MLB Trade and Free Agency: 1 Move Each Team's Fans Are Still Hoping For

Given his record for success, it's somewhat surprising that a player like Roy Oswalt has still gone unclaimed in the free-agent market this offseason.

As teams make their way to spring training facilities, however, Oswalt will surely find a home.

Much like Oswalt's late move, a number of other moves will no doubt take place into the season as teams identify priorities and needs for their organizations.

Here are moves (some more likely than others) that would certainly help boost a team's chances down the road.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Bring in a Veteran Starter for Second-Half Push

It seems as though you can never have enough arms at your disposal, and as the Arizona Diamondbacks look to make another postseason appearance in 2012, they'll want to add to their solid front-end starters.

With a number of top-level starters set to enter free agency prior to 2013, teams may be unloading early.

If the D-Backs' 2011 performance turns out to be a fluke, these moves clearly won't happen, but if they're in the NL West picture, a starter would help give fans another reason to cheer this fall.

Atlanta Braves: Pry David Wright Away from the Mets

New York Mets third baseman David Wright would no doubt be one of the best free-agent targets next offseason should the team decide not to pick up his 2013 option.

If they don't opt to extend his contract, the Atlanta Braves may give serious consideration to make a play on Wright as a potential replacement for Chipper Jones.

Baltimore Orioles: Sign Adam Jones to Long-Term Deal

As we've seen a number of times before with teams operating under tighter budgets than the big spenders, stud prospects that blossom into stars all too frequently end up leaving town.

Adam Jones won't be eligible for free agency for a couple years, but the team could take a long look into the future by locking in their young star before free agency gets too close.

Boston Red Sox: Sign Roy Oswalt

Heading into the offseason, everyone expected that the Boston Red Sox would make a play on one of the many starting pitchers available on the free-agent market.

With a new GM in tow, the team made no such move, leaving many to wonder if the team would wait until next offseason to bolster the rotation.

Roy Oswalt is still available, so it seems logical for both parties to at least consider getting together to hammer out a deal.

Chicago Cubs: Trade Matt Garza

With a newly agreed upon one-year deal in place, the trade talks involving Matt Garza appear to have slowed, even if just temporarily.

It's hard to believe fans in Chicago are sold on his contract, as the Cubs very well may still look to work out a deal for Garza since he doesn't appear to be a long-term option for the top of the team's rotation moving forward.

Chicago White Sox: Find a Top End Starter to Fill in for Peavy

Jake Peavy's tenure in Chicago certainly hasn't gone as planned, as injury issues have kept him from putting up the numbers we all know he's capable of.

With a $22 million option for 2013, it's hard to believe Peavy will stick around beyond this season, meaning the White Sox should start shopping for a front-of-the-rotation starter to complement John Danks.

Cincinnati Reds: Kick the Tires on Roy Oswalt

The Cincinnati Reds already added a couple strong arms to the starting rotation this offseason in moving Aroldis Chapman to the rotation and trading for Padres ace Mat Latos.

With a Pujols and Fielder-less NL Central, adding another starting pitcher with the credentials of Roy Oswalt could push them over the edge to a run deep into the postseason.

Cleveland Indians: Make B.J. Upton the Centerfielder of the Future

Having seen barely 100 games from Grady Sizemore over the past two seasons, the Cleveland Indians wouldn't be surprising anyone if they opted to seek a more long-term replacement.

As the team looks to continue its ascent in the AL Central, they could help their cause immensely by acquiring B.J. Upton to fill the role as the Rays seem unlikely to retain him.

Colorado Rockies: Add Francisco Liriano to Rotation

The Colorado Rockies shipped out a pitcher with a high upside in trading Ubaldo Jimenez to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for some high-value prospects.

They now have a number of talented young pitchers that can certainly perform, but may still want to add a pitcher that can eat up innings while dominating batters.

Jeremy Guthrie presents a veteran arm for the Rockies, but Liriano has a high upside that could pay off, despite consistency issues that are a risk.

