MLB Trade Deadline 2012: Top Pitchers That Can Be Moved by Tuesday

Zack Greinke was traded to the Los Angeles Angels last week, but there is a good chance a few more big-name pitchers will change teams before the MLB Trade Deadline.

With the addition of a second wild card in each league, more teams are in the race for the playoffs than ever before. This leads to contenders overpaying for veteran talent that can help them for the stretch run.

Josh Johnson and James Shields were considered available earlier in the week, but it is now unlikely that either will be traded. However, a few other high-profile pitchers might be on the move this week.

Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs

There have been two different "almost deals" for Dempster in the past few weeks. Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves had offers on the table that hit a snag for one reason or another.

The Cubs pitcher has a no-trade clause that allows him to refuse a move to another team, and he said he will need time to make a decision. He told the Chicago Sun-Times, "Whether you’re single, married, divorced, kids, no kids, you’ve got to think about a lot of things if you’re going to [consider a decision] to leave.’’

If he is willing to make a move, the Washington Nationals are also waiting to make a deal and according to Jayson Stark, they are the "Cubs' perfect fallback."

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have been a middling team all year long, but dealing starter Josh Beckett would be a negative sign for the team.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox, a trade is not likely, but Boston has spoken to a number of teams about making a move.

Beckett has not been productive this season, but he has the talent to turn it around if given a change of scenery.

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

With the Phillies in the midst of their worst season in years, the front office is ready to start getting rid of key pieces, including pitcher Cliff Lee.

Buster Olney reported today that the team is willing to trade the pitcher and that the Texas Rangers are the most likely landing spot.

The problem with Lee is that he still has a lot remaining on a contact that was signed before last season. Philadelphia will likely have to throw in some money to make the deal happen, but it might be worth it to get that contract off the books as they try to rebuild.

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