MLB Trade Speculation: Analyzing Trade Market at Each Position

The MLB trade deadline is only a few weeks away, and you can be sure that plenty of names will be on the move in the very near future.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox will be buyers as sure as the Chicago Cubs will be sellers, but there is still unfamiliar uncertainty as to who all will actually be available on or before July 31st.

Unlike many years, there appears to be many "wild cards," so to speak. Whether a team is on the brink of failing out of the playoff race or caught up in financial ruin, there are an abundance of possibilities we could see unfold over the remainder of the month.

Here is a position by position breakdown of which players will most likely be available to the highest bidder.

Top Catcher: Geovany Soto

One thing we know is that the Chicago Cubs will be sellers. Whether they want to send Geovany Soto packing is yet to be seen, but with the team in the cellar and seemingly banking on this year's free-agent class, one would assume that almost everyone is available.

Another intriguing name is Ramon Hernandez, who appears to have regained his power-stroke so far in 2011 with 10 home runs and a .322 batting average at the break.

There is a significant drop-off in potentially available catchers after Soto and Hernandez, with guys like Rod Barajas and maybe Ryan Doumit looking like the next-best options.

Top First Baseman: James Loney

James Loney is underrated at first base. He may not provide the power that "typical" first baseman provide in today's MLB, but he is still more than dependable.

While giving a team average defense, Loney doesn't strike out much and has been a victim of bad luck of sorts with his BABIP over the past couple seasons. A change of scenery could greatly benefit Loney at this point and any contender could be getting a bargain by acquiring the Dodgers first baseman.

Derrek Lee could be an attractive option for a cheaper rental player, but he has struggled mightily the last two years and doesn't have much upside.

Carlos Pena may be the second best first baseman on the market and he appears to be getting hot at the right time. However, I don't know how much help a .220 hitter who strikes out by the dozen would be on a contender.

Top Second Baseman: Omar Infante

Second base is probably the weakest in regards to available players—with Omar Infante topping the list.

Infante isn't much more than a utility role player, even though he was was deemed All-Star worthy last season.

Jeff Baker may be an attractive option to any teams very weak at second base, yet he can't take a walk (only four all season) and should see his .304 batting average take a dive. If anything, Baker may be a nice utility backup option.

Jeff Keppinger has played well in limited time, but a contender probably wouldn't foresee him making much of an impact on their squad.

Top Shortstop: Rafael Furcal

With Jose Reyes on the DL, chances are he will remain in New York for the remainder of the season. Also, I'd be very surprised to see Hanley Ramirez put on the market, but the Florida Marlins organization has surprised me before.

This leaves veteran Rafael Furcal as the best option available at shortstop. If he can stay healthy, and assuming the Dodgers would eat a large portion of Furcal's remaining contract, he could prove to be a great addition to a contending ball club like the Milwaukee Brewers.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy may be the next-best option if they decide to sell high on their rebounding shortstop. 

Top Third Base: Aramis Ramirez

Although Aramis Ramirez seems pretty adamant on not being traded, there is no reason he should want to stay with the Chicago Cubs knowing he will be gone soon anyway. If the right team comes calling, you can bet Ramirez will jump at the chance to be on a contender.

I've seen Mark Reynolds name floating around the internet lately, but I don't think the Orioles really want to move him. 

After his start to the season, Wilson Betemit may have pulled in a decent return at one point. Betemit is pretty average in all aspects of his game, so I can't see him being a hot commodity either way.

The most intriguing name may be Ian Stewart, who has shown an abundance of power when given the opportunity but seems to be on his way out in Colorado.

Top Outfielder: Carlos Beltran and Coco Crisp

Outfield looks to be the deepest bunch on the free-agent market, with the New York Mets' Carlos Beltran leading the way. Beltran is putting together a decent season and could help a team like the Yankees shore up their outfield.

Coco Crisp and Marlon Byrd could definitely help a contending team in center field, and both would come relatively cheap.

If a team is looking for a little extra power, guys like Ryan Ludwick and Josh Willingham could come at the right price.

Two sleeper names: B.J. Upton and Michael Bourn. If either of the two are made available, you can bet plenty of suitors will line up for their services.

Top Best DH/Bench: Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero is easily the best available player at DH and he could be a viable option for NL teams as a platoon outfielder/pinch hitter. I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up back in Texas before the deadline.

Luke Scott and Hideki Matsui may be the next best available, but the two wouldn't be significant upgrades over the incumbents on any contending teams.

Two other bench or role players that could help out a contender are Reed Johnson and Gregg Dobbs. You can expect both of them to be moved before July 31st. 

Top Relief Pitcher: Heath Bell

Heath Bell is most certainly on his way out in San Diego. You can bet suitors are lining up for his services as we speak. 

Francisco Rodriguez could gladly be had from the New York Mets, but his contract may shy away any potential suitors. 

A few other experienced closer's who could be made available in the coming weeks are Leo Nunez, Brian Fuentes and, although a long-shot, Joe Nathan or Matt Capps. 

Either way, an abundance of closer's will be ripe for the picking for any teams looking to shore up the back end of their bullpen.

Grant Balfour and Mike Gonzalez lead a weak middle-relief class in this years trade market.

Top Starting Pitchers: Erik Bedard and Wandy Rodriguez

If healthy, Erik Bedard would make a stellar back-end of the rotation addition to any contending squad. It is not yet clear whether Wandy Rodriguez will be made available, but considering the Houston Astros are in the cellar of the weak NL Central and are clearly in rebuilding mode, they will definitely entertain offers.

After Bedard and Rodriguez, you are left with to high-risk rotation candidates in Rich Harden and Chris Capuano. Capuano may be more sought after considering he is less injury-prone and has been pitching far better this season.

If the Dodgers decide to hold a fire-sale Ted Lilly could be had, and the same goes for Ricky Nolasco and the Florida Marlins.

Two possible sleeper candidates: Ubaldo Jiminez if the Rockies can't get it together out of the gate in the second half, and Francisco Liriano should the Twins not make up any of their 6.5 game deficit in the AL Central.