Possible Trade Deadline Targets

I still continue to be confused and bewildered at how the Los Angeles Dodgers keep winning games. At some point, though, you have to acknowledge that a team has something special and believes in itself, despite not being the most talented team in the league.
 
This team continues to find ways to win, and I do think that this team is a legit playoff contender. However, beyond that, this team is not a championship team without an upgrade or two.
 
The Dodgers need to upgrade at least one of the corner infield spots, perhaps both, and even though Bobby Abreu is playing well and Juan Rivera and Tony Gwynn are solid part-time players, they could use another solid OF bat.
 
With Ted Lilly being hurt, and with Lilly, Harang and Capuano all pitching above themselves with a certainty they’ll come back to Earth, another starting pitcher would be great, as would a shortstop, just in case Dee Gordon struggles all year.

Here are some trade ideas, by position.

First/Third Base
Possible Targets: Ryan Roberts, Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez, Bryan LaHair, Brett Wallace, Chris Johnson, Brett Lowrie, Billy Butler, Justin Morneau, Ike Davis, Ty Wigginton, Pedro Alvarez, Garrett Jones, Casey McGehee, Adam Lind
 
This is obviously a comprehensive list, where some players are far more likely than others. For example, the Diamondbacks probably don’t trade Ryan Roberts within the division, Adrian Gonzalez isn’t likely on the block (though a guy can dream) and Billy Butler isn’t going anywhere.
 
Of the three, it’s possible that the Red Sox, who are sinking and have a high payroll, may try to shed some, rebuild with Lars Anderson and get a haul for Gonzalez. However, the Dodgers likely don’t have enough to get him if the Red Sox do make him available.
 
Kevin Youkilis, Bryan LaHair, Justin Morneau, Ty Wiggington and Adam Lind are the most likely. The Red Sox are trying to shed Youkilis’ salary, or at least get something back in return if they eat most of it. I personally would take on Youkilis in a situation where the Red Sox are dumping him for whatever they can get, because he can play both corner positions, but I wouldn’t give up much for him.
 
LaHair is an interesting one, because he can be got because of Anthony Rizzo. He might take a decent prospect, but LaHair looks to be a late bloomer much in the way of Jose Bautista. A fresh start might be good for a guy like Lind, if the Dodgers can get him on the cheap.
 
My preferred choices would be Ty Wigginton and Justin Morneau. I feel like Morneau can be had, and will bounce back to be his former self. He could be a fixture in the lineup for a while, and be a perfect number five hitter. Wigginton can probably be had for cheap, with the Phillies sinking. He always hits, and can play first or third.
 
Starting Pitching
Possible Targets: Joe Saunders, Josh Beckett, Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster, Derek Lowe, Jeremy Guthrie, Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, Bruce Chen, Zack Greinke, Shawn Marcum, Francisco Liriano, Bartolo Colon, Erik Bedard, A.J. Burnett, Clayton Richard, Jason Vargas, Wade Davis, Kyle Drabek, John Lannan
 
The guys I would prefer are Beckett, Garza, Dempster, Rodriguez, Greinke and Marcum. Greinke would obviously be the big prize, and if the Brewers are still floundering around the deadline, he might be had at the right price. Do the Dodgers have what it takes to get him? Same can be said for Beckett, who could be available if the Red Sox keep sinking and would be great at Dodger Stadium.
 
Garza will likely take too much to acquire, and though I like him, I don’t think he’d be worth the asking price. Same with Marcum, who has an affordable contract and isn’t nearing free agency.
 
The likely guy is Dempster, who won’t take as much since he is an expiring contract. He is pitching amazingly, he’s building a case for another contract and would be great for his last 15-18 starts at the right price, and perhaps the Dodgers re-sign him? Kershaw, Dempster, Hamels, Billingsley is a good one through four.
 
The lower tier guys that will most likely be available are Jeremy Guthrie, Francisco Liriano, Bartolo Colon, Clayton Richard, Jason Vargas and John Lannan. The Dodgers have to ask if any of these guys are an upgrade over Capuano, Lilly, Harang and Eovaldi. I wouldn’t take on most of these guys. Perhaps Colon or Vargas, but I wouldn’t give up much.
 
Outfielders
Possible Targets: Carl Crawford, Alfonso Soriano, Jeff Francoeur, Jason Bay, Coco Crisp, Yeonis Cespedes, Shane Victorino, Carlos Quentin
 
Since the team is decent and fairly deep in the outfield, they should only take on someone who is an upgrade. If the Red Sox or Cubs decide to trade big contracts, I’d be willing to take on Crawford or Soriano, especially with the way Soriano is swinging the bat. And if Billy Beane goes into sell mode, and tries to cash in for Cespedes, the Dodgers need to be first in line.
 
Quentin and Victorino would be upgrades and would be great in the lineup, for different reasons, while the others might be worth a shot.
 
Shortstops
Possible Targets: Mike Aviles, Starlin Castro
 
Dee Gordon isn’t playing great, so an upgrade at shortstop may be necessary. Starlin Castro is likely not available and will cost too much. A guy that is as solid and steady, and can play multiple positions, like Aviles, makes sense. And the Red Sox may make him available.