MLB Trade Scenarios: Potential Waiver Deals for All 30 Teams

Folks, we are getting closer and closer to that ever-so-important stretch run in the season's final month.

Right now, being that it's late-August, it feels like we're approaching the final lap of the 1500 meter run in the Olympics. But we're not quite there yet, as some moves still need to be made.

That being said, we now enter the post-trade deadline/waiver trade part of the season.

It's a more complicated process, so the details will be spared.

However, this period is very crucial, as here we can see teams' battling for a division title fight to gain an edge before the real stretch begins.

Some familiar pre-trade deadline names are still looming along with some new ones.

In any event, this will be an exciting time, so stay aware as each team can still improve.

With that, here is a waiver deal for each MLB team.

Note: Not all players mentioned have been put on, and/or cleared waivers. Just speculation of players who could help that specific team.

Arizona Diamondbacks

This season the Arizona Diamondbacks are proving to be the thorn in the San Francisco Giants' side.

They currently lead the NL West, and are in prime position to prevent their division rivals from defending their 2010 World Series title.

Well, to really solidify their current situation, adding a good bat to the mix will most certainly help.

The D-Backs rank only No. 20 in the league in batting average, and they are ranked No. 16 in on-base percentage. So improving this area will be needed to fend off San Fran.

And although they already have first baseman Lyle Overbay, upgrading from him to someone like Daniel Murphy from the Mets will definitely work.

Atlanta Braves

At this point in the season, Atlanta looks to surely be the NL Wild Card. That is, unless they catch Philadelphia or have a New York Mets-esque season ending slump.

Before the regular trade deadline, the offense got a much needed boost in acquiring outfielder Michael Bourn from Houston, while Dan Uggla danced with Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak.

As for pitching, they're really solid, and being that they're in a current playoff position, there won't be too many appealing names left on the waiver-wire.

However, Minnesota's Joe Nathan is a possibility, as well as Florida's Randy Choate (currently on the DL, so more unlikely).

For as good as the Braves are, relief pitching depth will help counteract their NL East rival, Phillies.

Baltimore Orioles

After a pretty decent start to the 2011 season, Baltimore practically fell off the map, and then the AL East just ate them alive.

They need all the help they can get, and they do have some pieces that others teams may find appealing.

DH Vladimir Guerrero should be put on waivers as he will be 37 years old come time for next season.

In addition, they need to completely revamp their pitching staff, as they rank dead last in quality starts, ERA, WHIP, and batting average against.

Expect Kevin Gregg, Jeremy Guthrie, and Brad Bergesen to be gone.

If there's a bright spot, it's the relief pitching aside from Gregg, so getting any starting pitcher better than Guthrie should help.

Bronson Arroyo of the Cincinatti Reds would be a solid option, as well as Chicago Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano (when he gets his head back on straight).

Boston Red Sox

Due to the fact that the AL Wild Card in coming out of the east, not a lot will be left for Boston to choose from on waivers.

That said, they do have some cash to spend, and could, at the very least, do some window shopping.

Their offense is arguably the best in The Bigs—ranking No. 1 in slugging as well as on-base percentage.

Additionally, they're second in runs scored and batting average.

As for pitching, it is good, but not great.

Their overall ERA is only 3.89 (ranked No. 18), and they rank No. 23 in quality starts.

If they want to go "off the wall," so to speak, looking at Baltimore's Jeremy Guthrie would certainly turn some heads, but he has been better when he is not the ace pitcher, so pressure would be off.

Then again, you can always go to a three-man playoff rotation and beef up the bullpen.

Which means names such as Pittsburgh's Chris Resop, and the Dodgers' Matt Guerrier could be considered.

Chicago Cubs

For such a high payroll, the Cubs have certainly disappointed and under-performed, but that goes without saying.

Plus, count in some of their ridiculous player contracts as well as the fact that they remained stagnant through the trade deadline (other than trading Kosuke Fukodome to Cleveland), and it's obvious that some changes need to be made.

