Hottest names to watch on trade market
by Tracy Ringolsby, Special to FOXSports.com
Teams have already begun wheeling and dealing, looking for an edge in the bid to reach the postseason. Here's what could be in store in the near future:
Who's Next?
Here are the 10 hottest names on the trade market:
SS Jack Wilson, Pittsburgh: Solid defense with occasional offense, fits perfectly with the Dodgers' needs.
LHP Brian Fuentes, Colorado: Potential free agent has Rockies willing to deal him, but he's a three-time All-Star as a closer who has dealt with tough situations without whining. If team can't get what it feels is a package worth more than the two comp picks it would receive next June for letting him go as a free agent, the Rockies won't send him packing.
OF Xavier Nady, Pittsburgh: Given a chance to play, he has shown he has a productive bat and solid defense. Can help a contender. Free agency pending, so he's not part of long-range plan with Pirates.
OF/DH Milton Bradley, Texas: Doesn't fit in long-term plan for Rangers, but he's a switch-hitting run producer that could provide a contender with a two-month lift.
RHP Greg Maddux, San Diego: He's a future Hall of Famer, so the mention of his name will cause heads to turn. Has veto power. Cubs or Cardinals could be interesting, but he's more a rubberband than a solution and he doesn't want to move off the West Coast. He battles to get through six innings and keeps the game close.
3B Adrian Beltre, Seattle: One of few Mariners other teams can project into having an impact in the lineup and on the field.
LHP Randy Wolf, San Diego: Buyer beware. Lefty has battled injuries and his 18 first-half starts equal the most he has made in four years. Limited to 43 starts combined over three previous seasons. Could mean a second-half drop off because of arm fatigue. Went into Tuesday having failed to get past the fourth inning in back-to-back starts.
OF Matt Holliday, Colorado: The fact that he figures to test free agency after next season has made his name popular in trade talks, but teams back away once the Rockies make it clear that his agreed to salary for next year fits their budget. So they aren't dealing him without a return of two players who could make the big-league team better right now, and a prospect.
LHP Erik Bedard, Seattle: He's a vivid memory of just how miserable this year has been. The Mariners would like to let him pout somewhere else. Value, however, took a jolt when he was scratched from a start his week with arm problems. He is on DL until at least July 20, which would mean two possible starts to try and rekindle interest.
OF Jason Bay, Pittsburgh: Plans to clean house and start over make the former All-Star available, but he won't come cheap.
Yours for the taking
Five players that teams would like to move to free up roster spots and payroll:
C Yorvit Torrealba, Colorado: Has $4 million guaranteed in 2009 (including buyout).
C Paul Lo Duca, Washington: Relegated to a $5 million backup.
2B Ray Durham, San Francisco: Time hasn't been kind.
OF Willy Taveras, Colorado: Speed guy with quad problems.
RHP Jon Leiber, Chicago Cubs: Doesn't have role with addition of Gaudin.
Price Is Right
Five players who can fill a role and won't be overpriced:
2B Mark Grudzielanek, Kansas City: Adqueate in field, good bat.
2B Mark Loretta, Houston: Solid in field and clubhouse.
SS Omar Vizquel, San Francisco: Moderate bat has faded but still can pick it.
2B Jamey Carroll, Cleveland: Marvelous defense, good bat, great buy.
OF Jay Payton, Baltimore: Can fill a void even if not long-term answer.
No Deal
Five players whose names have been mentioned but aren't being dealt:
3B Garrett Atkins, Colorado: Two years away from free agency.
OF Ken Griffey Jr., Cincinnati: Has veto power and Seattle isn't a fit.
2B Brian Roberts, Baltimore: If price was right, he would have been a Cub in March.
RHP A.J. Burnett, Toronto: Inconsistent, overpriced and can opt out of contract.
OF Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle: Mariners ownership won't let him go, even if team would be better off. He went into Thursday without an extra-base hit in his last 100 at-bats.

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