AA almost certainly has to make a trade unless he plans on sending everyone with options down which will include players like Kawasaki (obvious), Redmond (obvious), Wagner, Loup and Happ. As bad as this s***** season has been, AA does have quite a few solid pieces to work with. If he can pull off a couple solid trades that would be nice.
Lets not forget others like Drabek (already optioned), Hutch and Perez who will all likely be a part of the mix next season along with players like Stroman, Nolin and Gose.
AA has his work to do.