Hanley Ramirez and 10 Stars Who Could Save the MLB Trade Deadline

Since MLB decided to add an additional wild-card playoff team in each league this season, there's been a question as to how expanding the postseason field would affect in-season trades. 

Thus far, it appears that fewer teams are willing to deal away players, believing that the playoffs could be within reach. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told the Los Angeles Times' Dylan Hernandez this week that he's had difficulty finding a trade partner as he tries to acquire a bat, starting pitcher and lefty reliever for his first-place ballclub. 

With more teams wanting to hang on to their assets as their playoff chances continue to flicker, that could result in a boring trade deadline. No offense to Wandy Rodriguez, but if he's going to be the big chip moved to a contender, that lacks some sizzle. (That's not to say he couldn't help a playoff team.)

Obviously, things could change as the season moves closer to July 31 and teams fall out of the playoff chase. But even if few trades end up being made, the deadline could be exciting if a big name or two was made available. Here are 10 players that would get everyone's attention if they were available to playoff contenders.

Hanley Ramirez, Miami Marlins

Ramirez looks like a guy who needs a change of scenery. Or maybe a new hitting coach. ESPN highlighted Ramirez's problem with his leg kick during their Wednesday night telecast, an issue that he doesn't appear to be changing, no matter how much Eduardo Perez tries to convince him. He'd provide third-base help for the Dodgers, Orioles, White Sox or Reds.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies

Hamels could be the biggest name available before July 31. He's an elite pitcher who could tip the balance of power in either league. (Yesterday, I wrote about how he'd clinch a World Series trip for the Dodgers.) But it would also signal that the Phillies—a perennial contender for the past eight years—were effectively giving up on this season. 

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Say what? For all we know, King Felix isn't available. And he's under contract through 2014, so there's no immediate fear of losing him.

But that contract status would also be more appealing to a playoff contender that wants more than a two-month rental. Teams are surely going to ask about Hernandez, and the Mariners should listen. But this might be a better deal to make in the offseason.

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

Given his production this season and diminishing skills, it could be argued as to whether or not Youkilis is a star. But he's been a key player for one of the most popular and highest-profile teams in baseball. If the Red Sox move him, people will take notice. Any team needing help at first or third base (Dodgers, White Sox, Indians, Pirates) will likely check in on him.

Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers

Like Hamels, Greinke is a free agent after the season. The Brewers might want to make sure they get something in return for him, rather than lose him to free agency. Greinke is having an excellent season, with a 7-2 record, 3.10 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 87 innings. How good would the Reds look if he was at the top of their rotation?

Carlos Quentin, San Diego Padres

Quentin may lack some star power, but his bat certainly doesn't. Since coming back from a knee injury, the Padres outfielder has been crushing the ball.

He has a .767 slugging percentage entering Friday's play with six homers in 60 at-bats. Plenty of playoff contenders could use 40-homer power in the outfield, the Tigers and Dodgers among them. Quentin would be a postseason star.

Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs

OK, another team probably won't want to take on the approximately $45 million that Soriano is set to be paid through 2014. But getting rid of him would help Theo Epstein's rebuilding project, so the Cubs might be willing to eat a big chunk of that salary.

That could help any team looking for some power in left field (Yankees, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, Indians) to make a deal.

Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers

Virtually every team—contender or not—needs bullpen help this season. Plenty of closers have struggled, and others are unproven through a full season. K-Rod wants to be a closer again.

With 30 strikeouts in 32.1, he'd look great in the ninth inning for several contender. Imagine him coming in to close for the Dodgers, Yankees, Reds or Giants.

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

The good news for Morneau is that he appears to have conquered the concussion problems that he struggled with during the past two seasons. The bad news is that he plays for the worst team in the American League.

The Twins would surely like some new blood to help rebuild, and Morneau would be a strong left-handed bat for the Indians, Dodgers or Pirates.

Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners

OK, I saved the biggest stretch for last. But is it much of a stretch to say the Mariners should trade Ichiro? The Seattle Times' Geoff Baker has been beating a drum for him to go to the bench.

Does GM Jack Zduriencik dare trade such a popular player? The team's Japanese ownership might not dig it either. He'd be a nice fit in the Tigers' or Reds' lineups. 

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