Cleveland Indians Trade Rumors: Odds the Tribe Make a Deal for These 9 Players

As the trade deadline approaches, each team in the playoff/pennant race needs to make some critical decisions to gain the edge.

Those in the races, are obviously the buyers looking to fill the weakness void within the ball-club.

Well, the Cleveland Indians are in that boat as they have exceeded expectations to this point in 2011.

That said, they seem to have veered slightly off after dropping for straight prior to another walk-off win last night.

For the Tribe to keep pace with the division leading Detroit Tigers, something will have to go down.

And, it could be one of the following nine players. Check it out.

Michael Young: 3B/DH, Texas Rangers

2011 Statistics

Batting Average: .333

Homeruns: Nine

RBI: 70

Hits: 134

At this point, it's unlikely that anyone will pursue Michael Young.

For one, Texas is getting their money's worth, and two, after all the early season trade talk, it appears things have worked out.

Nonetheless, Young would be an excellent addition the Tribe.

He has experience, veteran leadership, and great success.

Can't ask for much more.

Odds: 1 in 100

Todd Coffey: RP, Washington Nationals

2011 Statistics

Saves/Holds: 0/6

ERA: 3.92

Innings: 39.0

Strikeouts: 31

For the Indians pitching staff, their bullpen is definitely the strong point.

However, it's still not strong enough to compete for the AL pennant.

That said, the addition of Todd Coffey would be much appreciated, however, the Nats' are a team on the up-swing so he won't come easy.

Odds: 1 in 85

Jim Thome: DH, Minnesota Twins

2011 Statistics

Batting Average: .216

Homeruns: Seven

RBI: 25

Hits: 29

For anyone playing for the Minnesota Twins, 2011 just hasn't been a good year.

The injury bug seems to have struck almost everyone, while others are in trade discussions.

As for Jim Thome, he's no exception, but reuniting him with Cleveland may boost his spirits.

Plus, he could just add some veteran depth to the offense.

Odds: 1 in 70

Jose Contreras: RP, Philadelphia Phillies

2011 Statistics

Saves/Holds: 5/4

ERA: 3.86

Innings: 14.0

Strikeouts: 13

For as dominant as the Phillies' pitching has been all year, it almost makes their bullpen obsolete.

Well, in Cleveland's case, their bullpen is key, so making a deal for Jose Contreras could be huge.

Contreras would bring some solid veteran leadership (in a young bullpen), while being able to provide a solid inning or two of relief. 

Odds: 1 in 65

Anibal Sanchez: SP, Florida Marlins

2011 Statistics

Record: 6-3

ERA: 3.60

Innings: 132.1

Strikeouts: 138

It seem unlikely, but with the Marlins struggling, and two starters already signed with longevity (Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson), Anibal Sanchez is the odd man out.

That does not mean however, the weakest link, because he has been pretty decent in 2011.

The Tribe desperately needs help with starting pitching, and Sanchez would most definitely suffice.

Odds: 1 in 50

Vladimir Guerrero: DH, Baltimore Orioles

2011 Statistics

Batting Average: .279

Homeruns: Seven

RBI: 31

Hits: 87

With the Orioles in the major's most difficult division, chances are Vladimir Guerrero won't see the post-season anytime soon.

He will however, have that opportunity in Cleveland.

The Indians could use some additional offensive explosivity, and Vlad is the man for the job.

Not to mention he's a great leader with a solid amount of experience and success. 

Odds: 1 in 45

B.J. Upton: CF, Tampa Bay Rays

2011 Statistics

Batting Average: .229

Homeruns: 15

RBI: 52

Hits: 80

Despite the batting average, B.J. Upton is quietly having a great year driving in runs, and stealing bases (23).

He's also playing in baseball's toughest division, so the playoffs look rather meek as of now.

Therefore, if the Tribe can reel him in, Upton will immediately become part of a divisional race to the post-season with a lot of talented players roughly his age.

Meaning, a bright future in Cleveland.

Odds: 1 in 35

Aaron Harang: SP, San Diego Padres

2011 Statistics

Record: 9-2

ERA: 3.45

Innings: 104.1

Strikeouts: 72

After pitching in Cincinnati for so many years, Aaron Harang moved to San Diego in 2011 and has performed very well.

In fact, he's enjoying the best season of his career thus far.

Problem is, the Padres aren't going to be good anytime soon, and the Indians are in the need of another solid starting pitcher.

His impact in Cleveland would boost his career (and their playoff chances) immediately.

Odds: 1 in 20

Hiroki Kuroda: SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

2011 Statistics

Record: 6-12

ERA: 3.19

Innings: 127.0

Strikeouts: 97

Since his rookie year with the Dodgers in 2008, Hiroki Kuroda has gotten better every year (except in the win column).

L.A. has been in some nasty off-the-field issues and settling across the country in Northeast Ohio would be a nice change of scenery.

Add in Cleveland's playoff race and their need for another starting pitcher and it's a perfect fit.

Odds: 1 in 15