Detroit Tigers: Go All in

As if they didn't already indicate they were going all-in with the signing of Prince Fielder to a $214 million deal, the Detroit Tigers still have time to make another statement to the league by even further bolstering their rotation which complements a dangerous offense.

Less consistency may typically be expected from Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, and any team could benefit from the addition of another well-established arm.

With pitchers like Roy Oswalt still available, the Tigers could make a big statement about their plans in the league with a last-minute addition before breaking into the season.

Houston Astros: Stockpile for the Future

The Houston Astros clearly aren't in a position to contend in 2012, and with a relatively depleted farm system, it may be time for the organization to think towards the distant future.

With trade targets like Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez on the roster, the team should be able to get a good return for the players when the deadline approaches.

Kansas City Royals: Add a Top-Flight Starter

With Bruce Chen back in 2012 and Jonathan Sanchez added in exchange for Melky Cabrera this offseason, the Kansas City Royals have some pieces in the rotation to complement their young but talented position players.

The prospect of continuing their rise in the AL Central should be enough to coax the team into adding a top-level starter to get the team into the late innings in good shape before turning things over to the bullpen.

Los Angeles Angels: Bolster the Bullpen to Complement Rotation

After signing C.J. Wilson this offseason, the Los Angeles Angels head into spring training with one of the top starting rotations in the AL, if not all of baseball.

With a dangerous lineup boasting superstar Albert Pujols in the mix, adding late inning depth could shut the door on opponents night after night.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Find an Owner

In a matter of speaking, the Los Angeles Dodgers themselves are free agents. With Frank McCourt out as the Dodgers owner, a number of suitors appear to have interest in buying the team.

While there hasn't been a clear cut front-runner, stability in the front office needs to be achieved before the team can truly move on and reach its full potential.

Miami Marlins: Bring in a Formidable Backstop

The Miami Marlins have shown that they're willing to spend big money, so there's no reason to think they wouldn't consider landing the biggest catcher expected to hit the open market in 2013 (maybe even trading for him this season).

Yadier Molina's .274 career average, .797 OPS and four Gold Gloves certainly represent an upgrade over the Marlins' current catcher, Jon Buck, who has batted at a .241 clip in eight seasons.

Milwaukee Brewers: More Infield Help

Although the team did agree to terms with Alex Gonzalez on a one-year deal, they could very well still consider adding a player with better means of getting on base and a stronger offensive capacity in general.

Many Brewers fans were disappointed when the team didn't manage much in the way of negotiations with Jose Reyes, and while a player of his caliber isn't expected to be available at the deadline, that's always a variable that can change at any time.

Minnesota Twins: Get a Pitcher That Can Strike out Batters

In the Minnesota Twins' rotation it almost seems like a rarity that the team would have a starting pitcher capable of missing bats.

When they do (i.e. Johan Santana), they trade them. Target Field is looking more and more like a pitchers park by the day, but with a subpar defense in the field, inducing ground balls isn't their best play.

New York Mets: Keep David Wright Around

Heading into the offseason, one of the most highly targeted free agents was Jose Reyes. Oddly enough, the Mets didn't make a formal offer to Reyes, who would ultimately sign with the Miami Marlins.

With few options at their disposal and public opinion moving away from the direction of the organization, they'd be wise to shy away from pondering the thought of trading David Wright.

New York Yankees: Get This A.J. Burnett Deal Done

There probably isn't a player in a Yankees uniform that has been more frustrating than A.J. Burnett over the past few years—with his monster contract magnifying his struggles even more.

They appear to be very close to working out a deal to send Burnett to the Pirates, something that fans surely won't object to.

Oakland Athletics: Do NOT Sign Manny Ramirez

The Oakland Athletics surprised the entire league today when they signed Cuban outfielder Yolandes Cespedes to a four-year contract.

The team is also making news for its reported interest in Manny Ramirez, who is looking to make a return in 2012.

Despite any hope that he could return to a shade of his former self, ignoring the Ramirez situation is the best move.

