Besides the obvious lack of hitting production, the Padres would like to add a pitcher.  Padres CEO Jeff Moorad confirmed something Tom Krasovic of AOL FanHouse reported last week: the Padres would like to add pitching depth and would spend if the fit was right.

"I think there may be an interest on our part in acquiring another starting pitcher, remembering that our No. 1 starter (Chris Young) has been on the disabled list for virtually the entire season," Moorad said. "I'm not sure that isn't where we need perhaps a piece. But all that will become clearer as we move toward the end of July."

Moorad confirmed the Padres have money to spend.

"There's no doubt we'll spend the money if there's a piece that we think makes sense," Moorad said. "I think we need to be convinced that there are pieces that make sense, both short term as well as whatever it would cost to bring them in from a prospect standpoint."

I want to explore some possible trade candidates the Padres could go after as the break approaches to push this team into the post season.

Ben Sheets - Oakland A's

I believe Ben Sheets could be had "on the cheap" because of his contract.  Oakland would possibly take on SOME of his money and would probably not require a top-tier prospect. Sheets has not had a stellar season thus far going 3-7 with a 5.01 ERA. Currently Oakland is 37-40, 10 games back in the AL West. Ben Sheets has been a huge disappointment for Billy Bean's style of a risk/reward type strategy, by signing him to a large contract in hopes of him regaining his form (coming off an injury) and being possible trade bait or helping them (OAK) to the post season or bringing back a "haul" of prospects for a contender.  Sheets value at the moment is not what you would call demanding, he can be filthy and would provide a pitcher that could top any ace on any particular day.

Aaron Harang - Cincinnati Reds

The Reds could use some bullpen help while in contention and the San Diego native could probably be had for very cheap considering his contract and his sub-par performance the last couple years. Aaron pitches in the most hitters friendly park in Baseball and I could imagine his stats improving pitching in Petco. This year going (5-7 5.07 ERA) is not exactly what you would call inviting stats, but again in Petco I believe he could provide quality starts in a playoff run while not giving up much to get him.

Jeremy Guthrie - Baltimore Orioles

Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBtraderumors.com recently speculated a possible match of the likes of Jeremy Guthrie. Stating, "Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie isn't a potential free agent until after 2012, but he's open to playing for the Padres.

Guthrie has been competitive going (3-9  4.30 ERA) Guthrie's stats can be misleading because he has played for such a bad team without much run support. 

"Yes, I'd love to play in San Diego," Guthrie, said, before saying that he won't ask the Orioles for a trade. Guthrie says he loves Baltimore, but wouldn't mind if Padres GM Jed Hoyer traded for him. "

Livan Hernandez- Washington Nationals 

The Nationals have lost 5 in a row and will likely become sellers at the deadline however, that does not mean they would trade Livan. I believe they may offer him a contract to continue to provide a veteran presence/tutelage to their younger pitchers like Stephen Strasburg. Hernandez has been stellar this year (6-4 3.10 ERA) and would probably demand a very good prospect in return and is a free agent next year. 

Brett Myers- Houston Astros 

Brett has pitched very well, (5-5 3.20 ERA) on a very bad team that should be rebuilding. Houston could pick up his $8MM mutual option with a $2MM buyout. However, Houston could prefer to deal him for a couple mid level prospects to boost their Farm Systems weaknesses.