincinnati has had its share of struggling outfielders in 2011. Jonny Gomes, Chris Heisey, Fred Lewis, Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce have combined for a .250 batting average with 59 home runs and 172 RBI. They've struck out 370 times and are hitting .229 with runners in scoring position.

So why add B.J. Upton?

ESPN sources say that Tampa Bay's general manager, Andrew Friedman, does not have to be "overwhelmed" when receiving offers for Upton, in order to make a deal.

Therefore, Cincinnati wouldn't have to worry about giving up too much for the project.

Center fielder Desmond Jennings was recently called up from the Rays' Triple-A organization, hinting that a move for Upton is potentially on its way.

Carlos Beltran, New York Mets

It seems as if the San Francisco Giants are leading the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes, but this doesn't mean that Cincinnati is out of it.

Beltran is hitting .291 with 15 home runs, 64 RBI and a .520 slugging percentage—his highest since 2007.

He's phenomenal with runners in scoring position, batting .340 with 45 RBI in this situation this season. This is a characteristic the Reds desperately need right now with a lineup that has been awful in clutch at-bats lately.

With Scott Rolen aging and battling injuries, Jay Bruce not consistent enough and Joey Votto the sole three-hole hitter, Cincinnati is missing a true cleanup hitter. Beltran would fit this role perfectly.

And with the deadline quickly approaching, a blockbuster move like this is inevitable.