Five trades to boost contenders 

January, 31, 2012
1/31/12
1:01
PM ET
By Jim Bowden | ESPN.com

This offseason we've witnessed some massive, industry-shaking signings and blockbuster trades. But even the teams that made major moves still have some problems. With that in mind, here are five deals that would go a long way toward boosting the chances of a number of contenders. In some cases, both clubs have World Series aspirations and could benefit by trading from depth.

1. Arizona Diamondbacks trade LF Gerardo Parra to the Detroit Tigers for OF Andy Dirks, UT Don Kelly and LHP Andy Oliver


After signing free agent Prince Fielder and announcing that Miguel Cabrera will move back to third base, the Tigers have basically admitted that their corner-infield defense will take a step back in 2012 and beyond. To compensate, the Tigers should look to upgrade their defense elsewhere. Left fielder Delmon Young does not come in on the ball well and is an overall poor defender.

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Jim Bowden
Jim Bowden

Bowden, who served as the senior vice president and GM for the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals, is an analyst for ESPN.com. In 1992, Bowden became the youngest GM in MLB history when the Reds hired him at age 31. The Reds finished in first place twice during his 10 years as GM, and he was named MLB Executive of the Year by Baseball America in 1999. After working for ESPN in 2004, Bowden became the first GM of the Washington Nationals when the franchise relocated from Montreal to Washington, D.C., in 2005, working in that role until the 2009 season. Bowden co-hosts the "Inside Pitch" radio show on Sirius XM satellite radio. Follow on Twitter: @JimBowdenESPNxm.

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