July 31^st is the date that many Major League Baseball teams are looking forward to: the trade deadline. This will be the last day teams can swap with one another to either bring in or get rid of some of their players in efforts to improve for the future. Depending on where some of these teams rank in the standings usually determines whether they will be shopping for players to bring in, or getting rid of them. Either way, the following teams are most definitely looking to make a big splash.

Buyers: The teams that just need one more piece to make that deep run in the fall.

Philadelphia Phillies: Already a World Series favorite, what more could the Phillies need? Well, since Brad Lidge went down, the closer role has been somewhat of a question mark. Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo did well as a stop gap, but they belong in the 7^th and 8^th inning. Heath Bell’s name has come up in rumors for Philly. Also, although their lineup is quite powerful already, they are looking to upgrade for the eventual replacement of Raul Ibanez in left field. Melky Cabrera, who is having a terrific year for Kansas City is a definite option for them.

New York Yankees: The Yankees have reportedly sent scouts out to many ballparks around the league throughout the past few weeks looking to find that one piece that can take them over the hump. They certainly will be in a tight race with Boston for the division lead come seasons end, and the roster they have now doesn’t really compare. Although Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have done a wonderful job for now, who knows how long the veterans can keep that up. The Yankees have apparently been in talks about Ubaldo Jimenez from Colorado, but if they can’t land him expect them to go after someone else of that calibur. Also, with the struggles of Jorge Posada at DH, don’t be surprised if they go after an extra bat to be the Austin Kearns of 2010.

Atlanta Braves: Atlanta is in a tough position. They are one of the best teams in the National League, and yet really don’t have much chance of surpassing Philadelphia to take the pennant. Regardless, this is a playoff team with a lot of young talent. They should be able to find themselves in the playoffs, but might have to race to get there, which is where the deadline may come into play. A lot of pieces could be added to this team since the bullpen is the only spot that is flawless on the roster. Don’t expect them to shake up their team chemistry too much, but someone like Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran could find himself in a rental situation for the Braves.

San Francisco Giants: The 2010 World Series champions have been somewhat forgotten around the league, and yet they still find themselves with a sizable lead in the NL West. San Fran has been getting by with outstanding pitching, but the lineup is lacking. Not only did Buster Posey leave them with a gap behind the plate, but he was quickly becoming a force with the bat in the middle of their lineup. They might be another suitor for Beltran, but if not, they will surely try to pickup some power wherever they can find it.

Milwaukee Brewers: This is probably the most interesting team in terms of buyers. They probably already have made their big splash by landing former Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, but apparently they’re not done. Again, offense is of priority here, especially in the outfield. Carlos Gomez just went down with a broken clavicle so General Manager Doug Melvin may look to add some depth there. Milwaukee is finding themselves in one of the tightest races in baseball, so they’re probably just one of the teams in the NL Central looking to make a buy.

**BONUS** Pittsburgh Pirates: Now this team is interesting. Nobody expected Pittsburgh to be in contention in August, and if you say you did, we all know you’re lying. Pittsburgh has claimed that this could be their year, and they might be willing to make a big deal so long as it doesn’t compromise their long term goals. As I said, don’t be surprised if every team in the NL Central makes a move. People might just be waiting for this team to implode, or might have genuine interest, either way all eyes will be on these Pirates.

Sellers: These clubs are packing it in, get rid of all of your over-performing short-term assets for some young talent.

New York Mets: Oh, the Mets. What can I say about this team? Realistically they haven’t been too bad this season. They’ve been hovering around .500 much of the year, and if they were in the NL Central too, they might find themselves as buyers rather than sellers. Alas, they are not, and it’s time to start thinking about who to move. “K-Rod” is gone and so is his gigantic contract, and supposedly the next to go will be Beltran. At this point, you would think they would be fielding calls for just about anybody, and yet that apparently is not the case. First year General Manager, Sandy Alderson has publicly insisted that star shortstop Jose Reyes is not on the trading block in his contract year. This is a bit puzzling considering the value they would be able to get for him right now, but maybe he is just trying to instill confidence in his players and ball-club. Maybe they really do think they can sign Reyes long term at years end. Regardless of whether or not he goes, more players are definitely on the way out.

