One Trade Scenario for Each MLB Team in 2012

This slideshow will show trade proposals every MLB team could make before the trading deadline.  The acquisitions will be the major part of each slide with who goes out and who comes in as part of the deal.  The trades are based on needs for each franchise and will point out the deficiencies of those organizations being mentioned.  

1. Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Get: Maicer Izturis

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Get: Wynn Pelzer and Matt Antonelli

The Orioles have tried to give Josh Bell sufficient playing time, but he has been unable to show much in the major leagues. Izturis showed promise last season, but has been relegated to a utility role.  The Orioles could use his bat if they are even close in competition and may pull a trigger on a deal like this. 

Wynn Pelzer is a solid pitching prospect who may be a year or two from reaching the big leagues and would help create a deal like this one.  Antonelli would be a throw in more or less to create room on the 40-man roster for the Orioles.  

2. Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox Get: Scott Baker

Minnesota Twins Get: Ryan Kalish and Marco Duarte

The Red Sox will inevitably need an arm at some point this season.  The Twins are probably not going to make much noise this season and would deal Baker before he hits free agency.  Baker does have a $9.25 million option this season, and I feel the Twins would like to get off the hook for that.  Baker fits the Bobby Valentine mold and would jump right in for the Red Sox.

Ryan Kalish looked impressive in 2010, but last year he struggled at the plate and on the field.  The Red Sox do not have room for him, and the Twins could always use a guy like Kalish.  Duarte is a solid bullpen arm for the future and could develop into a set-up guy given the right situation.  In Boston, Duarte would be relegated to the minors longer than if he were with a smaller market team.  

3. New York Yankees

New York Yankees Get: Matt Cain

San Francisco Giants Get: Eduardo Nunez, Brandon Laird and Hector Noesi

The Yankees will strike when no one expects them to, and Cain makes too much sense.  The Yankees are looking for that arm behind Sabathia. Cain would defintely fit.  The Yankees have never had any problems dealing away the farm for a star player, so why change now.  

This pick-up will allow them to get a great pitcher, albeit maybe for only the year, and not have to give up Miguel Montero, Delin Betances or Manny Banuelos.  The Giants may ask for one of the three, but the deal could get done with the three listed.

The Giants would pick up Eduardo Nunez, who is highly skilled, but blocked in New York by Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter.  Brandon Laird also has plenty of promise and could project to slide to another position.  Hector Noesi had a taste last season and could be a real nice acquisition in a couple of years.  

The Giants may be willing to part with Cain since he is a free agent in 2013 and may ask for more than the Giants are willing to spend.  This all hinge on the development of Madison Bumgarner as well.  

4. Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa Bay Rays Rays Get: James Loney

Los Angeles Dodgers Get: Russ Canzler, Alex Torres and Dane De la Rosa

James Loney is a free agent at season's end and will more than likely not return to Los Angeles.  The Rays are in need of a first baseman if they cannot re-sign Casey Kotchman. Loney could be the guy.  James Loney has some pop, but also misses often. He still has promise. The Rays would not have to part with a ton to get Loney either.

The Dodgers would grab Alex Torres, who has some major upside and would be a superb fit for the future for the Dodgers.  Canzler is slated to be the opening day starter in Tampa, but he brings a lot of unknowns to the team.  De la Rosa is a great pick-up for the bullpen and should make the opening day roster if he were in Los Angeles.  

5. Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays Get: Joe Blanton

Philadelphia Phillies Get: Jesse Litsch and Cash

Joe Blanton may be the odd man out in Philadelphia, and Toronto could certainly use another arm for the rotation.  Blanton is injury-prone, but so is half of the Toronto rotation, anyway.  The Phillies would not require much for Blanton, and the trade could go down as a one-for-one.

The Phillies could always use a bullpen arm. With Jose Contreras often injured, Litsch could provide some much needed depth.  Litsch has shown flashes, but usually fumbles his next time out.  The Phillies would get a bullpen arm who could throw in a spot start now and again. 