For one, if they want to do anything, chances are they will have to swallow their pride along with some of the cash from current contracts

Also, the Cubs are expected to be more involved in free agency next offseason, so in the waiver game, they're most likely going to be sellers.

Maybe they should check Wall Street, as the stock market isn't in much of a better situation.

Chicago White Sox

The problem for the White Sox has mainly been Adam Dunn's productivity.

Paired with Paul Konerko, together the two were expected to be the Bebop and Rocksteady (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' reference for the '90s readers out there) for the South-siders, and dominate.

But, that didn't happen this year, however they aren't completely out of it either.

Luckily for White Sox fans, the AL Central happens to be the worst division in MLB, so it's not over yet.

However, they find themselves in a pickle, because on one hand, Adam Dunn could really pick it up, or he could continue to underachieve.

Starting pitcher Mark Buehrle didn't move, but outfielder Alex Rios still could.

Odds are they act as sellers, and if they part ways with Dunn, it would be a really big risk for all parties involved.

Cincinnati Reds

After an unexpected 2010 season, where the Cincinnati Reds won the NL Central for the first time since 1995, the 2011 season has been disappointing.

In addition, they didn't make any notable moves before the trade deadline (other than trading away Jonny Gomes), and are now more than 13 games back of Milwaukee in the division.

With about one month left in the season, there's virtually no shot of them making what would be one insane run down the stretch, so maybe they make some moves to get a head start on 2012.

Therefore, how about putting up pitchers Bronson Arroyo and Francisco Cordero?

If 2010 taught us anything about Cincy, it's that they weren't built for the long-term, so getting something for these two pitchers would be a boost.

Not to mention they're both getting loaded from this season.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians were the busiest team at the deadline, acquiring Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez and outfielder Kosuke Fukodome from the Cubs.

In addition to that, youngsters Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall have been significant contributors since the All-Star break.

They still, however, remain in second place to Detroit, who just swept them over the recent weekend.

So what should Cleveland do?

Try and add more fire power to the offense with players such as Hideki Matsui of the Oakland A's, or Johnny Damon from Tampa Bay.

But contrary to popular belief, they should maintain Fausto Carmona because he's a much better pitcher in the No. 2 spot, than as the ace.

He demonstrated that when Cleveland had C.C. Sabathia, and he's been pitching much better since mid-July, going no less than six innings in his last six outings.

Colorado Rockies

After making a deal with Cleveland that sent Ubaldo Jimenez packing, it appears the Rockies have packed it in for 2011, and are looking ahead to 2012.

And, it's not such as bad idea to rebuild now, because getting some new and inexperienced players some time at the major league level will prove to be good next season.

Which, is why they should think about putting some other players on waivers such as first baseman Jason Giambi, and reliever Rafael Betancourt.

The Rockies have the core pieces already together with Todd Helton, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez so adding more talented youth around them will quickly build for next spring.

They just need to make sure that they obtain talent is in the form of pitching, as the Rockies' highest pitching rank is currently at No. 24 with a 1.36 WHIP and .262 batting average against.

Detroit Tigers

This past weekend the Detroit Tigers looked like a team with a $100 million-dollar payroll as they swept the upstart Cleveland Indians.

Well don't anticipate them making a move because everything seems to be in place after they acquired pitcher Doug Fister from Seattle at the deadline.

Plus, the offense has been picking it up with former Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta, and catcher Victor Martinez doing well.

If they do happen to make a move, it could be to just add more depth to the bullpen, but anything else would be a surprise.

Florida Marlins

If the Marlins do anything during this time of the year, chances are they act as sellers being that they're over 20 games out in the NL East.

One surprising name that jumps out is pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

Although he wasn't dealt before the regular trade deadline doesn't mean that he won't go anywhere.

The Marlins have already signed other pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson to some rather long-term contracts, so if Florida didn't do that for Sanchez, why would they keep him?

