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With the trade deadline now just five days away, contenders will look to put the finishing touches on their postseason roster push in the days ahead and there are still plenty of solid players on the market.

While the crop of available hitters is relatively thin, there are a handful of veteran bats that could make a difference down the stretch. What follows is a look at the top remaining bats on the market and what uniform I see them wearing come August 1.

Only players I view as having a better than a 50-50 chance of being moved were included in this article. As a result, extension candidate Chase Utley, as well as the likes of Hunter Pence, Kendrys Morales and Michael Mores were not included.

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If the Atlanta Braves want to make one of the most underrated moves of the season, general manager Frank Wren should go out and acquire Scott Downs from the Los Angeles Angels.

Atlanta has been looking for left-handed relievers to add to its bullpen recently, and Downs is one of the players the team has targeted, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN. James Russell is a lefty who would be a great fit, as I wrote a few days ago, but the Braves could potentially get Downs for cheaper and he’d be just as good.

The Braves have gone with just one left-handed reliever for the bulk of the season. Jonny Venters hasn’t been able to throw one pitch for the team this season, and Eric O’Flaherty only made it through 19 appearances before getting injured. Both are out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

That leaves Luis Avilan as the lone lefty in the bullpen. Atlanta could’ve used Alex Wood as a reliever, but now that Tim Hudson is out for the season with a broken ankle, it seems that he’s needed much more in the rotation. The Braves could call someone up from the minors, but trading for Downs would be a better idea.

Downs isn’t going to come into a game and blow the opposing hitters away, but he knows how to get the job done. In 42 appearances this season, he has a 1.24 ERA. He’s struck out 21 batters and walked 11 in 29 innings of work. Oh, and he has quite the scoreless streak going at the moment.

May 1 was the last time Downs allowed a run of any kind—meaning earned or unearned. That was nearly two months ago. He’s gone 29 consecutive appearances without allowing an opposing player to score. Over that stretch, batters are hitting .183 and have a .485 OPS against him.

The Angels are out of the playoff hunt this season and with Downs’ contract expiring after 2013, there’s really no sense in keeping him throughout the remainder of the year if they can get something worthwhile in return. It doesn’t appear that Los Angeles is very willing to move him, though, per Peter Gammons of MLB Network:

Things could certainly change in the next few days. Entering Saturday, Los Angeles was 11 games back of Oakland in the AL West. If it drops a couple more before Wednesday, maybe then the team will be more keen on accepting an offer for the 37-year-old veteran. Either that, or Atlanta should make Los Angeles a strong offer.

We’re not talking about trading a top prospect to land a guy who’s only going to face a batter or two each night. No, we’re talking about giving up a minor leaguer who’s in the lower levels of Atlanta’s system, and while he could be good someday, it’s much too early to tell. What could the Angels possibly want for Downs? Seriously.

The Braves should have a lot of options in the coming days in terms of potential acquisitions, but if they want to get someone on whom manager Fredi Gonzalez can rely day in and day out, it should be Downs. Wren will find a way to work out a deal with the reluctant fourth-place Angels.

All statistics in this article were obtained via FanGraphs unless otherwise noted and are current through July 26. All contract information was obtained via Cot’s Contracts and all injury information was obtained via Baseball Prospectus.

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Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington is currently in the midst of a search for a starting pitcher who can replace Clay Buchholz in the franchise’s rotation.

Peter Gammons of MLB Network reports a few players the Red Sox are scouting:

Buchholz started the season on fire and was up there was some of the best in the league. The right-hander was 9-0 through 12 starts and had allowed just 16 earned runs in 84.1 innings of work (1.71 ERA). He also racked up 81 strikeouts while walking 29 batters on the year. But he hasn’t pitched since June 8.

Buchholz has been experiencing pain when he’s tried to throw lately, and while he’s been the recipient of good news from Dr. James Andrews, there’s still no clear indication as to when he’ll be pitching again for Boston, according to Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. The righty is targeting late August or early September.