6. Chicago White sox

Chicago White Sox Get: Leo Nunez AKA Juan Carlos Oviedo

Miami Marlins Get: Dylan Axelrod and Kyle Shelton

The White Sox have been shopping about everyone on their team this season, but if they are in the thick of it before the deadline, they may look to add a late innings reliever.  Matt Thornton has been shaky as closer, and Oviedo has good stuff. Oviedo was lights out for the better part of the first half in 2011 and could do the same this season.  The Marlins acquired Heath Bell, which could make Oviedo expendable.

The Marlins would not get much for Oviedo, but Axelrod could be a steal.  He has some electric stuff, but is also inconsistent.  The Marlins would get a guy who could start or pitch in long relief.  Kyle Shelton is an unknown, but may get an opportunity as a bench guy down the road.  

7. Cleveland Indians

Indians Get: Nick Swisher

Yankees Get:  Nick Hagadone and Corey Kluber

Nick Swisher has been on the trade block for a bit, and he is also in the last year of his contract, which makes him expendable to a degree.  He is a leader for the Yankees, but is also getting up there in age.  Look for the Indians to be the first ones to call and try and make this acquisition.

The Yankees may require a little more for Swisher, but Hagadone could develop into a legit closer down the road.  Kluber has starter material and could be a find for the Yankees if he gets a chance.  A third player may have to be thrown in, but come deadline time, the Yankees may just have to settle.

8. Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers Get: Mark Reynolds

Baltimore Orioles Get: Brandon Inge, Avisail Garcia and Duane Below

The Tigers narrowly missed out on Aramis Ramirez this winter. I doubt they really want to go into the season with Brandon Inge.  Mark Reynolds is an improvement over Inge and could finally have a break-out season. Stranger things have happened.  Reynolds would also provide some power that is lacking in Detroit.

The Orioles would get Inge and then probably release him, but it would help balance out the checkbook.  Avisail Garcia is a promising looking outfielder who could reach the majors before too long.  Duane Below had some moments last season and would give Baltimore a plan B for injuries. Below could also work out of the bullpen and help in that aspect.  

9. Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals Get: Erick Aybar

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Get: Chris Getz and Vin Mazzaro

The Royals are looking for middle infield depth and Aybar provides that.  Alcides Escobar is inconsistent, and Yuniesky Betancourt is no longer a starter in the league.  Aybar could move over to second base if Johnny Giavotella is not quite ready.  

The Angels do not have any real needs right now and would be making this deal for depth purposes.  Aybar is a free agent and could be pushed out by Jean Segura at some point, so why not try and get something for him now? 

Getz was supposed to be a big deal, but he has never really panned out and Mazzaro looked great in Oakland, but was a disaster for Kansas City.  

10. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins Get: Grant Balfour

Oakland Athletics Get: Rene Tosoni and Chris Herrmann

The Twins need a set-up man for Matt Capps and Balfour has that ability.  He has been a pretty good in that role for a few years and is a free agent, unless his option gets picked up in 2013.  The Twins are always a team that could win or lose and having Balfour before Matt Capps would not hurt.

The A's would not get a large return for Balfour, but Tosoni would be great depth for an outfield of unknowns.  Chris Herrmann is another guy who is a few years away, but he is young and worth a look from the Athletics management.  

11. Los Angeles Angels

Angels Get: Kevin Correia

Pittsburgh Pirates Get: Kendrys Morales

The Angels do not have any major holes on the team, but depending on Jerome Williams, could use a fifth starter, which Correia could certainly fill.  This deal would happen at some point during the season, once Morales is healthier.  Correia had a solid year last season and would be a boost for the Angels at the back of the rotation.

Kendrys Morales is expendable by the Angels, but due to injury, does not have a lot of value.  This trade would be a one for one deal and would boost the Pittsburgh offense immediately.  

12. Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics Get: Seth Smith

Colorado Rockies Get: Graham Godfrey and Adam Rosales

The deal makes sense to both clubs, as the A's need a bevy of outfielders until their young crop is ready and the Rockies need young starting pitching and a utility guy.  Smith is pushed to a back-up role because of the Michael Cuddyer deal, so he is certainly expendable.  

The Rockies acquire Graham Godfrey, who showed some promise last season with a few starts and the next Charlie Hustle in Adam Rosales.  Rosales can play all over the infield and provide a boost off the bench for Colorado.  

13. Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Get: Ryan Dempster 

Chicago Cubs Get: Johan Limonta, Mauricio Robles and Tom Wilhelmsen

The Mariners could be a surprise team in 2012 and may need a veteran starter to balance out the rotation.  If the Mariners are competing by the deadline, look for Dempster to pop up on their radar.  Dempster has been as tough as they come and shows up every day.  He would provide some leadership for the young Seattle ball club. 

The Cubs would get a couple of solid guys in return for Dempster.  Johan Limonta was a highly touted prospect, but has battled plate issues over the last couple of years.  Robles is injury-prone, but could become a decent No. 4 or 5 starter in the big leagues.  Tom Wilhelmsen came out of nowhere to be a nice addition at the back of the bullpen and could have closer stuff if given an opportunity. 

14. Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers Get: Sean Burnett

Washington Nationals Get: Julio Borbon and Kyle Fernandes

The Rangers need a lefty in the bullpen and Burnett is the best choice in the league.  Burnett would slide in as the set-up guy from the left side while Mike Adams would be the set-up man from the right.  

The Nationals do not get a whole lot in return, but they dump Burnett's salary and do not have to worry about his option in 2013.  Julio Borbon has shown flashes, but has yet to put it all together and Fernandes is a relative unknown, but the Nationals love guys like that.  Washington may ask for a big-league ready arm as well, so Cody Eppley or Justin Miller may be involved as well. 

15. Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves Get: Jason Bartlett

San Diego Padres Get: Brandon Hicks and Billy Bullock

The Braves are not completely set on Tyler Pastornicky at short and Bartlett would provide some veteran presence to help him along the way.  Bartlett has not been very good in San Diego, but is a leader and excellent teacher for Pastornicky. 

The Padres are looking to go younger and Bullock projects as a solid set-up guy for the future.  He may be a couple of years away, but throw him in there with Brad Boxberger and Ernesto Frieri and you have a good-looking pen for the future.  Brandon Hicks would provide depth and get some starts throughout the infield.  

16. Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins Get: Melky Cabrera

Giants Get: Chris Coghlan and Donnie Murphy

Melky Cabrera seems to be traded every year and if the Marlins do not land Yoennis Cespedes, then they will be on the prowl for a center fielder.  The Giants now have two with the acquisitions of Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan.  Cabrera had a superb year in 2011 and would have more value on the block than Pagan, thus being able to get more in return.

Chris Coghlan has worn out his welcome in Miami and does not have the trade value he once had.  He would benefit from a change in scenery and could possibly be in play as a corner outfielder for the Giants.  Donnie Murphy has never lived up to his hype either, but could be a good back-up plan if Brandon Crawford continues to struggle. 

17. New York Mets

New York Mets Get: Scott Feldman

Texas Rangers Get: Robert Carson and Mike Baxter

The Mets have a need for a starter due to the uncertainty of Johan Santana, and Feldman is left out in Texas because of the abundance of arms.  If Feldman struggles in the rotation, he could always be moved to the pen, where he has looked a bit more comfortable.  Feldman has some lightning stuff, he just needs the right place to show it. 

The Rangers would be happy to get out of Feldman's contract and should look for any possible deal.  The Rangers would receive a solid left-handed reliever in Robert Carson and a back-up utility guy in Mike Baxter.  Neither Carson or Baxter would start the year in the big leagues, but would be excellent insurance options. 

18. Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Get: Kevin Gregg

Orioles Get: Kyle Kendrick, Mike Spidale and Michael Schwimer

The Phillies will be looking all over the place for a guy to set-up newly acquired Jonathan Papelbon, and Kevin Gregg may be the answer.  Jose Contreras is injury-prone and does not have the same stuff he once had, so Gregg enters the picture.

The Orioles seem like a perfect fit for Kyle Kendrick, for whom the Phillies are tired of waiting around.  The Phillies would probably throw in a couple of mid-level prospects like Spidale and Schwimer to get the deal done. 

19. Washington Nationals

Nationals Get: B.J. Upton

Tampa Bay Rays Get: Tyler Moore, Eury Perez, Derek Norris and Steve Lombardozzi

The Nationals have long wanted Upton in D.C., and this could finally happen.  The deal will hinge upon Upton signing an extension, which I do not think would be a problem.  Upton brings tremendous upside to the Nationals, who are looking at making an impact very soon.  

