MLB Trade Scenarios: Every Team's Exposed Weakness They Already Need to Fix

Each of the league's 30 teams has had a legitimate weakness exposed after only their first several games of the 2012 MLB season.

Already, they all should consider looking to the free-agent market or other franchises for remedies.

Yes, there are a handful of teams that are still undefeated.

However, baseball is famously a game of adjustments where the complacent clubs are easily out of contention by mid-summer.

Here are suggestions—scenarios, really—that could potentially nip these problems in their buds.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jason Kubel

The Arizona Diamondbacks began their year smoothly by sweeping an NL West division rival, the San Francisco Giants, three games to none.

Newly-acquired left fielder Jason Kubel was arguably their least valuable position player over the weekend. Being paid solely for his bat, he mustered a single base hit in eight plate appearances.

Gerardo Parra started in his place on Sunday. He committed an error but is ordinarily extraordinarily effective as a defender. Miscues were simply contagious that afternoon (eight errors between the two teams).

Kubel is overpaid for being a one-dimensional player—$16 million guaranteed through 2013—and Arizona should deport him back to the American League where he can serve as a designated hitter. Parra could then transition into a starting role.

The Tampa Bay Rays, for example, would be interested in adding a power hitter...if the D-Backs ate a chunk of Kubel's salary. Pitching prospect Alex Cobb or shortstop Hak-Ju Lee could complete the transaction.

Atlanta Braves: Struggles with RISP

Of all the winless clubs in baseball, the Atlanta Braves should be most embarrassed.

Their first opponent was the New York Mets!

Atlanta was limited to 14 hits, roughly one every two innings. Worse, the team was 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Impending retiree Chipper Jones will alleviate that issue to some extent once he returns to the lineup later this month.

But the team needs to make a move with its future in mind. What if Jones and leadoff man Michael Bourn depart this offseason?

The front office should target New York Yankees infielder Eduardo Nunez, who is stuck behind Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez on the depth chart and aching for an everyday job.

Tyler Pastornicky doesn't appear to be "the answer" at shortstop, so Nunez could get ample innings there.

The Braves have trade bait in the form of developing starting pitchers Julio Teheran and Arodys Vizcaino.

Baltimore Orioles: Mark Reynolds

There is nothing to like about Mark Reynolds' game aside from his light-tower power, and he hasn't flashed any of that early in 2012.

He is a defensive disaster with no contact ability as a batter. And he's earning $7.5 million this season.

In Wilson Betemit, the Baltimore Orioles have a viable alternative in the hot corner. He gives them the freedom to shop Reynolds to home run-thirsty clubs.

Unfortunately, I don't imagine that they could demand much in return; this would essentially be a salary dump.

The Colorado Rockies are a potential destination. Also, the Cincinnati Reds might be interested if veteran Scott Rolen finds himself battling injuries again.

Boston Red Sox: Bobby Valentine

There were just a few cases where I identified individuals as their teams' exposed weaknesses. By chance, alphabetizing the clubs means that this is the case in three of the first four slides.

Bobby Valentine couldn't earn a victory against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Regardless of how many wins he might amass by season's end, I don't believe he is the right man to manage the Boston Red Sox.

His unconventional managerial style and obnoxious persona invite criticism from the nosy Beantown media.

Tony La Russa retired, and Lou Piniella works for the YES Network. Ownership would have to go with a less experienced skipper.

But anybody would be a better fit than Valentine.

Chicago Cubs: Late-Inning Relief

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is fresh off a mediocre season and not looking any better in 2012.

He appeared in three straight games opposing the Washington Nationals, allowing runners to reach base in each outing. All together, he enters Monday with a 20.25 ERA and 5.25 WHIP.

Primary setup man Kerry Wood hasn't fared well, either.

Between trading Sean Marshall this winter and converting Jeff Samardzija into a starting pitcher during spring training, the Cubbies have thinned out the bullpen.

They must search for reinforcements outside the organization.

Perhaps the Cleveland Indians would consider breaking up their "Bullpen Mafia" for the services of outfielder Marlon Byrd.