Houston Astros: The Astros are not good, and haven’t been so for a few years now. It’s time to start thinking about the future, and although many people thought that future began with outfielder Hunter Pence, the organization has struggled mightily to put anybody around him. His days in Houston are probably numbered since they should be able to get some decent prospects in exchange. Also, starter Wandy Rodriguez has generated a bit of interest from a few clubs, and at this point nobody on Houston is off limits. They’ll take whatever they can get, its rebuilding time.

Chicago Cubs: Year in and year out the cubs have found a way to disappoint the north side of Chicago. They are not in contention this year, but do have some pieces that could attract some of teams who are. Carlos Zambrano seemingly has been on the block for a decade, but in his last year as a Cub he could, at the very least be a nice rental for a playoff team. Aramis Ramirez has continued to put up good numbers all throughout his time in Chicago, and though he makes a nice tandem with Starlin Castro on the left side of that infield, he won’t be around forever. Alfonso Soriano has probably the most untouchable contract in baseball, so though they probably would love to move him for a prospect, they probably won’t even be able to do that. Wrigley Field will become somewhat of a Flea Market for the next week. Buy at your own risk.

Tampa Bay Rays: What happened to the Rays? The same thing that happens to them every year. It’s sad to see such a talented team go down the drain because of financial issues, but those are the woes of the small-market team these days. Before the season began they got rid of most of their star players and reloaded with young talent. Unfortunately it didn’t workout all that well and they now find themselves in an impossible chase of the Yankees and Red Sox. Apparently James Shields could be shopped, and as he is arguably a Cy Young candidate this season, that could make for the biggest blockbuster of the deadline. B.J. Upton also might be on the block, and more than a handful of teams would be interested in his talents. I feel bad for Joe Maddon, but the Rays will get back to contention sooner or later, we just might not recognize many of the names of the roster when they do.

San Diego Padres: Lastly, but surely not least, we find the Padres. The only competition they have is for last place in the NL West with the Dodgers. San Diego might possess the biggest pitching commodity on the market in Heath Bell. Should they choose to get rid of him, they will be able to get some serious prospects in return, and have a hand in swaying the balance of power in whatever league they decide to deal him to. The Phillies will undoubtedly have interest, and if they can land him, every other National League team may as well hit the golf course already. Power-packed outfielder Ryan Ludwick could also be packaged will Bell, or moved in his own trade before July 31^st. No need for home runs when you’re 15 games out of the race.

The trade deadline is perennially one of the most fun times of the baseball season. Big time names should be on the move this season which surely will have serious implications come playoff time.

Images: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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NL East Preview

Phillies: Even though the team is getting older, and they lost a big right-handed bat in Jayson Werth, with this pitching staff the sky is the limit. Pitching wins championships, and as the core of the team is still together they should win this division and go on to bigger and better things. The only concern here is staying healthy, and with Chase Utley already hurt, the Phillies might have to rely on young players early to fill the void.

Braves: This is a good young team with some dangerous offensive weapons. Jason Heyward is a star in the making and will continue to make strides to becoming one of the most feared hitters in the game. The Braves have a nice team and will stay in the division race, but they just don’t have the arms to stay with the Phillies.

Marlins: One thing you can say about this team every year is they’re young. As soon as the team develops top talent they don’t retain it. They can be competitive and will stay in the division for half of the season, but after the all-star break they will start to drop off as the top teams pull away.

Mets: This team has been underachieving for years now, and as the years since acquiring Johan Santana have passed they have continued to drop off. They have some core talent like David Wright who will push the team, but they are no longer a playoff-caliber team, and need several upgrades at some of the key positions.

