MLB Trade Rumors: 9 Innings of Players the Cleveland Indians Should Pursue

Through 53 games, the Cleveland Indians own one of the best records in the majors at 33-20.

For some, they have come as a blind surprise, but it's no secret now that the Tribe are AL favorites.

That said, to really boost the ballclub, making a move or two before the trade deadline seems imperative.

There's always room for improvement, so raising their play to the next level is crucial for a World Series run.

Therefore, here are nine innings of players that they should pursue to enhance their chances.

NOTE: All stats are current through Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

First Inning: Jim Thome, DH, Minnesota Twins

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - JUNE 02: Jim Thome #25 of the Minnesota Twins runs to first base against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 2, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

BATTING AVERAGE: .237

HOME RUNS: 4

HITS: 18

RBI: 12

Despite having some pesky injuries thus far, Jim Thome is always a solid guy at the plate.

And, after already bouncing around through the AL Central with Chicago and now Minnesota, why not taking a second go with the Tribe.

Minnesota is struggling, Cleveland fans would love to have him back, and the Indians could use a veteran DH.

Second Inning: Vladimir Guerrero, DH, Baltimore Orioles

J. Meric/Getty Images

SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 07: Designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Baltimore Orioles fouls off a pitch against the New York Yankees during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 7, 2011 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

BATTING AVERAGE: .289

HOME RUNS: 5

HITS: 61

RBI: 23

Personally, this is my favorite move because Vlad is my favorite player in the league.

And he's also very consistent to boot.

Much like Thome, Vladimir Guerrero is a seasoned vet, so adding him would only help the Tribe at DH with Travis Hafner currently down.

Third Inning: Michael Young: 3B/DH, Texas Rangers

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Michael Young #10 of the Texas Rangers runs towards first base against the New York Yankees in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

BATTING AVERAGE: .335

HOME RUNS: 3

HITS: 72

RBI: 36

The last DH on the list, Michael Young also can play third base.

Also, the Rangers still may deal him since he costs so much, but they way he's playing right now, it may not happen.

Nonetheless, if Cleveland can manage to bring in Mr. Young, it would only make them better.

Fourth Inning: Mark Buehrle, SP, Chicago White Sox

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - APRIL 01: Mark Buehrle #56 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the Opening Day game on April 1, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

RECORD: 4-4

ERA: 3.91

STRIKEOUTS: 35

INNINGS: 73.2

The Tribe does need another solid starting pitcher.

Fausto Carmona has been struggling with a 3-6 record through 12 starts.

Although it's unlikely since they're division rivals, but making a deal for Mark Buehrle would significantly help.

Fifth Inning: Scott Baker: SP, Minnesota Twins

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - JUNE 01: Scott Baker #30 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the first inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 1, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

RECORD: 2-4

ERA: 3.86

STRIKEOUTS: 66

INNINGS: 67.2

Now, I know there was the aforementioned "division rivals" reason as to why Cleveland would have trouble dealing for the White Sox's Mark Buehrle.

But, Minnesota has so many issues now with injuries and slumps, that 2011 is practically over for them.

Therefore, they will be more willing to talk trades than Chicago.

And, Scott Baker wouldn't be a bad addition to the Indians' rotation along with Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin.

Sixth Inning: Anibal Sanchez: SP, Florida Marlins

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - MAY 20: Anibal Sanchez #19 of the Florida Marlins pitches during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Sun Life Stadium on May 20, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

RECORD: 5-1

ERA: 2.57

STRIKEOUTS: 74

INNINGS: 73.2

For as great as Anibal Sanchez has been this season, the Marlins have already signed Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson to some pricey, long-term contracts.

So, enter the Cleveland Indians and their need for another solid starting pitcher.

Not to mention, this would (at the very least) slightly heal the 1997 World Series wound.

Seventh Inning: Jose Contreras, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: Jose Contreras #52 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on April 10, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Phillies won 3-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

SAVES/HOLDS: 5/2 

ERA: 0.00

STRIKEOUTS: 11

INNINGS: 10.2

Although Jose Contreras hasn't seen much playing time, the Phillies' starting rotation can be the reason.

They rank first in the majors with 37 quality starts, third with a 3.21 ERA, and third with a 1.23 WHIP.

Needless to say, the relievers aren't needed very much.

Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt to add a seasoned vet like Contreras.

The Tribe does have a solid bullpen, but he could only improve it, as well as provide an inning or two when needed. 

Eighth Inning: Taylor Buchholz, RP, New York Mets

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Taylor Buchholz #33 of the New York Mets walks to the dugout in the 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on May 3, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Tro

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

SAVES/HOLDS: 0/5

ERA: 3.12

STRIKEOUTS: 26

INNINGS: 26.0

The Mets have so much going on off the field that Taylor Buchholz being on a one-year contract is going overlooked.

In addition, there's almost been trade speculation about David Wright.

Well, it won't be a major acquisition, but if Cleveland pursues to grab Buchholz via trade, well, it could become a huge payoff.

Combine the one strikeout per inning average with the 3.12 ERA, and he would do wonders for the Tribe.

Ninth Inning: Todd Coffey, RP, Washington Nationals

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Closing pitcher Todd Coffey #60 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the Mets' Home Opener at Citi Field on April 8, 2011 in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens in New York City. (Photo by

2011 SEASON STATISTICS

SAVES/HOLDS: 0/1

ERA: 1.69

STRIKEOUTS: 21

INNINGS: 21.1

Since the Nationals have significantly improved this season, along with Todd Coffey being great on the mound, it's going to be that much harder to trade for him.

However, he would make a solid impact for the Indians in the bullpen.

A total of 21 strikeouts in 21 innings is worth noting, but that 1.69 ERA is outstanding.

Vinny Pestano is the only Cleveland reliever with more strikeouts than Coffey, so adding him wouldn't be a bad idea.