The Red Sox have the sixth-best rotation in baseball at the moment in terms of WAR, according to FanGraphs. Boston has been using internal replacements to pitch in Buchholz’s place since he last took the mound more than a month ago. Right now, Brandon Workman is the team’s No. 5 starter.

While Workman has been great in his lone two starts, Boston really needs to land someone from outside the organization. Based on the players Gammons listed as potential targets, here are the top three external replacements for Buchholz.

3. Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers

The Red Sox would be smart to stay away from Gallardo in the next few days. While he’s been good in the past, he’s struggled to get into a groove this season. Through 22 starts, the right-hander is 8-9 with a 4.88 ERA. He’s averaging 7.28 strikeouts and 3.49 walks per nine innings.

Jayson Stark of ESPN recently discussed Gallardo, and the scribe pointed out why he’s probably not worth taking a chance on:

Gallardo’s velocity is down about 2 mph. His strikeout rate (7.2 per 9 IP) and WHIP (1.42) are at career-worst levels. And three scouts who have seen him recently all describe him as just a No. 4 or 5 starter.

Two years ago, said one scout, he was “close to an ace. [But] lots of pitches on that arm from then to now. He can really pitch, but his stuff [has gone] way back.”

Well, that doesn’t sound very good at all. The last thing the Red Sox need right now is someone who’s only going to pitch in the back of the rotation. Buchholz was the team’s best starting pitching this season, and the team is looking to add someone comparable to what he’s capable. Gallardo doesn’t fit that mold right now.

If Boston is going to make a deal for a starting pitcher, it’s advised to land someone who has more experience against the teams on the bulk of the remaining schedule. Gallardo only has two career starts against teams in the AL East, and one of them was against the Red Sox.

For those keeping track at home, cross Gallardo off the list.

2. Bud Norris, Houston Astros

Norris is an intriguing option.

The right-hander has spent his entire career with the Astros but has made the most of his time there. Through 21 starts this season, Norris is 6-9 with a 3.93 ERA. He isn’t a huge strikeout pitcher (6.43 K/9) but doesn’t walk a ton of opposing batters either (3.07 BB/9). Opponents are hitting .273 off him this year, which isn’t great.

But the point is that Norris has survived pitching in Houston for this long, and the guy has quite a bit of value. If he didn’t, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wouldn’t have reported that he’s drawing considerable interest. Players who aren’t worth anything don’t draw interest. He could make a big difference down the stretch.

Norris made what might be his last start at Minute Made Park on Wednesday night against Oakland, and the starter told Angel Verdejo Jr. of the Houston Chronicle about his emotions after receiving quite the ovation from the fans:

They’ve been great all along. I have played here four years, and they’ve always had my back since day one. I really, really appreciate when you get that support from the people in the city.

It’s really exciting. I thank them for everything. Whatever my future holds, it holds for me. But my focus is still here.

While Norris might be a better option than the likes of Edinson Volquez or Gallardo, he still isn’t exactly what the Red Sox need. Boston needs someone who can pitch atop the rotation. If Norris gets traded to the Red Sox, he’ll likely be a middle-of-the-rotation guy. He’d help Boston’s playoff odds but not by much.

1. Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox

If the Phillies don’t make Cliff Lee available before the trade deadline, Jake Peavy needs to be Boston’s No. 1 priority. While the righty has spent some time on the disabled list this season, there’s no question that he’s the best starter on the market. If the Red Sox are going to get anyone, it needs to be Peavy.

Through 13 starts this season, the veteran is 8-4 with a 4.28 ERA. In 80 innings of work, Peavy has 76 strikeouts and 17 walks. While he isn’t the ace he used to be—winning the NL Cy Young back in 2007—he still has ace qualities. There’s no question he’d be the No. 1 guy in Boston’s starting rotation.

Peavy is under contract through next season, and the White Sox aren’t sure what they want to do with him yet, according to Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider subscription required). Olney reports that the price tag is going to be very high if a team wants to land him in the next few days.

But of the starters out there who Boston could land, Peavy is the only one who would be worthy paying a lot for. The Red Sox have plenty of good prospects who could interest the White Sox, and Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports that Boston could send Will Middlebrooks Chicago’s way.