Chicago White Sox: Need for Speed

The season debut of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball featured a starting pitcher in Matt Harrison who had his way with the slow-footed Chicago White Sox.

A groundball specialist, Harrison was unafraid to throw strikes (68 of his 103 pitches were in the zone). Anything hit to his infielders was converted into an out.

The Southsiders let speedster Juan Pierre leave as a free agent after the 2011 campaign.

Alejandro De Aza is similarly a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can get down the first-base line quickly and steal bases, but he could use some help.

The Sox have several talented yet expendable hurlers like Dylan Axelrod and Zach Stewart. Those two could entice the Los Angeles Dodgers to deal soon-to-be 24-year-old Dee Gordon (coincidentally, the son of "Flash").

This is presuming that Alexei Ramirez shifts to second base to replace a disappointing Gordon Beckham, thus making space for Gordon.

Cincinnati Reds: Left Field

The Cincinnati Reds are platooning Chris Heisey and Ryan Ludwick in left field.

The arrangement makes zero sense because both stink against left-handed pitching. Basically, manager Dusty Baker will be playing the hotter hand this summer.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres have a wealth of corner outfielders on their 40-man roster and more littered throughout their farm system.

The small-market Padres aren't supposed to contend in 2012, so it wouldn't take much to convince them to part with Carlos Quentin as he begins a contract year.

Quentin is returning to the National League following four seasons with the Chicago White Sox, but his ability to go deep off lefties and righties shouldn't be compromised.

Cleveland Indians: Shelley Duncan

Shelley Duncan's playing style can best be described as goofy.

His swing is ugly but quick. He runs as if carrying 30 additional, invisible pounds.

The Cleveland Indians are giving him an opportunity to man left field regularly, largely out of necessity. They previously recalled him for half-seasons in 2010 and 2011.

The vacancy was created when Grady Sizemore (back) underwent another surgical procedure. He's out until June, but that's my optimism speaking.

There are numerous experienced outfielders that the Indians can pursue including the aforementioned Marlon Byrd (Chicago Cubs) and Carlos Quentin (San Diego Padres).

Both trade partners would be pleased with a closing candidate like Vinnie Pestano.

Colorado Rockies: Third Base

Pictured here is Casey Blake. Many in the Colorado Rockies organization assumed he would be the starting third baseman.

Blake, as it turns out, didn't make the Opening Day roster.

The hot corner is primarily in the hands of Chris Nelson. He failed to amaze in 2011 and hasn't accomplished anything through one series this April.

Another impact bat would lengthen the Rockies' batting order.

Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim seems unattainable due to his combination of offensive prowess and affordability. He isn't very comfortable at third, anyway.

More realistically, Colorado could reel in Mark Reynolds with a low-level prospect. Or Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion—a former third baseman—provided that the Rox surrender excess starting pitchers like Tyler Chatwood and Guillermo Moscoso.

Detroit Tigers: Starting Rotation Depth

Reigning American League MVP Justin Verlander—as everyone expected—picked up where he left off in his 2012 debut (8.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 7 SO).

Ever since, the Detroit Tigers' starting pitching has been a concern.

Doug Fister was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left side strain. He was removed from his first outing in the fourth inning after clearly favoring that area.

Fire-baller Max Scherzer took the mound on Sunday but couldn't escape the third inning!

Now, it's Rick Porcello's turn. He should benefit from successful showings in spring training exhibitions.

Realize, though, that Porcello has been incredibly hittable the past two seasons since a strong 2009 rookie year.

With Fister sidelined, no starter outside of Verlander is trustworthy.

The Tigers could upgrade by inking free agent Roy Oswalt. He declined multiple contract offers this preseason but remains intent on continuing his career.

Houston Astros: Hittable Bullpen

The prerequisite for any dominant MLB bullpen is a high strikeout rate.

But of course, the Houston Astros don't expect to dominate in any facet of the game as they focus on rebuilding their franchise.

Seven relievers have totaled five punch-outs over 6.2 innings pitched. Sadly, that underwhelming rate will endure if Brandon Lyon pitches 60-plus games for the sixth time in seven seasons.

The Astros need a K-machine akin to Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers).