The Rays would land four intriguing prospects in the deal, which Brad Peacock could be substituted for Perez or Moore.  Tyler Moore could become the first baseman of the future for Tampa and Eury Perez is an uber-talented outfielder.  Derek Norris is one of the top catching prospects in the league and could very well end up as a designated hitter in the American League.  Lombardozzi may get a chance to play some infield and brings excellent defense to the Rays. 

Note: As of December 22, this deal is more unlikely with the addition of Gio Gonzalez.

20. Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Get: Adam LaRoche

Washington Nationals Get: Casey Coleman, Rafael Dolis and Blake DeWitt

The Cubs will more than likely miss out on Prince Fielder, so plan B may be to inquire on a first baseman like LaRoche.  Since I already used James Loney, the next best option would be Adam LaRoche, who when healthy is a above average player all the way around.  

The Nationals will probably ask for Randy Wells, but he would be a little too much for this package.  Casey Coleman is still developing, but projects as a solid No. 3 or 4 guy in the Majors.  Rafael Dolis is an intriguing prospect with closer stuff who is a couple of years away from helping in the big leagues.  

Blake DeWitt would be a perfect fit for Washington's bench and could help fill many positions throughout the season.  

21. Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds Get: Delmon Young

Detroit Tigers Get: Juan Francisco, Chris Heisey, Joseph Krebs and Neftali Soto

The Reds are in a win-now mode. Acquiring Delmon Young may put them at the top of the mountain in the National League Central.  While young is in the last year of his contract, the Reds may pull some strings to change that.  Walt Jocketty is not afraid to pull any triggers to acquire someone to help the team win.

The Tigers will go into the deal asking for Devin Mesoraco or even Aroldis Chapman, but those guys are off limits.  The Reds may seem like they are running out of prospects, but they have one of the best farm systems in the league.  

The Tigers would receive their future third baseman in the powerful Juan Francisco and major league ready outfielder in Chris Heisey.  Neftali Soto could also be intriguing to watch and is super talented.  Krebs provides depth for the organization, but would not amount to more than a bullpen arm in the future. 

22. Houston Astros

Houston Astros Get: Matt Belisle

Colorado Rockies Get: Henry Sosa and Colin DeLome

The Astros have a terrible looking bullpen to say the least and will need a solid arm to balance it out.  Belisle has been reliable for Colorado and should do the same in Houston.  

The Rockies will not get a whole lot out of this deal, but Henry Sosa could certainly make a starting bid at some juncture.  Colin DeLome is a mid-level prospect who could reach the majors as a bench guy.  Not a bad pick-up in exchange for Matt Belisle.

23. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers Get: Anthony Rizzo

San Diego Padres Get: Carlos Gomez, Marco Estrada and Amaury Rivas

This may sound like a haul for the Padres to get for an unproven prospect, but Rizzo is the future at first base, certainly more so than Mat Gamel could be.  The Brewers would love to be able to gel with Rizzo, much the same way they did with a young Prince Fielder.  Rizzo may not be 100 percent ready, but he can be a valuable trade asset.

The Padres would get some solid players who do not have a position now.  Carlos Gomez has looked brilliant at times and looked like a low-A player at others.  He would provide some depth in the Padres outfield.  

Marco Estrada looked solid last year for Milwaukee and could easily slip into the Padres rotation or into the bullpen.  Amaury Rivas is a highly-touted prospect who is still a year or so away, but could be the Padres ace in the hole in the deal.  

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates Get: Freddy Garcia

New York Yankees Get: Chris Leroux, Robbie Grossman and Diego Mareno

This deal depends on the development of a few Yankees prospects and how quickly they can reach the big leagues.  Garcia has been proven as a solid arm in the rotation and the Pirates could certainly use his veteran leadership on such a young team.  He will not cost too much and is a free agent after the season.

The Yankees would likely make the deal for talented prospect Robbie Grossman alone, but Leroux and Diego Mareno could bring some depth to a bullpen that is always in need of depth.  