In reality, Cherington should be thinking Peavy or nothing.

All statistics used in this article were obtained via FanGraphs unless otherwise noted and are current through July 26. All contact information was obtained via Cot’s Contracts and all injury information was obtained via Baseball Prospectus.

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The Cincinnati Reds are in a position to buy at the MLB trade deadline. The July 31 deadline is rapidly approaching, and although the Reds are not in need of any major changes, one name is continuously tossed around by fans looking for a big shake-up.

That player is Miami Marlins outfielder, Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton is a feared hitter capable of putting up gaudy home run and RBI totals. Beyond Stanton’s incredible talent, though, is the fact that he’s just 23 years old and under team control through 2016.

Hitting fourth in a lineup like the one Cincinnati possesses would set Stanton up to be one of the most valuable players in all of baseball, but is he really a possibility in Cincinnati?

The Fit

We’ll start with how well Stanton actually fits in with the Reds’ current roster.

Stanton is a right fielder. In fact, he’s played just one game away from the position in his big league career. Therefore, acquiring him would require the Reds to shift him to a new, unfamiliar position.

While there’s little doubt in my mind that Stanton could adjust to left field, it is a concern given the outfield depth the Reds already possess. Stanton would have to slot in to left field for the time being, or at least until Ryan Ludwick returns from the DL.

If and when that time does come, the Reds would have to bench Ludwick in favor of Stanton. Although this is an easy decision from a production standpoint, it’s a difficult financial bullet to bite.

The Reds have never been the type of team to dole out big contracts to non-essential players, but they did this past offseason when they signed Ludwick to a two-year, $15 million contract ($7.5 million of which is owed to him next season).

Ludwick would be relegated to a bench role for the rest of the 2013 season, creating a grossly overpaid backup outfielder. This now brings us to next season. 

Shin-Soo Choo will likely move on to another team, creating a void in center field. Ludwick will still slot in at left field, leaving Stanton and Bruce to fight over center field and right field. 

Bruce is the most likely candidate for a position change given his experience in center—205 minor league and 35 major league games at the position. But are the Reds comfortable doing that? Possibly.

The Trade Package

Fitting Stanton into the order isn’t really the big issue here. The trickiest part of any deal for the young slugger would be assembling a trade package that could actually bring him to Cincinnati.

The problem for the Reds in this scenario is that they may not have enough high level prospects to nab Stanton.

Consider the Reds’ top 10 prospects, their rankings within the system, their positions and their current/future 2-8 overall scouting grades (per cincinnatireds.com). 

Players with a future grade of six rank above average, while those with a grade of four or five are considered below average and average, respectively.

The Reds have several prospects with high floors and high ceilings—e.g. Hamilton, Stephenson, Corcino and Travieso. They also have mid-level prospects like Wright and Winker who could be everyday contributors on a big league team.

Factor in newcomers like Ervin and Lorenzen, and the Reds have an intriguing mix of prospects.

The problem here though is that, outside of Stephenson and Hamilton, none of these prospects have star potential. Hamilton himself is no guarantee, and although he’s shown signs of life over his last 20 games at Triple-A, one has to worry about his disappointing showing this season.

Corcino is in the midst of a wildly disappointing season, and his trade value has never been lower. As for Stephenson, he’s enjoyed a superb season with both Low-A Dayton and High-A Bakersfield. 

Travieso is only 19 years old and has yet to progress beyond Low-A ball. That’s no knock on his ability, but the Marlins would be looking for players who could contribute at the big league level in 2014 or 2015, at the latest.

As far as prospects are concerned, the beginning point of any deal for Stanton would have to be Stephenson and Hamilton. If Hamilton is able to get on base at a .350+ clip at the major league level, he’ll be a star in this game. On the flip side, if he were to continue upon his current path—.307 OBP at Triple-A—he’d be no better than a Dee Gordon-type player.

Stephenson’s upside projects to a one or two starter, and he could be a valuable asset for the Marlins. Beyond that though, unless the Marlins see potential in Corcino, there aren’t any big-name prospects who could solidify this deal.