Nationals: With the injury to Stephen Strasburg the Nationals won’t be the exciting team they were last year. They do have some nice pieces to compete, but realistically they will be the cellar dweller in this top-heavy division. The future is definitely looking bright for this young team though who has ownership that wants to win.

NL Central Preview

Reds: This team is loaded with young talent, and after winning the division last year they have developed a little swagger. They will compete for the division once again, and there will be no drop-off for this squad. Their hate for the Cardinals will continue to drive them, and create great drama for those divisional games.

Cardinals: Last year’s team just couldn’t seem to put a run together like everyone expected. With an early injury to Adam Wainwright, and all the distractions with Albert Pujols, it will be a long and stressful year for the Cardinals. Pressure to re-sign Pujols will drive management to be on the offensive and try to win this year. This mentality will keep the Cardinals in the race with the Reds, but they will fall short of the overly talented Reds. They will however have a legitimate shot at the wild card, competing against the Braves and Rockies for the last playoff spot.

Brewers: This middle-market team has struggled to climb out of mediocrity and develop into a playoff contender. They mad a couple moves in the off-season but unless their team has a career year, they will fall well short of the Reds and Cardinals who are really the playoff teams in this division.

Astros: The Astros are a team trying to build back up and become the team that made playoff runs several years ago. They really lack the bigger named players other than Carlos Lee. They have put together a decent rotation though with the addition of J.A. Happ, but the team as a whole just isn’t talented enough.

Cubs: The Cubs are an interesting team because they do have a couple of All-Star caliber players like Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Carlos Marmol. Carlos Zambrano is a wild-card, and if he pitches to his potential, the rotation could be pretty good with Ryan Dempster and the addition of Matt Garza. I just don’t trust this team who hasn’t been able to capitalize on their talent, and frustrated a great manager in Lou Piniella who quit before the season was over. If the Cubs have a rough start, they may try to move the big contracts they have locked up in Ramirez and Zambrano.

Pirates: The Pirates are just a frustrating team for anyone that is a fan of this franchise. Every time they get a legitimate All-Star caliber player they ship him off to another squad claiming they don’t have the money to keep a team together. The only thing that is really going to change this team’s outlook is a new owner that is willing to spend some money. They will be cellar dwellers again this year.

NL West Preview

Giants: After winning the World Series last year, the Giants will compete again this year for the division title and more. They have great pitching and a well-rounded offensive team. It is extremely tough to win the World Series in back-to-back years but this team is built to be there once again. Besides the Phillies, the Giants are clearly the class of the National League.

Padres: Adrian Gonzalez is gone, and that really hurts the Padres chances of making a playoff run. They lack a solid pitching rotation, and their overall roster lacks the necessary star power to compete for the playoffs. This team will have to build for the future, and hope they can keep the next big star that grows up within the franchise.

Rockies: The Rockies have a very nice team this year, with good position players and a good starting rotation with Ubaldo Jimenez topping it off. This team is notorious for putting together late runs, but with all of their talent, they should be fighting for the division title all year long. This is a playoff caliber roster, but with the defending champs in their division, they might have to battle it out for a wild card berth.

Dodgers: After competing in the NLCS two years in a row, the Dodgers failed to make the playoffs last year. They have a new manager this year, Don Mattingly, and maybe he will be able to light a spark under this team and get them back to the playoffs, with virtually the same roster. They should be able to compete for the division or wild card with their talent, but the ups and downs of this team, along with the inability for the team to gel together could have them on the outside looking in. This team has the talent, the question is simply how badly they want it.

Diamondbacks: This team has some nice young pieces in their quest to rebuild and get back to their playoff form. They could jump up and surprise some people this year, much like the Reds did last year. If their rotation has a good solid year, they can score some runs, and perhaps sneak up on the top teams. I think this team is still a year or two away from sniffing the playoffs, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they made a run this year.

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