Philadelphia Phillies: Sign Cole Hamels Longterm

With a number of great options set to enter free agency, 28-year-old Cole Hamels could be a good fit in a number of rotations on teams in need of help.

His Phillies are likely hoping it doesn't come to that, as the lefty posted a career-low 2.79 ERA en route to a 14-win campaign in 2011 and could be an important part of the future of this team.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Don't Trade for A.J. Burnett

For every fan in New York that's jumping for joy over the potential of removing A.J. Burnett from the equation for the Yankees, there's probably one in Pittsburgh that's wondering why the Pirates would consider taking on such a player.

He's shown plenty of promise during his career, but with the likelihood of the Pirates giving up a good name in return, the move doesn't make sense on a number of levels.

San Diego Padres: Keep a Star Around

The San Diego Padres will certainly take on a different look in 2012 with a number of their best players leaving town via free agency or trade.

They do fortunately have a stable of young talent that provides a great deal of hope for the future.

There is, however, the possibility of Carlos Quentin being a one-and-done in San Diego, but if he performs as we've all seen he's capable of, the Padres could benefit from keeping him in-house for years to come.

San Francisco Giants: Keep Matt Cain Stays in a Giants Uniform

The San Francisco Giants will clearly do everything within their power to keep Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain together for the long run as they work towards returning to postseason play and building a consistent contender for years to come.

They'll need to play their chips right, however, as Lincecum will eventually want a gigantic deal.

If it's looking like a Cain deal may not be workable as the season moves on, they'd be best suited to get something in return rather than seeing him walk in free agency.

Seattle Mariners: Bring in Some More Bats

In an offseason that has seen one of baseball's more promising young pitchers leave for the Big Apple, the Seattle Mariners did get a great bat in return, with Jesus Montero entering the fray at Safeco.

His offense will surely help a lineup that's struggled to score runs, but the moves can't stop there, as the team still needs more pieces to pull their way towards the top of what promises to be a tough division in 2012.

St. Louis Cardinals: Bring Oswalt into the Rotation

It's a bit of a broken record at this point, but as the top free agent still available, he's no doubt on the top of many team's wish lists.

The St. Louis Cardinals are no exception. After taking a hit on the offensive side of the game with Albert Pujols' signing in Los Angeles, the addition of Oswalt could help lighten the blow as the defending World Series champions look to make a repeat performance in 2012.

Tampa Bay Rays: Find a Way to Keep Young Talent Around

A number of great starting pitchers should be available next offseason, and strong consideration should be given to James Shields, who led the league with 11 complete games in 2011 en route to a 16-win season and a sub-3.00 ERA.

With that said, it's players like this that the team needs to focus on keeping around longterm. It seems to be a virtual lock that B.J. Upton will be leaving, but with a number of good pitchers in tow, the Rays could continue to contend without Upton around.

Texas Rangers: Add Insurance in the Bullpen

The Texas Rangers quickly made up for the loss of C.J. Wilson this offseason with their signing of Pacific League star Yu Darvish to a rich contract.

With Neftali Feliz moving to the starting rotation, they've tabbed Joe Nathan for closer duties.

He's shown inconsistency since returning from Tommy John surgery, so the Rangers could use insurance in the bullpen to cover in the event Nathan doesn't live up to expectations.

Toronto Blue Jays: Bring in an Ace

The Toronto Blue Jays seem like a team on the cusp of something great, with an offense that's as dangerous as some of the best in the game and some pitching talent that looks to have a high ceiling.

After narrowly missing out on the posting of Yu Darvish this offseason, the Blue Jays missed out on what some thought could've been one of the final pieces in a postseason puzzle.

Options are few and far between, but adding an ace via trade or free agency would even further the excitement of the Blue Jays' fanbase.

Washington Nationals: Trade for B.J. Upton

As mentioned, the Cleveland Indians would seemingly be a good fit for someone like B.J. Upton, but the reality is that their payroll might prohibit such a move.

The Washington Nationals, on the other hand, also desire another option in center field, and as evidenced by their moves this offseason, they're willing to do whatever it takes to get better immediately.