Actually, swallowing Carlos Lee's $19 million hindrance or parting with mainstay Wandy Rodriguez could land them the right-hander.

Kansas City Royals: Over-Aggressive Offensive Approach

The Kansas City Royals don't like to watch pitches go by regardless of location.

That philosophy backfired when Jered Weaver opposed them on Friday. Fewer than half his offerings would have been called strikes, yet KC's over-aggressive approach kept his pitch count low enough to complete eight frames.

This group scored runs in the other games of the series and did so during 2011, too.

However, forcing pitchers into deep counts is the staple of baseball's most consistent offenses. The Royals would improve by bringing a patient player aboard.

Hideki Matsui—if still motivated to play—is out there.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Old/Oft-Injured Relievers

Despite their slow start, I believe the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to be a terrific team.

The slim possibility that they will miss the playoffs will fatten with every injury.

Although that is the case with any MLB club, L.A.'s middle relievers and setup men are particularly susceptible given their advanced ages.

The bridge to 24-year-old Jordan Walden includes Scott Downs (36), LaTroy Hawkins (39), Jason Isringhausen (39) and Hisanori Takahashi (37).

Downs, Hawkins and Isringhausen have all been on the DL at least once since 2009.

As I've suggested before, the Cleveland Indians could swap an arm for a bat. Bobby Abreu is disgruntled and asking for a situation where he'll be starting most days.

Carlos Marmol (Chicago Cubs) is a risky alternative but potentially the better move because he would enable the Angels to retain Abreu for outfield depth.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Light-Hitting Infielders

Superstar outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp—in contributing three HR and 16 RBI—carried the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-1 spurt to kick off the regular season.

Fans are dreading the day when at least one of them will cool off.

Between Mark Ellis, Dee Gordon, James Loney and Juan Uribe, and the catching tandem of A.J. Ellis and Matt Treanor, this infield can't slug with the NL's elite teams.

This $2 billion organization should be anything but frugal with new, competent ownership in place.

Unfortunately, second baseman Brandon Phillips is nearing an extension with the Cincinnati Reds. He would have been a great fit.

Still, general manager Ned Colletti could push hard to pry David Wright from Fred Wilpon's financially-strapped hands.

Miami Marlins: Awful Fielding

Poor defense loses championships. Just ask Bill Buckner.

While several Miami Marlins have the athleticism to make flashy plays in the field, the majority should dedicate time to rehearsing fundamentals.

Communication and footwork are two glaring problems.

Who could be attained to remedy this weakness? 

How about the aging but elegant Omar Vizquel?

He is hanging on with the Toronto Blue Jays and could be implemented as a mentor to Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes.

Similarly, all-time awesome backstop Ivan Rodriguez wants to work. He would make a suitable second-stringer behind John Buck.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mat Gamel

There's no disputing it: Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Mat Gamel is a "Quadruple-A" player. A juggernaut in the minor leagues, he just can't put it together at the highest level of competition.

The Brew Crew was ill-prepared for Prince Fielder's departure, or else Gamel would not have been designated as his successor.

It isn't too late to fill the void with a legitimate producer.

Derrek Lee hasn't signed anywhere. He still possesses power and fielding ability in his mid-30s.

Also, James Loney—an impending free agent—could go to Milwaukee if the Los Angeles Dodgers decide he isn't a part of their future. Less pop, but I can appreciate durability.

Minnesota Twins: Powerless Lineup

Extra-base hits are few and far between for the 2012 Minnesota Twins.

The four they managed off the Baltimore Orioles—three doubles and one home run—were all courtesy of Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham.

Denard Span rounds out the threesome who have batting averages better than .200.

That's pathetic. That's reminiscent of 2011 when the Twinkies were on the brink of 100 defeats.

Once again, Mark Reynolds is an undesirable who could provide some sparks amid a power outage. It isn't as if management can depend on Chris Parmelee for a couple dozen bombs.

New York Mets: Lead-off Spot

Ruben Tejada's 4-for-5 afternoon with two doubles and two runs was impressive. But one special Sunday doesn't prove he can successfully succeed Jose Reyes atop the New York Mets' batting order.

