Nationals Rumors: B.J. Upton, Peter Bourjos, Jason Marquis

The Nationals continue to be somewhat active around the deadline even though they're not definitively selling or buying. They're floating a few of their guys on the trade market, and taking tabs on a few guys that other teams are putting out there. If they do make a major move, though, expect it to affect their center field situation.

• The Nationals have reportedly "balked" at including pitchers Ross Detwiler and Brad Peacock in any trade offers for Rays center fielder B.J. Upton, according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. I understand Washington's hesitation to deal Peacock, as the 23-year-old has posted exceptional numbers in the upper minors and was ranked as the 42nd-best prospect in the game by Baseball America three weeks ago, but the disinterest in discussing Detwiler is somewhat curious. The 25-year-old lefty has the pedigree, as a former first-round pick and top-100 prospect, but he hasn't been considered a major prospect in years and has only been pretty good in Triple-A this season.
• While that Nationals have already shown interest in Upton, Michael Bourn, Colby Rasmus and Denard Span, Bill Ladson of MLB.com added a new name to their list of targets today: the Angels' Peter Bourjos. The 24-year-old relies mostly on his speed to offer value as an elite base-runner and defensive center fielder, but he's flashed enough bat to be more than an average regular given the strength of his glove. He's been in LA's lineup for most of the season, hitting .265/.315/.388 in 320 plate appearances, but the club will be going with Mike Trout long-term in center so the Angels will likely be willing to talk.
• Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports is hearing mixed things about Washington's intentions regarding Jason Marquis this week, and the Nationals could eventually just hold onto the right-handed starter. Marquis, 33 in August, has proven that he's still a solid mid-rotation starter this year, as he offers durability, strong ground-ball rates and decent K/BB marks. He could definitely help an NL team in need of some rotation depth.