Kuzul

Could Ryan Dempster actually be the best player traded prior to the 2012 MLB Trade Deadline? According to David Schoenfield of ESPN.com, that may be the case. 

Not only does Schoenfield think that Dempster could be the best player dealt, but he also believes that teams should start pursuing Dempster now, as opposed to waiting until it is closer to the deadline.

Schoenfield has come up with seven different contenders he believes could be interested in acquiring Dempster this year. Additionally, Schoenfield provides possible trade scenarios.

This article will take a look at the potential contenders Schoenfield mentioned, as well as a few other teams that could be interested in him, and it also provides each team’s odds of acquiring him. 

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As the summer continues to heat up, so will talk of trade potentials and teams looking to make adjustments for a late-season push.

Although it is still fairly early, injury, slumps and poor records have already began to plague major league clubs.

Some teams like the Chicago Cubs, the Houston Astros and, perpetually, the Oakland Athletics will enter rebuilding mode and begin to sell off contracts for prospects.

Others, such as the San Fransisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins, who are in the hunt for October, will take on loaner veterans to help get their teams over the hump.

Here is a look at some possible trade talks before the All-Star Break.

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The San Francisco Giants have started the season well, as they are in second place in the NL West at 34-27.

However, they still have one gaping hole: shortstop.

While you could argue that they have a hole in the rotation because of Tim Lincecum’s slow start, Brandon Crawford’s inconsistent play at shortstop has hurt the Giants. He has a .219 batting average and a 24.5 percent strikeout rate.

Oh, and his defense hasn’t been too great either (as you may have noticed from the picture above). 

Crawford is an above-average defensive shortstop, and he makes a lot of hard plays. However, he has struggled to field easy grounders, and he’s even dropped pop-ups (again, see above).

Overall, Crawford has been a disappointment for the Giants. Here are three reasons why they must trade for another shortstop as soon as possible.

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Prior to the 2011 trade deadline, a number of big names were on the move. That should be the case once again this year.

The trade winds have begun to pick up and more and more rumors have been flying around. A number of big names have already been mentioned as possible trade candidates this season.

Big bats like Hunter Pence and Kevin Youkilis could be dealt, and they will come with a fairly high price tag. Acquiring one of these players could be the piece that a team needs to make the playoffs.

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The 2012 baseball season has entered its third month, and that means there are plenty of rumors floating around the league—it’s the MLB way of life.

Some trade rumors turn out to be true, while others are so asinine and crazy that only the naïve and/or inebriated would believe them.

Deciphering which are valid and which to discard can be tricky, but as the trade deadline draws nearer, we will begin to see more and more proposals—mostly speculation—out there.

Royals expect early production from first-round pick

Kansas City’s starting rotation is bad. As a unit, they own a 5.20 ERA through June 4, ranking them 28^th in baseball.

The Royals selected Kyle Zimmer, a right-handed pitcher out of the University of San Francisco, with the No. 5 overall pick on Monday. Now, he is expected to contribute early, says KC scouting director Lonnie Goldberg.

“I think he’s got the talent to pitch up here right now, but I think there’s a lot of seasoning he’s got to get through,” Goldberg said. “My guess is his talent and his makeup will allow him to get here when he needs to, but I’d say within two years.”

Zimmer went 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 13 starts as a junior at USF.

Pablo Sandoval out of shape

The Giants‘ slugging third baseman has been on the DL with a fractured left hamate bone (a broken hand) since early May. During that time he reportedly has gained some weight—a fact that has Manager Bruce Bochy none too pleased.

“He’s been told we have enough first basemen,” Bochy said. “With that said, hopefully we’re not forced to make a change. It’s in Pablo’s hands. Before he comes up, it’s not just hitting, it’s going to be how he plays third base.”

Make a change? Not to read too much into it, but does that mean the Kung Fu Panda could be on the market? I know of at least five teams who would be just fine with his weight at third base, so long as his bat is still quick.

The inevitable Kevin Youkilis trade talk

As well as the Dodgers, D’backs and Phillies reportedly being interested in Youkilis if and when he becomes officially available, we can now toss the Texas Rangers into that hat.