It's better to get something for him now, which could be fairly decent as he's currently performing the best out of all their consistent starters.

Houston Astros

Now although there will be some teams being sellers for the waiver-trade part of the season, none are in a boat like the Houston Astros.

After trading away outfielders Hunter Pence to Philadelphia and Michael Bourn to Atlanta, there's really no point in moving forward with who they now have.

So, getting something for Carlos Lee should be priority No. 1, despite his ridiculously large contract.

Pitcher Brett Myers could also be moved, but his ugly 3-12 record, combined with a 4.72 ERA may steer away buyers.

Therefore, when looking at their starting pitchers, Wandy Rodriguez is the choice by default.

He has a 9-9 record, but does have a 3.31 ERA.

But the biggest concern with any of the Astros' pitchers would be dealing with that extra batter, the DH, in AL lineups as opposed to a pitcher.

It may not seem like a big difference, but everything comes down to how well you adjust to the little things.

Kansas City Royals

Every year it seems the Royals draft well and have a solid farm system, but they fail to produce where it matters most at the Major League level.

And the crazy thing about them is, there are some solid puzzle pieces in play for Kansas City.

Billy Butler, Joakim Soria, Melky Cabrera, and Jeff Francouer are some of those key pieces.

That being said, they'll be drafting high once again next year, and don't be surprised if a few guys come up from the minors quickly.

Therefore, don't expect anything to change for the Royals because if their fortunes were to change, it would have happened a while back.

Los Angeles Angels

Much like in years past, the AL Wild Card will be coming out of the AL East, with that being either Boston or New York.

So that means only one from the AL West will represent—Texas or Los Angeles.

They could use another solid starting pitcher to follow the lead of Dan Haren and Jered Weaver, but more importantly, they need boost to the offense.

Currently, the Angels are ranked No. 20 in runs scored and No. 24 in on-base percentage.

And if they're going to out-run the Rangers, the offense better improve.

Therefore, maybe Carlos Lee from Houston would work, despite his age, as well as Oakland's Hideki Matsui.

Or they may want to take a chance with high-risk/high reward outfielder Alfonso Soriano of the Chicago Cubs.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite being rather quiet heading into the trade deadline, infielders Jamey Carroll and Casey Blake appear to be the main two names that'll move out of Dodgertown in the coming weeks.

Any team needing a minor offensive boost will gladly take either player, if not both, as they are proven to be solid when given utility or part-time roles.

Other than that, the NL team from L.A. will most likely do more modifying in the offseason, as pitcher Hiroki Kuroda still remains on the team.

The fact that they're going to be sellers helps, as change is needed for the Dodgers to contend with San Francisco, Arizona, and even the Rockies.

Milwaukee Brewers

Prior to the trade deadline, Milwaukee was in a battle for control of first place in the NL Central with St. Louis (expected), and Pittsburgh (who has fallen off recently).

With the additions of Francisco Rodriguez and Randy Flores to the pitching staff, there's no need to increase the pitching depth.

Additionally, when they acquired infielders Felipe Lopez and Jerry Hairston, it was no surprise that the Brewers began to gradually pull away from the pack.

They now hold a lead of 10 games over the Cardinals, and don't appear to be looking back.

The Brew Crew have already done their trading and what not, and there is no reason to make any moves since what they have now is dominating more than ever.

Minnesota Twins

Since the Twins neglected to try and change their pace before the trade deadline expired, they now should make some moves to build for 2012.

They were however, slowly sneaking up in the division before the deadline, but the risk they took just didn't pan out.

Therefore, all those names that were popular trade pieces then will be popular now.

And those names are guys like Joe Nathan, Jason Kubel, Matt Capps, and Michael Cuddyer.

The only names that won't move will be catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Justin Morneau, as they are the heart and soul of the Twins.

Also, we may even see Jim Thome and Francisco Liriano move on, because with all the moves the Twins are expected to make, you never know who else may get traded.

