With the MLB Trade Deadline just around the corner, an array of contending teams are looking to make trades to fill voids for the playoffs. Here's a look at the various needs that certain teams will need in order to experience October baseball.
- Detroit Tigers: Although Joaquin Benoit is 10 for 10 in save opportunities this season, he seems better suited as an 8th inning set-up man. Luke Gregorson of the San Diego Padres and Glen Perkins of the Minnesota Twins are possibilities if they don't get or go after Jonathan Papelbon.
- Atlanta Braves: They lost Tim Hudson for the season to an ankle injury, so they could need a starting pitcher. Bud Norris of the Houston Astros will be a cheap pick-up, but Jake Peavy of the White Sox and Ervin Santana of the Kansas City Royals could also be available. Getting a right-handed bat could also help Atlanta immensely.
- Boston Red Sox: Losing Clay Buchholz (9-0, 10 quality starts) really hurts the Red Sox rotation, so don't be surprised if Boston acquires Cliff Lee. Peavy's another possibility and Papelbon could make a return to Beantown.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: The Bucs are 26th in baseball in runs scored and could use someone like Justin Morneau of the Twins. Nate Schierholtz of the Chicago Cubs is another possibility as is Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies. They could also shop for a temporary closer with Jason Grilli out with an arm strain.
- Oakland Athletics: The A's don't really need much, but getting a right-handed bat like Alex Rios of the Chicago White Sox won't hurt. There's also a chance that the A's could get Daniel Murphy of the New York Mets.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: With the red-hot Dodgers in first place in the NL West, the D-Backs are suddenly in danger of falling out of contention. They need a reliever, so Jesse Crain of the White Sox is a possibility. They also need a starting pitcher, so they should be looking at Kyle Lohse of the Milwaukee Brewers and Ervin Santana.
