10 Available Players That Can Still Swing Playoff Races

After the months of speculation leading up to July's trade deadline finally came to a head, it seemed like we could all finally breathe a bit and watch the second half of the MLB season play itself out.

That notion is quickly put to rest when the waiver wire acts up in August. We've already seen players like Joe Blanton and Cliff Lee make news, and while a deal for Lee was never reached, that doesn't mean that others won't be made.

Here are some players who could quickly impact any playoff race if potential suitors can find a way to pry them away from their organization.

Chase Headley

The New York Yankees appear to be in complete control of the proceedings in the AL East as it is, though they were one of many teams in the picture on Chase Headley prior to the non-waiver deadline. 

They may no longer be interested in his services at this juncture, but that doesn't mean another team can't improve their roster leading up to this year's trade deadline.

With Headley being under team control until 2015 it's likely he'd come at somewhat of a cost, though his solid offense (.276 BA, .371 OBP) would help any contending team looking to add depth as they lead into the final months of the season.

Aaron Cook

After spending the first decade of his career with the Colorado Rockies, Aaron Cook made his way to the Boston Red Sox in 2012, and while the team hasn't lived up to expectations as a whole, Cook is making a push to do his part.

Due to his incredibly low walk rate, Cook has a relatively low WHIP and with a solid outing under his belt this week, his value could be increasing.

Josh Willingham

The Minnesota Twins didn't hold nearly as much of a fire sale as may have been expected this summer, so it's possible they'll look to improve their pitching this offseason to get back into the swing of things right away in 2013.

If they do make a waiver deal this month, Josh Willingham would have to be a top target for teams in need of a stellar bat. The only problem facing teams desiring his services would be the highly inflated price it would likely require to pry him away from Minny.

Willingham has made an immediate impact at Target Field for the Twins, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 83 runs in 107 games while maintaining a batting average around .260.

Carlos Zambrano

Carlos Zambrano got off to a decent start this season, but as the Miami Marlins continue to decline, he has done the same as he now finds himself out of a starting job.

He's making $18 million this season, which could turn some teams off, but he still has enough talent and has shown that he's able to impact games if he can keep his head on straight.

Travis Hafner

During Hafner's best days, he was one of the most dangerous hitters in the AL Central and was consistently in AL MVP consideration.

He's run into issues staying on the field since then, but if healthy, he can still definitely be a home run threat in the Indians' lineup.

Either way, you would think a trade may be more likely to occur as the team has fallen back from contention in the division, and for quite some time it's looked like this would be Hafner's last season in Cleveland.

Francisco Rodriguez

After spending all of 2009 and 2010 in the Big Apple before being traded to Milwaukee, Francisco Rodriguez might have had a return trip to the Mets in his future, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.

The move never panned out, and while K-Rod wasn't moved in July, the possibility of him moving in August remains, assuming a proper compensation can be reached if a claim is made.

Jed Lowrie

With the team not set to contend in 2012 (or any other time soon), there's no surprise to hear about Houston Astros that could be making their way out of town.

An added bonus, any team that took on Lowrie would get a player for years to come, as he won't enter free agency until the 2015 season.

He'd no doubt represent a solid option for a contending team in need of infield help, as the shortstop is solid defensively, but his current stint on the DL can't be helping his chances of moving this month.

Josh Beckett

Josh Beckett may not be the most likely candidate to be moved this August as his manager, Bobby Valentine, still views the Sox as a playoff team, but he could very well be the most talented player that could move.

His track record has shown plenty of shaky moments, but when he's on, he's shown that he has the stuff to be a top arm in any rotation.

Beckett's back may be acting up again, as he was scratched from his last start, but if he can get his health under control, he could be a viable option for a contender.

Justin Morneau

After struggling through concussion problems and other injuries over the past couple of seasons, Justin Morneau appears to finally be hitting his stride.

He's gone deep 15 times in 88 games so far in 2012, and with his numbers up in virtually every category from last season, Morneau would be a great add for any team looking to bring in a home run threat.

In eight games this month, Morneau is batting .375 with two home runs, eight RBI, and an OPS of nearly 1.100.

Heath Bell

Heath Bell was supposed to help the Miami Marlins contend in their new stadium, though it's easy to see he didn't live up to expectations.

Bell has saved only 19 games this season for the Marlins, and with the highest walk numbers of his career, the Marlins may look to see if they can convince a contending team to take on his salary as they look to rebuild.

Late inning help is always a focal point for contending teams, and with pitchers like Bell and K-Rod out there these teams won't have a lack of arms to look for.