25. St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals Get: Carlos Quentin

Chicago White Sox Get: Adron Chambers, Eduardo Sanchez and Pete Kozma

The Cardinals will need to find a bat capable of recovering some of the lost power with the exit of Albert Pujols.  The Cardinals will be the main competition for the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central and getting another bat will be the most important aspect.  Lance Berkman should move to first and Quentin could step into right.

The White Sox would land three interesting prospects with Adron Chambers, Eduardo Sanchez and Pete Kozma.  All three have big-league talent and could help the White Sox this year.  Chambers can play all three outfield positions, but he may be a year or two away from being a starter.  

Sanchez was a surprise last season and could become an important set-up man in Chicago while Kozma is a utility guy who could be a little spark plug for the White Sox. 

26. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks Get: Jeremy Guthrie

Baltimore Orioles Get: Gerardo Parra and Barry Enright

The Diamondbacks always seem to need a veteran in the rotation come deadline day and Guthrie could be their guy.  While Guthrie is technically the ace in Baltimore, he would slide in at third or fourth in the rotation.  Guthrie is an innings-eater, which is highly beneficial later in the season.

The Orioles would get Gold Glove outfielder Gerardo Parra, who has lost his starting spot to Jason Kubel, but would be a lift for the Baltimore franchise.  Barry Enright showed some talent in 2010, but fell off last season and will have to battle for a chance above Triple-A. 

27. Colorado Rockies

Colorado Rockies Get: Kyle Lohse

St. Louis Cardinals Get: Eric Young Jr., Charlie Blackmon and Clayton Mortensen

Lohse is a free agent at season's end and could lose his starting role in spring training, so the Cardinals may try and find a taker.  The Rockies have a shallow rotation and Lohse could fit in just fine.  

The Cardinals would get Charlie Blackmon, who was a mild surprise before and injury hurt his season.  Blackmon has been moved down the depth chart due to the signing of Michael Cuddyer, but could start for many major league teams today.  Eric Young has yet to put it all together, but if he can, watch out.  Mortensen will add depth to the bullpen for the Cardinals.

28. Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers Get: David Wright

New York Mets Get: Jerry Sands, Kenley Jansen, Allen Webster and Ethan Martin

This is my dark-horse trade pick.  Wright is a free agent at season's end and the Dodgers have a shot at competing if they can find a bat.  I feel the Dodgers will try and make some waves to encourage bidders for ownership, so why not go out and get David Wright for the season.  Wright has been down for a couple of years, but he can still rake when healthy.

The Mets get four talented prospects, two of which are major-league ready.  Jerry Sands can platoon the left field position and also fill in at first base when called upon.  He showed glimpses of major talent in 2011.  Kenley Jansen has closer written all over him, if he can stay off the disabled list.  

Webster and Martin are two young pitchers the Mets can look forward to in the future, so why not pull the trigger on a deal such as this one?

29. San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Get: Rafael Soriano and Cash

New York Yankees Get: Anthony Bass and Blake Tekotte

The Rafael Soriano experiment in New York has failed and he is now bait to a team needing a link to their closer.  The Padres have Luke Gregerson, but Soriano would be an improvement.  The Yankees would also likely send cash to cover the buyout for Soriano in 2013. 

The Yankees would replace Soriano in the bullpen with Anthony Bass, who could also do some spot starting throughout the season.  Blake Tekotte got a taste in 2011 and will probably get a little more time in the majors this season.  He would be an improvement over the always disappointing Chris Dickerson.

30. San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants Get: Hanley Ramirez 

Miami Marlins Get: Brandon Crawford, Ehire Adrianza, Eric Surkamp and Dan Runzler

This may be a longshot, but Ramirez may do everything he can to get out of Miami. He is a bit of a diva and since he is not the prized possession any longer, he may force the Marlins hand.  The Giants need a shortstop with a bat like Hanley Ramirez. If he gives it his all every day, he would be a valued edition. 

If this deal were to go down, it would be the largest of the season in my opinion.  The Marlins would pull in some excellent prospects like Brandon Crawford and Eric Surkamp, both of whom could play at the big league level.  Adrianza is a project, but projects to be a starting shortstop in a few years, while Dan Runzler is a nice long-man to have in any bullpen.