In fact, I'm certain that he can't.

An exemplary lead-off batter is armed with difference-making speed.

Tejada isn't. It is rare for him to steal a base or leg out a triple. Too often he'll be content at first base instead of in scoring position.

Outfielder Felix Pie is available since being released before Opening Day. He has the offensive tools of a No. 1 hitter, but the stats haven't supported that.

Rajai Davis (Toronto Blue Jays) can't find the field north of the border. A mid-level prospect could even the deal and get him ample playing time in the Big Apple.

New York Yankees: No Small Ball

The Tampa Bay Rays exploited this weakness en route to sweeping the New York Yankees.

Player-specific defensive shifts for Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira (among others) put fielders in front of balls that would have otherwise found the outfield grass.

The Yankee batters are generally pull-happy. Their stubbornness prevented them from cashing in with teammates on base.

Runs must occasionally be manufactured with directional hitting. That's why I'd love to see Andre Ethier become the team's right fielder.

To make the trade work for both the Yanks and Los Angeles Dodgers, the 27-time champs would be forced to give up Nick Swisher and a top-of-the-line prospect: one of the "Killer B's"—Manny Banuelos or Dellin Betances—or catcher Gary Sanchez.

Oakland Athletics: Poor Plate Discipline

Like the Kansas City Royals, the Oakland Athletics do not know how to accept a walk. The team averages fewer than one per nine innings.

Chasing pitches out of the strike zone has especially been an issue for Cuban rookie Yoenis Cespedes.

Cespedes and second baseman Jemile Weeks are productive players despite their poor discipline, but the A's desperately need more selectivity.

The Cleveland Indians have the right guy in first baseman Casey Kotchman.

Although he isn't on the trading block yet, Kotchman could become expendable if and when Matt LaPorta earns his way back to the big leagues. Oakland has the surplus of pitching prospects to make that acquisition.

Philadelphia Phillies: Right Side of the Infield

Former NL All-Stars Ryan Howard and Chase Utley don't have timetables to return to MLB action. The Philadelphia Phillies must intensify their search for serviceable replacements.

Filling Utley's shoes, Freddy Galvis has looked surprisingly comfortable at second base. He primarily played shortstop as a minor leaguer.

However, Galvis isn't nearly an equivalent offensive asset.

Little power. Little patience. Little batting average.

Jim Thome and Ty Wigginton are first basemen in the absence of Howard, though neither are making an impact in the early going.

The Phillies have combined for a league-worst three extra-base hits.

Carlos Lee (Houston Astros) and Orlando Hudson (San Diego Padres) are names deserving of discussion.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Left Side of the Infield

On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Pirates have good health in their infield. The disappointing results are less excusable.

Shortstop Clint Barmes and third baseman Pedro Alvarez have done next to nothing in 2012.

All right, they have accomplished one thing: a solo home run by Alvarez on Sunday. Otherwise, the starters on the left side are 0-for-14 with five strikeouts.

The organization still has faith in Alvarez, citing his age (25) and the respectability of his rookie season of 2010.

I wouldn't consider it impossible for the Pirates to land Asdrubal Cabrera from the Cleveland Indians (it seems like they come up in every other slide).

The package would be built around Barmes—under contract through 2013—and outfield prospect Starling Marte, who will be MLB-ready in 2013.

San Diego Padres: Tiny Payroll

The San Diego Padres must spend more on player contracts. It's that simple.

Extensions for Nick Hundley and Cameron Maybin were steps in the right direction, but honestly, the front office cannot expect to contend while shying away from consistent, expensive players.

No subgroup of their roster distinguishes itself as particularly inept.

That doesn't mean that they're off the hook. The total opposite, actually.

San Diego does not have enough talent to win this season. The franchise won't until it invests more in itself.

San Francisco Giants: Middle Infielders

With Freddy Sanchez rehabbing an injured shoulder, the San Francisco Giants have been handicapped by a weak middle infield.

Emmanuel Burriss and Ryan Theriot have split time at second base, and Brandon Crawford is the shortstop.