Enter Aroldis Chapman. The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Erardi tossed around the idea of trading Chapman and even pondered as to whether or not the Marlins would be interested in him.

The Marlins could very well be interested in Chapman, but they already have a very talented closer in Steve Cishek. For that reason, the team’s interest in Chapman could hinge on his willingness to transition into a starting role.

The Reds tried to convert Chapman last offseason, but the resurgence of Mike Leake, coupled with Chapman’s desire to remain a closer, led them to return Chapman to the back of the bullpen.

Perhaps more importantly than Chapman’s willingness to start, however, is the Reds’ willingness to trade him.

If Chapman goes, then the Reds need to decide on a new closer. Generally, this wouldn’t be an issue, as Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton could step in to fill that void. However, neither of the two are healthy at this juncture, and J.J. Hoover has yet to prove that he can limit his walks in clutch situations—4.0 BB/9 this year.

Some final food for thought here: Consider another trade the Marlins made back in 2007. When the Tigers decided to cash in on the potential of Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Marlins received a major haul of prospects.

Now, while that prospect haul amounted to what can now be looked at as a whole lot of nothing, consider what the Marlins thought they were getting at the time (prospects obtained via ESPN.com).

• CF, Cameron Maybin (Baseball America‘s No. 6 prospect pre-2007)
• SP, Andrew Miller (Baseball America‘s No. 10 prospect pre-2007)
• P, Eulogio De La Cruz (Tigers’ No. 6 prospect pre-2007, per-Baseball America)
• P, Dallas Trahern (Tigers’ No. 8 prospect pre-2007, per Baseball America)
• SP, Burke Bradenhop (N/A)
• C, Mike Rabelo (N/A)

To sum up the prospect haul, the Marlins received two top-10 prospects from Baseball-America’s Top 100, two prospects within the organization’s top 10 and two additional prospects.

A comparable package from the Reds—including Chapman—would look something like this.

• RP, Aroldis Chapman
• CF, Billy Hamilton (MLB.com‘s No. 19 prospect mid-2013)
• SP, Robert Stephenson (MLB.com‘s No. 20 prospect mid-2013)
• SP, Sal Romano (Reds’ No. 10 prospect mid-2013, per Cincinnatireds.com)

Props to my fellow Featured Columnist Kyle Newport for suggesting this comparison.

Conclusion

A package including Chapman, Hamilton, Stephenson, Romano and Soto would be a great starting point for Stanton. However, there’s no telling how much it will take given the stance Marlins GM Jeff Loria has taken on trading Stanton.

According to New York Post blogger Joel Sherman’s Twitter, the Pirates and Rangers have repeatedly been turned away by Loria and say Loria has little, if any, interest in moving the young slugger.

The Reds could use a power bat to put them over the top. While Stanton would do just that, it doesn’t seem like there’s any way for the Reds to pry him away from Miami without completely raiding the farm system and the back end of their bullpen.

Even then, it still may not be enough to land the biggest fish in Miami.

All stats come courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted and are current through play on July 25.

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MLB contenders must seize opportunities to add impact players prior to the 2013 non-waiver trade deadline. They face ultimatums as July winds down: Complete blockbuster deals to address glaring weaknesses, or risk having those weaknesses exploited down the stretch.

Five teams in particular feel the urgency to find solutions for specific needs. Of course, their challenge is fending off the other dozen or so clubs that feel postseason competition is still a possibility.

All of the veteran targets included in this article—such as Jake Peavy, Alex Rios and Ervin Santana—are ones who could realistically be moved.

We’ll spend the next few slides imagining what prospects/controllable players the league’s top teams would be willing to sacrifice in an effort to bolster their rosters now.

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The July 31 MLB trade deadline is just over a week away, and the Cincinnati Reds are not likely to make any drastic moves despite some intriguing names being linked to the team.

Cincinnati is in great position to return to the postseason, so there aren’t many areas that need to be addressed. 

