MLB Trade Rumors: Teams Who Must Make Moves for Pitching

Here we are, with a week left until Major League Baseball's July 31 trade deadline, and there are still plenty of arms waiting in the wings for a contender.

Several contending teams are looking for pitching help this summer, whether it be in the starting rotation or the bullpen.

Here's a look at teams who must make moves before the deadline, complete with trade rumors.

Atlanta Braves

It appeared the Braves were going to land Chicago Cubs veteran starter Ryan Dempster on Monday, but Dempster quickly dismissed any talks of that happening.

You see, Dempster has no-trade rights, and given his tweet on Monday, I'm guessing he doesn't want to go to Atlanta.

If the Braves don't land Dempster, they could go after Milwaukee Brewers ace Zack Greinke, although that may involve a hefty price, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Then again, beyond Tim Hudson and Ben Sheets, nobody has stepped up in the Braves' starting rotation. Atlanta's starters have combined for a 4.32 ERA, third worst in the National League. 

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers had strong all-around pitching the past two seasons, part of the reason they were able to go to the World Series in back-to-back years.

But not only did the Rangers lose C.J. Wilson before the season, Colby Lewis is now out for the season due to injury.

Beyond that, Roy Oswalt is struggling with a bad back and Neftali Feliz is coming off the disabled list and hasn't been as dominant in 2012.

All of a sudden, the Rangers have a host of problems.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported on Tuesday that Texas is looking for "elite talent," like Greinke or Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels.

San Francisco Giants

I know what you're thinking: The San Francisco Giants need pitching?! Are you insane?!

Well, I've been called "insane" before, but in this case, I may not be.

The Giants' starters may have a combined 3.46 ERA so far (third best in the NL), and their relievers may have a combined 3.38 ERA (fourth best), but the fact of the matter is, they don't have a reliable closer right now.

With Brian Wilson out for the season after Tommy John surgery, the Giants have used Santiago Casilla in the closer's role. While Casilla started off hot, he's taken a nosedive recently, with five blown saves in his last nine chances.

The Giants don't want to use setup man extraordinaire Sergio Romo in the closer's role because they fear his arm isn't up to the task. In that sense, they would be wise to go after a closer before the deadline.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Giants are eying Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez. The 27-year-old right-hander has been outstanding for Cleveland this season, posting a 2.97 ERA and 1.02 WHIP while converting 27 of 29 save opportunities.

There's also a good chance that the Indians deal Perez, given he's reportedly due about $7 million next season.

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