Thome could be a solid part-time DH for a team like the Cleveland (behind Travis Hafner), whereas Liriano could spruce up the starting pitching for the Angels (behind Weaver and Haren of course).

New York Mets

After trading away Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez, there's not much left on the team other than Jose Reyes and David Wright.

In addition, New York must be very savvy if they want to get something in return for outfielder Jason Bay.

He does have a contract that Mets fans should force him to give back. Otherwise they shouldn't move him.

And although they could get some solid talent for Reyes or Wright, Citi Field may get torn down if they trade either of them.

So, don't expect the Mets doing much this time of year, and hope that they can get back on track this offseason.

New York Yankees

If there's one thing the Yankees need to win the World Series, it's starting pitching.

C.C. Sabathia has been great, Freddy Garcia has been solid (but is currently on the DL), and Ivan Nova has been dominating all season.

However, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett have been significantly under-performing, while Bartolo Colon is trying to make a career comeback at age 38.

The biggest problem here for New York is who will be left, with a few teams fighting for a playoff spot wanting make a move.

Because at this point we know this much—the Yankees will be in the playoffs, as they are too far ahead to miss out now, even if Boston wins the division.

Bronson Arroyo wouldn't be too bad, and he would be an upgrade from Burnett and Hughes.

Also, Hiroki Kuroda could help the Yankees, and they would throw enough at him to make him waive his no-trade clause.

Oakland Athletics

Despite being in front of Seattle in the AL West (Well la-di-frickin' da!, for my Chris Farley fans out there), the A's are still 15 games back in their division.

Although that's not the ideal situation, they are in prime position and should use this leverage by being wise sellers down the stretch.

Two of their best players, outfielders Josh Willingham and Coco Crisp should be gone to help a playoff contending team.

Both would be significant additions to teams such as the Indians or the White Sox.

Or, for depth and utility in the post-season, Milwaukee, Atlanta, or Philadelphia could be potential trade partners as well.

As a result, Oakland could get some solid prospects to build for 2012 and beyond.

Philadelphia Phillies

There's really no need for Philly to make any more moves, except maybe to add depth to the offense, whether it be to the infield or the outfield.

And you can never have too much talent in the bullpen. But with the Phillies starting pitching dominating almost every game, all the bullpen will have to do is throw an inning or two, at the most.

So with all that said, and with Philly having the best record in baseball by more than four games, why should they acquire anyone else?

Obviously the postseason will act as the tell-all sign, but until then, The City of Brotherly Love is currently the best in the biz.

Pittsburgh Pirates

It took awhile Pittsburgh fans, but the Pirates were rolling up until the trade deadline, and then it all has gone backward.

However, there's no reason to feel disappointed about how the Buccos performed this season, as they will have increased expectations heading into 2012.

Surely this is due in large part the early success of this season, but unfortunately Pittsburgh will remain stagnant through the remainder of the 2011.

With all-star outfielder Andrew McCutchen leading the way, PNC Park will have even more to cheer about next year.

San Diego Padres

Even with San Diego making some trades before the deadline by moving reliever Mike Adams and outfielder Ryan Ludwick, pitchers Heath Bell and Aaron Harang still remain.

Both were appealing players sought by many teams that were definitely in the need of some bullpen or starting help. However, it was actually better for the Padres that they haven't gone anywhere yet.

So, much like fellow up-state MLB franchise Oakland, that only gives more power to the Padres.

Any team needing help down the stretch with pitching will obviously be interested in either Bell or Harang, and they may now be a bit more willing to give up more in order to obtain them.

Therein lies the intangible power that San Diego can take advantage of, and then use it to build for the future.

San Francisco Giants

Right now, the Giants are in a bit of a quandary as closer Brian Wilson is on the DL.

Also, since acquiring outfielder Carlos Beltran from the Mets, he's been lackluster.

Needless to say, the offense is what needs an addition if they want to out-run Arizona down the stretch.

