Arizona Diamondbacks: 8 Deals Arizona Can Make If They Are Buyers

While the Arizona Diamondbacks are only four games behind the San Francisco Giants in the National League West and there is still plenty of baseball to play, the Diamondbacks' hopes of catching the Giants just took a huge blow.

The Giants have been struggling to score runs this year, so they went out and attended to the matter by adding the best hitter on the market in Carlos Beltran.

While many believe that this trade will put the Giants as the far-and-away favorites to take the West, the Diamondbacks have yet to put forth their rebuttal.

The Diamondbacks are a vastly improved team from last year, there is no denying that.

They have always had the offense, it was only a matter of pitching that has kept the Diamondbacks from making some noise in the National League West.

Ian Kennedy has placed himself among the leagues top pitchers due to a stellar season, and the emergence of pitchers like John Collmenter, David Hernandez, Joe Saunders and J. J. Putz have finally given the Diamondbacks pitching staff the right to demand some respect from around the league.

However, the Giants have made a strong statement declaring that the National League West is still theirs again.

It is now up to Arizona to decide whether they should prepare for the long-term and hold on to their prospects, or go all out with guns a blazin' in an attempt to catch the Giants.

If the Diamondbacks are up for a fight, here is a list of eight trades they could entertain in an attempt to make their late season push.

What Holes Would the Diamondbacks Need to Fill?

Despite the improved pitching the Diamondbacks have in 2011, no team can ever have enough of it; and that includes both starting and relief pitching.

Secondly, the Diamondbacks haven't had anyone stand up and run away with the starting spot at first base. The Diamondbacks are going to have rely on their offense if they have any hopes of catching the Giants, and having no power at the first base position would be unacceptable.

Arizona also might be scouring the market for a shortstop ever since the unwatchable injury to Stephen Drew knocked him out for the rest of the season.

1) Jeremy Guthrie, SP, Baltimore Orioles

Jeremy Guthrie has always been a solid pitcher in the MLB, but his record has never shown that.

Guthrie has posted only one winning season in his major leagues career which was in 2007 when he went 7-5.

It's the same story for Guthrie this year, as his record is an abominable 4-14 with a respectable 4.33 ERA in the AL East. This year is definitely not Guthrie's strongest overall, but it makes you wonder how his lack of run support has caught up to him over the years.

The Diamondbacks need pitching, and Guthrie would be a cheap and effective option for them to entertain.

2) Ryan Dempster, SP, Chicago Cubs

If you know a pitcher that got of to a worse start of the season than Ryan Dempster, I am all ears because there is no one that even compares (OK, I'll give you Phil Hughes).

Dempster started off the year with a 1-3 record and a 9.58 ERA.

And no, that ERA was not a typo.

Don't let those numbers deceive you into thinking that Dempster is not a good pitcher in this league. He is now 7-8 with and his ERA is just a shade under 5.00.

If Dempster truly is available, the Diamondbacks should be on the phone as we speak trying to acquire him.

3) Jason Marquis, SP, Washington Nationals

Jason Marquis is quietly having a very nice season for the Washington Nationals. He is currently 8-5 with a an ERA just below 4.00.

Marquis is currently in the final year of his contract, and could be had for a very reasonable price if the Diamondbacks were interested.

Another incentive for the Diamondbacks is his track record against the San Francisco Giants.

His last start against them on April 29, he pitched nine shutout innings while only needing 96 pitches to go the distance.

In his career against the Giants, Marquis is 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA in 11 starts.

4) Emilio Bonifacio, Utility, Florida Marlins

Before Emilio Bonifacio's 26-game hitting streak became national news, barely anyone had heard of him before.

Bonifacio is more than capable of filling the Diamondbacks hole at shortstop for this season, and can play a multitude of other positions next season when Stephen Drew comes back to claim his rightful spot at shortstop.

Bonifacio would also give the Diamondbacks a legitimate lead off hitter which they so desperately need.

5) Carlos Pena, 1B, Chicago Cubs

Carlos Pena is well known for being a good defensive first baseman with a ton of pop; that sounds like something the Diamondbacks would be interested in.

At the moment, the Diamondbacks are platooning between Brandon Allen and Xavier Nady at first base, which leaves a ton of room for possible improvement at that position.

6) Casey Kotchman, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays

Casey Kotchman was always a player with a ton of potential, and now it finally seems that he is starting to put it all together.

While the power numbers aren't up there yet, Kotchman is currently batting .324 with four home runs and 29 runs batted in.

What also makes Kotchman so valuable is his ability to play some top-notch defense at first base.

With the Rays quickly fading in the American League East, I think Kotchman would be a nice fit at first for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

7) Jason Isringhausen, RP, New York Mets

Even though the Diamondbacks bullpen has been immensely improved, no team could have enough relievers, especially during a postseason push.

Jason Isringhausen has begun to revitalize his career in 2011 and has pitched quite well for the Mets this season.

The New York Mets traded away Francisco Rodriguez, their previous closer, to the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in the season; which in turn pushed up "Izzy" to the closer role.

However, this does not mean Isringhausen is not on the block. The Mets are starting their rebuilding process and would be more than willing to entertain offers for their current 38-year-old closer.

8) Grant Balfour, RP, Oakland Athletics

That is one intimidating picture. 

Grant Balfour is also an intimidating pitcher that would certainly be a nice addition to the Diamondbacks bullpen.

The Aussie is currently sporting a 1.98 ERA in over 40 innings pitched and a WHIP a shade over 1.00.

The Oakland Athletics are now pretty much down for the count and will be looking to load up on prospects, which is what they are best at.

Besides Heath Bell and all the other big-name closers on the market, Grand Balfour is arguably the best middle reliever available at the deadline.