The Reds are in an unusual position. They are likely to get starting left fielder Ryan Ludwick back shortly after the deadline, so that addition will take care of one need. 

Shortstop is one area fans want addressed, but third base has had similar struggles. Both Zack Cozart and Todd Frazier are in the middle of their sophomore seasons, so there is still room for them to grow.

The bullpen has turned it up lately, and Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton will hopefully return from injuries soon. 

Injuries have impacted potential targets like reliever Jesse Crain of the Chicago White Sox.

Cincinnati has the ability to be patient at the deadline and not make any huge moves. Let’s check out what players have been linked to the Reds and whether the Reds are really going to be active in pursuing those players.

Michael Young, IF, Philadelphia Phillies

2013 stats: .286/.347/.417, 7 HR, 18 2B, 3 3B, 31 RBI, 53 K/32 BB

The biggest name linked to the Reds has been Philadelphia’s Michael Young. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that the Reds are interested in the veteran.

Cincinnati has struggled on offense at shortstop and at third base. Young can play anywhere in the infield, so he could play either if the Reds brought him in. He’d likely get more time at shortstop, but he could play some third base as well.

Another area the team needs help in is the second spot in the lineup. The team is No. 22 in the league with a .242 average out of the 2-hole. Upgrading that spot could put this team over the top.

Young has gotten the majority of his at-bats in his career batting second and has a .308 average with a .357 OBP, courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. A tandem of Shin-Soo Choo and Young at the top of the order would be a nice mix of average and power in front of Joey Votto.

Young has a Gold Glove to his name, and he went to two World Series with the Texas Rangers. Experience can only help a team that is hoping for a deep playoff run.

Cozart and Frazier have had disappointing seasons, so the Reds are exploring other options. Unfortunately for the team, other teams need Young more and have more to offer.

George A. King III of the New York Post reported that both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are interested in the infielder. The Red Sox are looking to maintain a playoff spot, and the Yankees may make a move out of desperation to try to get into the playoffs. Injuries have forced New York to play without three of its four starting infielders for the majority of the season.

Young would be a great addition to Cincinnati’s roster. The 36-year-old is in the final year of his contract, so it would be another deal to try to win this season. However, the Reds aren’t as desperate as other contenders and can’t give the Phillies the best package.

Fact or Fiction: Fiction

Glen Perkins, CP, Minnesota Twins

2013 stats: 37 G, 1-0, 1.72 ERA, 23 saves, 36.2 IP, 49 K/7 BB

This rumor is easy to turn down for a few reasons. ESPN.com‘s (Insider access required) Jim Bowden reported that the Reds are one of a few teams that have inquired about Glen Perkins, but the Twins have turned away every team. 

The Twins have rejected every interested team, but the Reds don’t have much of a need for the closer. The team already has three closers under contract, so adding another one would be unnecessary.

Cincinnati’s bullpen struggled early in the season, especially when Marshall and Broxton went down with injuries, but the relievers have been great as of late. Four relievers have yet to allow a run in July, and no reliever has allowed more than two runs all month.

Aroldis Chapman and Alfredo Simon are the only relievers who have allowed more than one run this month. Perkins has yet to allow a run this month.

Manny Parra‘s resurgence has helped the Reds. He is arguably the hottest reliever the team has, which is important as he is the only southpaw in the bullpen outside of Chapman. Had Parra continued to struggle, the Reds may have made an aggressive run at a left-handed reliever like Perkins at the deadline.

Minnesota isn’t interested in trading its closer. The Twins have a pitcher who can throw strikes and keep the opponents off the scoreboard. Cincinnati is getting good pitching from its relievers, so don’t expect a high-profile acquisition like Perkins.

Fact or fiction: Fiction

Conclusion

The Reds don’t have a lot of money available for a high-profile player. They don’t have the prospects to bring back a star, so any move made is likely to be minor.

A rental player could be in the team’s plans, but there aren’t many options that would be realistic. 

Cincinnati’s bullpen has pulled it together recently, so the team doesn’t need to make a drastic move for bullpen help. 

