MLB trade rumor roundup: 3 days to go

With just three days before the Trade Deadline*, we're finally starting to see the dam of rumors break into a torrent of activity -- winning teams looking for one last piece, losing teams looking to capitalize on a seller's market, and those in-betweeners getting ever-closer to deciding to which side of the buy-sell river they belong.

*Don't forget, the deadline is technically the Non-waiver Trade Deadline, which ends at 4:00 PM ET on July 31.

Trades can still happen up until August 31, aka The Waiver Trade Deadline. That's a little more involved, but quickly, it means a team can place a player on waivers, after which any team can claim him during a 48-hour window. If claimed, the two teams can work out a trade or the claiming team can just take on all of the player's salary if the losing team chooses. If no team claims the player, his team is free to trade him at will. We'll get back to this after the deadline.

Either way, the clock is ticking. Here's what you need to know:

• Jake Peavy rumors: Athletics, Red Sox, Cardinals, Orioles remain in the mix - Four teams remain in the mix for the White Sox' starter.

• Angels trade rumors: Team looking to sell Downs, Aybar, Kendrick - The Angels are throwing in the white flag on the season and are looking to sell.

• Yankees acquire Alfonso Soriano from Cubs - