With the All-Star Game behind us, the focus in baseball now turns to the next big event of the season, the July 31 deadline to trade players without having to pass them through waivers. Unlike in some other sports, a lot frequently happens at the trade deadline, and any big name on a weak team can find his way into a new uniform.
Given baseball's seemingly interminable wait to resume after the All-Star break, what better time to bring out the what-if machine? Here's a look at five trades featuring National League "buyers" that make too much sense not to happen.
Trade No. 1: Pittsburgh Pirates acquire pitcher Cliff Lee from the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Alen Hanson, pitcher Luis Heredia and second baseman Dilson Herrera