As we steadily approach the July 31 deadline I figured why not take a deeper look into where we stand at the moment.  Here are a few players that could potentially be on the trading block, along with some possible destinations.  As you can imagine it's impossible sometimes to forecast these deals, but I hope you have some fun with these.

OF Matt Holliday, Athletics
Matt Holliday is considered by many to be the best available bat on the market; however, it's expected that Oakland GM Billy Beane is going to seek at least two high level prospects for Holliday. I'm not sure if anybody is willing to give up that many prospects for Holliday, but I'm going to say if the price doesn't come down, Holliday will probably be staying in Oakland.

Potential suitors: San Francisco Giants, New York Mets.


RHP Brad Penny, Red Sox
A few weeks ago it appeared Brad Penny was going to be the best pitcher on the market--my how things can change. With the injury to Daiskue Matsuzaka, and the still "somewhat" uncertainty of what John Smoltz will bring, Penny at this point seems more like a valuable insurance policy for the Red Sox.  Barring the Red Sox getting blown away with an offer, I don't expect Penny to be going anywhere.

Potential suitors: Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets


LHP Erik Bedard, Mariners
Boy I bet the Mariners would love to have Adam Jones back at this point. Bedard is a tricky situation, if he doesn't return from the DL before the all-star, he's going nowhere. However, if he can return before the deadline and pitch effective there is a shot he'll move.

Potential suitors: Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers


LHP Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Washburn is much more likely to move than his teammate Erik Bedard. The problem with both pitchers is that it's still unclear if the Mariners are going to be sellers. They are desperately trying to acquire young talent, but at the same time the weak AL West has left them in contention. They may wait until the wee hours to decide what they are going to do. If they decide to sell Washburn should have some good value. He's a veteran pitcher who has pitched in plenty of big games. We'll just have to wait and see, but I say if the Mariners proclaim themselves sellers, than Washburn goes.

Potential suitors: Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers


OF Jermaine Dye, White Sox
The White Sox are really tricky at this point. We have no idea what GM Kenny Williams is going to do, but rest assured if he thinks he can catch the Tigers, he's going to play to win. At some point between now and the July 31 deadline if Williams thinks their out, he try to re-tool his roster. I think Dye will be the first to go in that case. There are several teams looking to add a big bat, and being that Dye is 35, the White Sox can't demand a "Matt Holliday" type package.

Potential suitors: San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets


LHP Cliff Lee, Indians
This one should be real simple. If GM Mark Shapiro gets a top level prospect (i.e. Clay Buchholz, Tommy Hanson) caliber he'll move Lee, if not he won't. The Indians have Lee signed for a very reasonable contract, $5.75 million in 2009 with a club option in 2010 for $8 million (or a $1 million buyout), so there is no need for desperation.

Potential suitors: Philadelphia, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, (Boston Red Sox?)


OF Adam Dunn, Nationals
Adam Dunn is starting to become a regular July 31 candidate. Dunn has tremendous power, and players like him will always have a market. As far as Dunn's availability, it's about the same as your neighbor's yard sale---everything is available and probably cheap.

Potential suitors: San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets


1B Nick Johnson, Nationals
In case you didn't get enough from the yard sale, feel free to take a look at Nick Johnson because he's out there as well. Johnson is a solid hitter, even though he has struggled as of late. He's very good defensively and could provide a nice addition for either the Mets or Red Sox. I think Johnson is very likely to move.

Potential suitors: New York Mets, San Francisco, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox


DH Aubrey Huff, Orioles
A free agent at the end of the year, Huff retains just enough power to make things interesting in the late innings of a close game. He's pretty much limited to first base or designated hitter. The Orioles are definitely looking to sell.

Potential suitors: Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers


RHP Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks
Qualls could be a nice addition for a team looking to get some "patch up" bullpen help down the stretch. Qualls is not going to be the dominant closer or set-up man, but he certainly could provide some quality 7^th inning help. The D-Backs are definitely going to listen to offers for Qualls. My guess is someone will give them what their looking for.

Potential suitors: Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers


LHP George Sherrill, Orioles
Sherrill is a pretty good chip for a team still focused on 2010 and beyond. As we have stated the Orioles are going to be moving pieces and Sherrill is right at the top of the list. I expect him to definitely move, and from what I've heard the Marlins may be the ideal landing spot.

Potential suitors: Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees