What do I need to push for the top spot?

[HYLRedSox]

I've made some moves recently because after a strong start, I haven't been able to seperate myself from the pack, sitting in 5th, 11 and a half points out of first. I feel like my pitching staff is finally championship worthy, and the numbers have begun to show that. My offense, however, I think needs some work. I found some gems on the WW, a la Rivera, Thames, hopefully Kendrick if he is able to start soon. Here is my roster. 8 team, AL-Only, 6X6 roto (BB+Hlds):

C Jav. López (Bal - C)
1B C. Shelton (Det - 1B)
2B L. Castillo (Min - 2B)
3B T. Glaus (Tor - 3B,SS)
SS J. Lugo (TB - SS)
LF M. Ramírez (Bos - LF)
CF G. Sizemore (Cle - CF)
RF M. Thames (Det - LF,RF)
OF R. Ibañez (Sea - LF)
Util J. Rivera (LAA - LF,CF,RF)
BN H. Kendrick (LAA - 2B)
BN P. Polanco (Det - 2B,3B)

SP C. Schilling (Bos - SP,RP)
SP J. Lackey (LAA - SP)
RP F. Rodney (Det - RP)
RP J. Rincón (Min - RP)
P Jer. Weaver (LAA - SP)
P E. Bedard (Bal - SP)
P J. Beckett (Bos - SP)
BN Cl. Lee (Cle - SP)
BN F. García (CWS - SP)
BN B. Zito (Oak - SP)

I realize I have no closers. I gave up trying to get some. I had a bunch of guys who lost their jobs, and haven't been able to deal for a top tier guy. At this point, I'm so far behind that I've punted. I have Rodney and Rincon for the good ratios and they keep me afloat in the holds category. I really believe in my starting pitching to compete with the best.
My offense is another story. So I've had a crazy idea I've been throwing around. I was toying with the idea of trading Manny. I wouldn't need an LF in return since I could put Rivera/Ibanez there. I was thinking I could get improve offensively at several positions: 1B, C, etc. Is it a viable option, or am I just crazy?

So, first of all, hows the team look after the deals? Later I'll post the first place team and perhaps how my team looked before the trades.
Second, is trading Manny a viable option? Or am I out of my mind?

Thanks for reading until the end. Any thoughtful, insightful responses will be graciously returned with a thoughtful, insightful response. Thanks!

[HYLRedSox]

I see no responses yet, so I figured I'd bump with some more useful information. I forgot to mention that this is a keeper league, so I am not only looking to compete this year, but to land a solid base for next year, also.
Here is what my team looked like a week ago. Let me know what you think of the changes and if I made any improvement:

C Jav. López (Bal - C)
1B C. Shelton (Det - 1B)
2B B. Roberts (Bal - 2B)
3B A. Huff (Hou - 1B,3B,RF)
SS J. Lugo (TB - SS)
LF M. Ramírez (Bos - LF)
CF C. Granderson (Det - LF,CF)
RF M. Thames (Det - LF,RF)
OF R. Ibañez (Sea - LF)
Util Y. Betancourt (Sea - 2B,SS)
BN K. Mench (Tex - LF,RF)
BN Er. Chávez (Oak - 3B)

SP C. Schilling (Bos - SP,RP)
SP J. Lackey (LAA - SP)
RP F. Rodney (Det - RP)
RP J. Rincón (Min - RP)
P E. Bedard (Bal - SP)
P F. Hernández (Sea - SP)
P Jer. Weaver (LAA - SP)
BN J. Blanton (Oak - SP)
BN Cl. Lee (Cle - SP)

[joselnceldran]

Hard to say i like your team actually maybe C position needs help but aside from that i dont see any glaring holes that you havent already mentioned (RP spot)

help:
http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/foru ... p?t=229038

[HYLRedSox]

Anyone have anything?
I've told my league that Manny is on the trade block. I've gotten some offers, but nothing worth pulling the trigger for. Anything about whether I should even bother trying to deal Manny? Anybody see where I could improve before the deadline? Am I able to compete with the first place team?
Let me know!
Thanks!

[joselnceldran]

aside from C position 1B needs help too...
manny is usually a 2nd half player but if there are great offers i wouldnt be affraid to pull the trigger.


help:
http://www.fantasybaseballcafe.com/foru ... p?t=229467