by Jon Paul Morosi

But here's the good news: While other teams remain in limbo, the Orioles should have plenty of chances to trade veterans and augment the future core of Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters.

Several teams have already inquired about left-handed hitters Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, an industry executive said Saturday.

Huff will probably be moved before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, because he's in the final year of a contract that pays him $8 million this year. (He doesn't have a no-trade provision, either.) Scott is a less obvious trade candidate, because he's not scheduled to be a free agent until after the 2012 season.

Luke Scott could be a fit for a team in left field or at DH. (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

The Reds, Giants, Tigers and Braves — each of whom would like to add power at one corner position or another — are among the teams that could match up well in trade talks with the Orioles.

Huff, 32, has been Baltimore's everyday first baseman and also could have appeal to American League teams seeking a designated hitter. With a .755 OPS, Huff is well behind last year's pace, when he batted .304 with 32 home runs and 108 RBIs.

Scott, who turns 31 next week, was the Orioles' left fielder last year but is now their primary DH. His defense in left might be a tick below average, according to a rival team official, but he fits as an everyday player there because of his power. He's hitting .314 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in 45 games.

The Braves, 4-5 since acquiring center fielder Nate McLouth, remain open to upgrading at the corner outfield positions, where Jeff Francoeur, Garret Anderson and Matt Diaz have offered little extra-base power this year.

The Tigers pursued Huff and Scott when they were playing for different teams three years ago, and either would be a good fit for Detroit's lineup now. The Tigers have had below-average production at DH and both corner outfield spots this year, and the team's scouts are already checking around for another bat.

Class AAA outfielder Wilkin Ramirez, who might be ready to make an impact in the majors next year, would be one of Detroit's best trade chips.

"The thing is, if they hold on to Ramirez for one more year, he might be the answer himself," one American League scout said. "And they may have enough to squeak through and win that division with what they have now."

Tigers officials have said they won't be able to add payroll this year, but perhaps they could find a way to squeeze Scott onto the roster. Once the trade deadline arrives, he will be due $800,000 of his $2.4 million salary.

Cards look for power

Albert Pujols isn't getting much help in the power dept. (Amy Sancetta / Getty Images)

The Cardinals have used Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick and Colby Rasmus in the cleanup spot over the past week, as they continue searching for ways to generate more offense.

No. 3 hitter Albert Pujols is as dangerous as ever, but the power numbers for key hitters Ankiel, Ludwick and catcher Yadier Molina are down relative to last year.

A lot of attention has been focused on the St. Louis infield — particularly shortstop and third base — but team officials may consider adding a bat in the outfield, too. Houston shortstop Miguel Tejada would be intriguing, but the Cardinals don't view him as a realistic option right now because Astros owner Drayton McLane is apparently reluctant to deal within the division.

In the meantime, the Cardinals can hope to continue winning games like they did on Saturday in Cleveland: Pujols homered twice, starter Brad Thompson pitched six scoreless innings and Ryan Franklin recorded his 15th save.

Briefly