If they want to trade for Carlos Lee, it may appear to be a move of desperation as he is old, but then again, any move at this point for a team still trying to defend their title may be desperate.

Other than Lee, Pittsburgh catcher Ryan Doumit could be an option, but it's unlikely the Pirates will move anyone at this point.

In the end, it's going to be difficult for them to get a deal done anyway, as most of who they want/need will be gone by the time their turn comes in the waiver-trade game.

Seattle Mariners

Once again the Mariners are at the bottom of the barrel in the AL West.

However, the future is bright with Ichiro Suzuki still playing well and also with youngsters Michael Pineda and Dustin Ackeley in the fold.

Being that they are a bad team, and that Suzuki is really their only established player, chances are no one looks to them for any additions.

And even though they'd love to spill Chone Figgins elsewhere, he's still on the DL, thus decreasing the team's chances of moving him.

So don't expect too many moves from Seattle this time of the year, if any.

St. Louis Cardinals

Despite being able to acquire pitcher Edwin Jackson and shortstop Rafael Furcal, St. Louis has veered off since the trade deadline.

They currently sit 10 games back of Milwaukee in the division, and 9.5 games in back of Atlanta in the Wild Card race.

And although adding a solid reliever like Heath Bell, or someone in the need of change like Minnesota's Joe Nathan, that won't be their saving grace when trying to catch the Brew Crew.

It would help, but even if they did make such a move, the starting pitching still needs to pick it up. And after getting Jackson, odds are the Cardinals don't acquire another pitcher.

Tampa Bay Rays

Other than Johnny Damon (surprise), no one else on the Rays is going anywhere until the offseason.

And even then, it may only be outfielder B.J. Upton and/or Damon.

Tampa Bay had a nice little stretch in the late-2000s as a force in the AL East, but they are beginning to slowly diminish.

Therefore, if the Rays want to get back atop the division, they must go about it the old-school way of moving players up through their farm system.

It may seem redundant, but there's a lot of minor leaguers that move around prior to getting their call up to the bigs.

So as long as Tampa can mold their draft picks, then they'll get back in the action.

This also means that even the upcoming offseason could be rather quiet.

Texas Rangers

Once the Rangers acquired relief pitchers Koji Uehara from Baltimore and Mike Adams from San Diego, team president Nolan Ryan filled a void he knew was crucial to fill.

In turn, Texas has been gradually pulling away from the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West and doesn't appear to be looking back.

That being said, the offensive depth now needs a look, and it could use a part-time bat in the pennant run.

Carlos Lee would be solid, as well as Jamey Carroll and/or Casey Blake from the Dodgers.

However, don't be surprised if Texas stays put, as the formula is working.

Toronto Blue Jays

If there's anything the Toronto Blue Jays need to get ahead in the AL East, it's pitching.

Keeping up with Boston and New York is the key as their perennially potent offenses are arguably the best in baseball.

Now as far as pitching goes, Toronto does rank No.14 in batting average against (.253), but have lacked in quality starts with only 65, ranking them No. 21.

They also have an average ERA of 4.13, only good enough for the No. 22 ranking in the bigs.

And since they're out of the playoff hunt, that gives them better odds at landing a solid starter such as Bronson Arroyo or Ted Lilly next offseason.

Also, don't count out Tom Gorzelanny from Washington's bullpen as a potential trade target, as he would only help the Jays.

Washington Nationals

If the Washington Nationals are to be contenders and not pretenders in 2012, adding to what they already have should occur—by that, I mean youth and talent.

So, getting whatever they can for catcher Ivan Rodriguez would suffice, as well making some acquisitions in the offseason and also next season's draft.

They already have some solid pieces in play to be a lot better next season in Stephen Strasburg, Jonny Gomes, Todd Coffey, Jason Werth and Bryce Harper.

Not much will go on in the nation's capital before free agency, but there may be some strategic maneuvers that take place.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.