I think a lot of people including myself are tired of people saying something like "Why don't we just trade Ra(y)burn, Oliver and Danny Worth for Robinson Cano?" Or we might have all seen a ridiculous idea about trading a few B- prospects for Cole Hamels. There is no reason why the Yankees or the Phillies would take these deals. Sometimes a huge blockbuster trade at the deadline will work out perfectly for your team. (Cliff Lee with Rangers) And sometimes it ends up a train wreck. (Ubaldo with the Indians)

Last year the Tigers pulled off in my opinion a perfect trade in landing Doug Fister. The Tigers should try and pull of a trade of this caliber that is low risk, but high reward. Many people think the biggest needs for the Tigers are 2B, corner outfielder, and DH. So lets take a look at someone who isn't an all-star.

I live close to St.Louis so generally I see a good amount of Cardinals games. I think that the Cardinals are one of the most talented teams in the league, proven by their +64 run differential. They possess three second basemen, and they play them all. There is Daniel Descalso who is hitting .225 with a .313 OBP and a .330 SLG in 191 AB. Tyler Greene is hitting .221 with a .282 OBP and a .368 SLG in 163 AB. Then there is Skip Schumaker who is hitting .318 with a .390 OBP and a .426 SLG in just 129 AB.

I really like Skip as a player. He's 32 years old and cheap (2 yrs/$3m) and signed through 2013. This year is not just a fluke at the plate as he is a career .291 hitter with an OBP of .349 and a .341 SLG. He isn't in the Cardinals long term plans, they really like Tyler Greene as their second basemen. I really think he would be a good guy to have in our lineup with his above average hitting and ability to get on base. He is also very versatile, he can play every outfield position. He has only made one error in 154 innings at second base this year, and is generally an above average fielder. He can also help out in the bullpen with his amazing 18K/9 strikeout ratio! But he has already accumulated a -.01 WAR in his short relief career so let's keep him at second base. He reminds me of Ben Zobrist with his versatility.

The Cardinals are deep at second base, but they are not deep in the bullpen. They have great starters and a pretty good closer in Jason Motte, but they need more depth in the middle innings. Here is were a possible trade comes in. I love Phil Coke, but I really would love an everyday second basemen. I would be worried about Skip adjusting to the American League, but he is a career .311 hitter against the AL in 234 PA. I think he would do just fine. He would definitely be an upgrade in the lineup, and maybe even defensively. I think our bullpen is in a good place and we can afford to give up Phil Coke. Maybe Darin Downs can step up as a big lefty in the bullpen, or if we got another starter, Smyly could get to the bullpen. We have Below who is also doing a terrific job. So what do you guys think? Coke for Schumaker?