Shane Victorino and 5 Underrated Trade Targets Who Could Shift Playoff Races

The MLB rumor mill is running on all cylinders as contending teams are seeking out valuable pieces to solve their team's playoff puzzle. But while the wish lists are easy to make, getting the deal done remains the biggest battle.

We've seen some very big names change organizations in the past week, and will continue to see that trend occur in the next few days as the deadline nears.

They won't be the only ones who change the shape of the playoff races, however, as a number of lesser publicized role players could also make a huge difference when it comes to the fate of a franchise.

Jason Vargas

After seeing Albert Pujols depart from the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals this offseason, the prospect of a repeat championship had to come into question.

The team has struggled at times, but the Cardinals find themselves less than five games out in the division and are by no means done.

With pitching being something that teams can't have enough of, Jason Vargas of the Seattle Mariners could be an option at the deadline, as Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe points out.

Juan Pierre

With the Philadelphia Phillies all but out of the NL East race, it may not be long before we end up seeing a number of their players make their way out of town.

One of those is Juan Pierre, who Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted has been getting interest from the Cincinnati Reds.

Acquiring Pierre would give the Reds good speed on the basepaths and a solid presence in the outfield, and likely wouldn't cost much to obtain.

Brandon League

With 2012 being Brandon League's contract year, the Seattle Mariners could work to trade him to a team in need of late-inning help to inject additional depth into their farm system.

Good relievers can be hard to come by, and until the Mariners show much more consistency on offense, their pitching staff in the late innings will be that much more important.

A great arm struggling to be less erratic, teams have definitely put in the calls to Seattle management for League, reports Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe.

Denard Span

The Minnesota Twins have limped into the All-Star break with few signs of life at 11 games back in the AL Central, and will likely once again be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

With a plethora of outfielders in their farm system, and "center fielder of the future" Ben Revere playing very well in right for the Twins, the team could very well look to unload Denard Span these coming weeks.

John Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the team doesn't appear to be in active talks to move Span as of yet, but if they can get a young starting pitcher in return, don't be surprised if Span's wearing a new uniform in August.

Huston Street

In his first season with the San Diego Padres, Huston Street has shown why he's one of the best relievers who could be available at this summer's trade deadline—with a 2-0 record and an ERA hovering just south of 1.00.

With a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Street could represent a valuable late-inning option for a team in need of help in the back end of its bullpen.

In late June, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported that the Mets had inquired about Street; and while a deal hasn't yet come to fruition, Street could possibly yield enough prospects in return to make a deal worthwhile for both sides.

Shane Victorino

Shane Victorino has been a mainstay in the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup for years now, and it's hard to picture him anywhere else.

At the same time, however, hope is all but gone for the Phillies in 2012, and the team has a number of payroll commitments in other areas. As they look to explore other long-term deals, the front office will need to make some tough decisions—not the least of which would be moving Victorino.

Another stumbling point in the Victorino situation that is worth noting is his desire for a five-year contract, as reported by Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly—something the Phillies may not be willing to offer.