While fans don’t want to wait for injured players to return, the Reds are poised to get several key players back in August. The bullpen will get Marshall and Broxton back, and Johnny Cueto should return to the rotation. On offense, Ludwick is ready for a rehab assignment and will rejoin the team barring any setbacks.

Getting an ace, two setup men and a power-hitting—who is also right-handed—left fielder back from the disabled list will act as trades. 

The Reds are currently on an 11-game West Coast trip, so they will know how aggressive they must be when the trip wraps up.

Already in great position for the playoffs, the Reds don’t need a big move. A passive approach will pay off for the team as October approaches.

*All stats are courtesy of MLB.com, unless otherwise noted, entering play on 7/23/2013. 

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The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline is approaching, and the Oakland A’s are in a position similar to where they were at this time last year.  Back then, the A’s were just in the playoff hunt, but this year, they find themselves as division leaders at the deadline.

Last year, Oakland’s general manager Billy Beane opted to acquire talent rather than deal talent at the deadline, and the A’s went out and acquired shortstop Stephen Drew.  The A’s could use help in the middle infield again.  

Adam Rosales, Eric Sogard and Grant Green have been unimpressive in their attempts to deliver at second base.  Green is still looking for his first MLB hit.

With that in mind, the A’s could target a veteran like Chase Utley.  Now that the Texas Rangers have acquired Matt Garza from the Cubs, the A’s could feel hard-pressed to also acquire a big-name player before the deadline.

That would be one option for the A’s to consider.  Another option would be to be patient with Green as he adjusts to the MLB talent level.  After all, Utley is in a contract year, just like Drew was when Oakland acquired him last year.  Drew left in free agency after just a few months in Oakland.  Utley is making $15 million (according to Spotrac) this year, so re-signing him would be no easy task for the small-market A’s.

Oakland’s most dire position right now is second base.  If the A’s feel the need for a pitcher, they should look no further than Triple-A, where Sonny Gray is waiting.  More pitching help will also arrive when Brett Anderson returns from the DL.

The same can be said for Oakland’s under-performing outfield.  If the A’s want help in the outfield, Michael Taylor is in Triple-A with Gray.  

The A’s have had a revolving door at second base for over a year, with names like Jemile Weeks, Cliff Pennington, Rosales, Sogard and Green trying to secure the job.  Utley is not living up to his $15 million contract, as he is hitting .279 with 13 homers and 36 RBI.  Still, those numbers do look much better than anything Oakland has had at second base in a long time.

Utley would have a quicker stint in Oakland than Matt Holiday, but he could be the missing piece that helps catapult the A’s from being division champions to World Series champions.  

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With the Cubs trade of Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers on Monday, the player viewed by many as the prize of the 2013 trade deadline has been moved, and that could have a domino effect on the rest of the market.

For teams looking to add an impact arm, there is no real home run option left, and the best available starter now looks to be White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy.

It’s safe to assume that the Garza deal has increased the number of suitors for Peavy, and at the same time has likely boosted the cost to acquire him, but just what will it take to land the 32–year-old?

After battling injuries for three seasons and making just 52 total starts from 2009-2011, Peavy finally managed to stay healthy last year. The result was an 11-12 record with a 3.37 ERA and 1.096 WHIP over 32 starts as he made his third career All-Star appearance.

The White Sox bought out their $22 million team option on Peavy in 2013 for $4 million in the offseason, but quickly re-signed him to more reasonable two-year, $29 million deal.

He hasn’t been quite as good as last season, and he has missed some time due to injury, but his numbers are solid nonetheless. In 12 starts, he’s 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.164 WHIP, striking out 69 in 73 innings of work.

Looking back to last year’s deadline, the top arm on the market was undeniably Brewers Zack Greinke, who wound up going to the Angels for a package that included 2013 All-Star Jean Segura. By comparison, the Cubs got a terrific package of prospects for Garza with some All-Star caliber talent as well.

The No. 2 arm on the market ended up being Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez, who was terrific after being dealt to Detroit, but had strikingly similar numbers to Peavy prior to being moved.