Danny Knobler, a baseball Insider with CBSSports.com, reported that the Rangers have “checked on him,” according to sources. Knobler did not site a specific source.

There doesn’t seem to be much room for Youkilis in Arlington, and it is not known how serious the Rangers are about acquiring the 33-year-old. It would work out better if Boston wanted an everyday player in return; however, they will likely ask for a starting pitcher.

That may be a Texas-sized deal-breaker.

D’backs close to recalling two players

On July 20, 2011, D’backs shortstop Stephen Drew broke his ankle during a play at home plate. He has been out ever since. But according to Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com, he will begin a rehab assignment with the Reno Aces—Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate—on Thursday.

Manager Kirk Gibson said Drew could be in Reno up to three weeks, longer if need be.

“We’ll see how he does,” Gibson said. “With extended [spring-training games], he’s afforded more latitude…but now he’s going to be playing in a real game. He’s not going to be leading off every inning. He can’t be jogging down on a base hit. He’s going to be playing a competitive game.”

Also getting close is No. 3 overall pick from 2011, RHP Trevor Bauer.

The long-awaited arrival of the D’backs best prospect seems to be right around the corner. Who would be forced out of the starting rotation? Would Bauer become part of the bullpen at first?

Those questions may soon have answers.

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Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

It is getting to the point of the year where MLB trade rumors are starting to pick up and more and more players are getting mentioned as possible trade candidates.

Most of the players that are mentioned in trade rumors will not be going anywhere, but their names will come up over and over again during the course of the next few months.

This article will debunk some of the trade rumors that are out there and let you know which trade talk you should not buy into.

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The Detroit Tigers continue to perform below expectations in 2012—they will undoubtedly become buyers at the MLB trade deadline. 

Sure, Justin Verlander put some life back in the clubhouse with his near no-hitter recently, but the team has to prove that they can ride that lightning. 

The Tigers were forecasted to be major contenders before the season began, but inconsistent play has begun to put serious doubt in the team’s faithful fans. 

The season is far from over, but the front office must plan on making deals by the deadline in order to put the Tigers back on track.

While another superstar is likely out of the question, the Tigers need to acquire a few established veterans that will bring instant energy and experience to a stagnant clubhouse.

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Mariano Rivera is now on the shelf for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, and the Yankees are left with a vacancy in the closer’s role for the first time in recent memory.

Rafael Soriano and David Robertson are currently in line to pitch the ninth, but Joe Girardi hasn’t said who will be the primary choice and replacement.

Popular opinion would suggest that Robertson should see the most time in the ninth, but Girardi seems content with mixing it up.

Should the Yankees choose to pursue a trade, there are several options that could be had at the right price.

If the Yankees’ ninth-inning tandem is struggling by the trade deadline, look for Brian Cashman to make a few calls to see if the following three guys are available.

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The MLB trade deadline brings excitement each summer as contenders try to improve their team while pretenders look to the future.

The saying in baseball is that you can’t have too much pitching, so starting pitchers are always at high demand around the deadline.

An elite starting pitcher can be the difference in reaching the postseason or making a run at a World Series Championship.

Cliff Lee was traded at the deadline to the Texas Rangers a few years ago and led them all the way to the World Series.

There doesn’t appear to be a pitcher on Lee’s level, but there are good pitchers that should become available by the deadline.

Let’s take a look at some of the top starting pitchers who could help your baseball team get to the next level.

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After missing out on Prince Fielder in free agency, the Seattle Mariners must inquire with other teams about a player who can propel them to the playoffs immediately.

It’s not going to be easy.

Fielder is a premiere player. His talents are duplicated by few.

Most superstars of Fielder’s caliber are already on teams looking at a playoff run. Those teams are unlikely to part with any player who will provide a boost into the postseason.

Instead, the Mariners will have to hope for the best. They’ll need a diamond in the rough.

They’re off to a good start by acquiring Jesus Montero. He’ll certainly contribute very soon. Ichiro Suzuki remains a top talent and Dustin Ackley has a bright future.

But they need more pieces in place if they want to compete now.

Here’s a couple of players the Mariners should look at to help fill the void.

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