MLB Trade Speculation: 8 Big Trades the Philadelphia Phillies Might Trigger

Everyone knows the Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in all of baseball.

Making the playoffs is almost a sure thing for the Phillies this year, but Philly fans aren't just looking to make the playoffs, they want to win the World Series.

In order to accomplish this feat, the Phillies must add another starter, a reliever or a bat into the mix.

Here is a list of the top eight potential players who could end up in Philadelphia.

8. Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles, Reliever

The Phillies need a closer with Brad Lidge injured and not too many options to close or relieve games. Madson has done well this year, but he is inconsistent. Gregg is having a pretty decent season and is a reliable pitcher. Although his stuff doesn’t wow hitters, he gets the job done.

7. Jon Rauch, Toronto Blue Jays, Reliever

Rauch has the intimidation factor working. A 6’10” tatted up player staring down at a batter is pretty scary. Rauch doesn’t have terrible numbers this season and switching to National League will help his numbers go down. On the Phillies, Rauch would help eat up an inning, doing a decent job.

6. Edwin Jackson, Chicago White Sox, Starting Pitcher

Yes, the Phillies do have a good rotation, but they need a fifth starter. Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels have been battling injuries, so to be safe, the Phillies should pick up another starter. Vance Worley and Joe Blanton are not good enough to start for the Phillies. Even though Worley has pitched very well this season, his numbers will go up because he is not used to all the innings he has pitched. The White Sox have put Jackson on the block and Philadelphia could use a quality start from a pitcher not named Oswalt, Halladay, Hamels or Lee.

5. Koji Uehara, Baltimore Orioles, Reliever

Uehara would provide a lot of bullpen help for the Phillies. He could close out some games and be a good setup man. Uehara is having arguably a better year than his teammate Gregg. He has a 2.03 ERA and has struck out 52 batters in only 40 innings.

4. Brandon League, Seattle Mariners, Reliever

League has the ability to a great setup man or closer for the Phillies. His stuff is incredible and he is one of the most underrated players in baseball. This year, League is second in the American League in saves, at 23. Look for League to make an impact right away in Philadelphia.

3. Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins, Third Base/Outfield

Anytime a hitter moves to Philadelphia his numbers skyrocket. It’s a hitter’s ballpark. Not only would Cuddyer’s numbers go up, the Phillies could have more wins. He would provide a lot more pop to the lineup.

2. Brian Fuentes, Oakland Athletics, Reliever

Fuentes is not having a good year, which could mean he can be a hit or miss pickup this season. In the past, Fuentes has had good seasons. In 2009, he finished first in the American League in saves (48) and in 2008, sixth in the National League in saves (30). Don’t expect Fuentes to be the closer, just a setup man or something of that nature.

1. Hunter Pence, Houston Astros, Outfield

Sometimes the Phillies are inconsistent with hitting. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins are all great hitters and adding someone like a Pence into the mix could help their hitting woes. Pence can get on base and provides a little more power to the Phillies lineup.