In 17 starts with the Marlins, the then 28-year-old Sanchez was 5-7 with a 3.94 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.256 WHIP, striking out 110 in 121 innings.

The Marlins included second baseman Omar Infante in the deal, and in return received the Tigers’ No. 1 prospect and No. 22 MLB prospect (RHP Jacob Turner), Tigers’ No. 7 prospect (C Rob Brantly) and Tigers’ No. 24 prospect (SP Brian Flynn).

Sanchez was younger at the time of the trade, and came along with a starting second baseman, but Peavy has the added value of being signed through next season. If the White Sox were willing to take on a small portion of that $14.5 million he is owed next season, they may be able to land a deal similar to what the Marlins got for Sanchez.

Guys like Ervin Santana, Yovani Gallardo, Tim Lincecum, Bud Norris, Phil Hughes and Joe Saunders have all found their names in trade rumors so far this July.

However, as far as a reliable veteran arm who is all but a sure thing to be dealt, Peavy looks like the best option on the market right now. With Garza moved, he could be the next trade chip to fall, and his trade value from the White Sox standpoint may never be higher than it is right now.

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The MLB trade deadline is just eight days away, yet many teams are still undecided about being buyers or sellers.

Since five teams in both the American and National League make the playoffs, even some teams that are hovering around .500 believe they still have a shot at playing in October.

Here are a few teams on the cusp of contention who may be in line to make a big move or two before the July 31 deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are seven games back in both the National League East and Wild Card standings, yet they look like they’ll be buyers in the next week.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com last Sunday that he was “going to try to improve the club somehow.”

Amaro went on to add that he doesn’t think much of the available options right now, but that the team is interested in adding another outfielder and some bullpen help.

On the bullpen front, Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News reported that the Phillies had some interest in Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees.

When Ben Revere broke his foot on July 13, adding an outfielder became a big need for Philadelphia.

While there haven’t been any reported connections to any of the available outfielders, you can bet that Amaro is working the phones in attempting to find an outfielder to replace Revere.

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are just a 0.5 games out of first place in the National League West, but with the Dodgers coming on strong of late, it’s looking more and more like Arizona will have to win a Wild Card spot in order to make the playoffs.

They’re aiming to improve the team in order to do just that, and have been connected to a number of players in the past few weeks.

The Diamondbacks have suffered through a number of injuries to their pitching staff and could be looking to trade for a reliable starter to pick up the slack.

Jason A. Churchill of ESPN.com speculates that the team could make a play for Bud Norris of the Houston Astros.

Buster Olney of ESPN also reports that the Diamondbacks are one of the teams that are discussing a possible move for Jake Peavy.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians have the best record of these three teams, but they still have a tough road to the playoffs in a very competitive American League playoff race this season.

They’re just 2.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central, and according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, have had discussions about adding starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo.

Gallardo would give the team a No. 2 starter to slot behind their ace Justin Masterson.

Heyman also mentions that the Indians are aiming high and are only looking at the best starting pitchers on the market, but they are certainly entertaining other options as well.

Don’t be surprised if you see the Indians connected to other pitchers like Peavy and Norris in the coming days.

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Part two of the 2013 MLB season premiered last night, and while the season is already 60 percent complete, there is still two-thirds of the league vying for 10 playoff spots. 

In the American League, the East is stacked with talent, pitting four teams within seven games of each other. The Central and West Divisions are largely two team races at the moment, but a key deadline move or winning streak could bring teams like the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels back to life.

The National League features a rejuvenated Central Division where three teams—the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds—stand just five games apart. The Atlanta Braves are in control of the East while the West Division is completely up for grabs, as the top four teams are separated by just five-and-a-half games.

The following 10 teams were deemed fringe playoff teams or teams that have underachieved despite high preseason expectations. Each may make a move (or more) at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline that could be the missing piece to kick the squad into high gear.

The creative fixes are current knowledge-based rumors, my own personal opinions or a combination of the two.  

Rumor information is courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors, and stats and contract information are courtesy of Team Rankings and Spotrac, respectively, unless noted otherwise. 

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