MLB Trade Rumors: Kerry Wood and 5 Relief Pitchers That Could Be on the Move

As the trade deadline nears, contenders start to look for holes in their roster.

For many teams, bullpen help is necessary.

With so many teams that are within reach of the playoffs, a lot of players could be switching jerseys in the next two months.

I have compiled a list of five relief pitchers that could move to a contender before August.

Grant Balfour, Oakland Athletics

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 22: Reliever Grant Balfour #50 of the Oakland A's reacts after giving up a two-run home run to tie the game for the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at AT&T Park on May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The Giants won

With injuries ransacking the Oakland Athletics roster, they have now become sellers.

Grant Balfour has pitched well this season, and a contender could use his experience.

He pitched well in the postseason last year, and he is hoping to return.

With Joba Chamberlain hurt, the New York Yankees have inquired about Balfour. Depending on the extent of Chamberlain's injury, the Yankees could make a move for Balfour soon.

Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

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SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 7: Heath Bell #21 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on June 7, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

Heath Bell will (more than likely) not finish the season as a San Diego Padre.

They have no interest in re-signing him, and they don't look very competitive in a relatively tough division.

They are not completely out the division race, which would be the only reason they do not move Bell. If, however, they fall further back, he will be moved.

Bell is making $7.5 million this season, and the Padres have no use in paying him. Plus, he is their best trade bait.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers have each inquired about Bell's services.

A lot of things could happen, but I expect Bell to be gone by the deadline.

Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23: Matt Capps #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Seattle Mariners during their game on May 23, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockies won 6-5. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Two weeks ago, it looked like the Minnesota Twins were going to have a fire-sale.

All of a sudden, they have won six of seven, and people are not quite writing them off.

Although they have a reputation for big second half runs, I think they are too far in the hole to come all the way back.

Consequently, I think they will be minor sellers at the trade deadline.

Matt Capps has been linked to various trades, and I could see him moving back to the National League.

The talks have died down, but Capps' name could come back up in the next few weeks, which would mean his career in Minnesota would be ending.

Kerry Wood, Chicago Cubs

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CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 01: Kerry Wood #34 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on June 1, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Astros defeated the Cubs 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Kerry Wood may not be a Chicago Cub in two months.

After a much-celebrated return, people have reported that he could be asked to waive his no-trade clause.

By signing a "home-town discount," it was evident that he wanted to play for the Cubs again; however, their dream marriage may end pre-maturely.

His small contract gives him incredible value, which could cause many teams to ask about him.

Wood can control where he goes, and unfortunately for the Cubs, that may be somewhere other than the North side.

Michael Wuertz, Oakland Athletics

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 02: Michael Wuertz #48 of the Oakland Athletics in action against the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 2, 2011 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

When he's healthy, Michael Wuertz is an excellent set-up man.

Unfortunately, health has escaped him for most of his career.

Now, however, he has a career low ERA (2.55) and second lowest career WHIP (1.02).

If he keeps those numbers up, he will become one of the most sought-after relievers at the deadline.

Look for the New York Yankees to be involved again, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals.

Right now, however, Wuertz will continue to enjoy his career season in sunny California.