The Giants are getting no offensive support from these positions.

Sanchez is gradually improving, and Crawford's incredible potential has inspired management to keep patient.

San Fran doesn't quite have the pieces to make an offer for Asdrubal Cabrera anyway, but negotiations for Rafael Furcal of the St. Louis Cardinals wouldn't be so far-fetched.

Seattle Mariners: Justin Smoak

Justin Smoak is the exposed weakness for the Seattle Mariners because opponents knowing the switch-hitting 25-year-old will be in the lineup each night, and they see that he isn't developing into a threat.

His inability to punish pitchers from either side of the plate makes game planning much simpler.

Converting super-skilled designated hitter Jesus Montero into a first baseman would open up the DH spot for an unsigned veteran like Johnny Damon, Vladimir Guerrero or Hideki Matsui.

St. Louis Cardinals: Center Field

Rarely are MLB outfields weakest in the middle, but center field is a real problem area for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Former University of Miami Hurricane Jon Jay is less than stellar in center. He lacks the agility and throwing arm of, say, Rick Ankiel.

Jay's home run and stolen base totals are very modest, a reflection of his limited physical gifts.

This has been a weakness for the Cards since Ankiel began to lose prominence in 2009.

It would be interesting if St. Louis inquired about Gerardo Parra. He would be capable of Jay's offense while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense.

The Arizona Diamondbacks would receive a more prototypical fourth outfielder and I suppose a run-of-the-mill prospect with a high ceiling.

Tampa Bay Rays: Bottom of the Order

The Tampa Bay Rays had an excellent weekend against the New York Yankees.

Revisiting the box score, though, they didn't have the luxury of a nine-man lineup. It was basically Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena, and then everybody else.

Jose Molina and Sean Rodriguez are black holes usually starting at catcher and second base, respectively.

Specifically, Molina is the weakness. His age and usual season's workload only mean he's likely to wear down from this point on (as if a .143 OPS wasn't low enough).

Getting Ramon Hernandez from the Colorado Rockies would fix everything, although I don't think the Rox would care for Tampa's excess prospects. Jim Tracy already has more starting pitchers than he knows what to do with.

Texas Rangers: Inexperienced Starting Pitching

Following the Texas Rangers through their matchups with the Chicago White Sox made me realize how sorely their starting pitchers lack MLB experience.

At the top of the rotation, Colby Lewis leads the group with two seasons of 30-plus starts.

But Matt Harrison and Derek Holland had never done it until last season, Scott Feldman only accomplished it in 2010, and of course Yu Darvish is just debuting today.

With World Series aspirations in 2012, the Rangers wouldn't part with any key players to add some age.

Roy Oswalt makes sense on a one-year deal.

Toronto Blue Jays: Bullpen Depth

Relievers Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch stuck together this offseason through the free-agency frenzy and ended their Toronto Blue Jays tenures to become New York Mets.

Sergio Santos and Francisco Cordero are now employed in their former roles.

Neither can be wholly embraced immediately.

Santos is a converted shortstop who had never saved a game before 2011. We cannot predict how he will adjust with any certainty.

And there is a consensus that Cordero's past season was unusually lucky. Opposing batters frequently put his balls in play, but the Cincinnati Reds were stout defensively.

The rest of the bullpen is similarly questionable.

The Blue Jays have spare outfielders. Oakland's Grant Balfour and San Diego's Huston Street could be targets.

Washington Nationals: Bench

Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson has many spots on his active roster filled out appropriately.

Alas, his bench has its weaknesses because of several spring training injuries.

Instead of Rick Ankiel (left quad) and Michael Morse (strained lat), it includes Brett Carroll and Xavier Nady.

Also, the bullpen is missing its closer, Drew Storen (elbow inflammation). In the meantime, leads aren't as safe as they would be with him at 100 percent.

The club has a winning record in spite of its wounded, so don't expect any drastic changes.

But if the front office wants someone to think about, I would tell them B.J. Upton.

The Tampa Bay Rays don't want the gifted center fielder to leave via free agency after 2012 without receiving significant compensation.

The Nats could make a tempting offer if depth continues to be a concern.

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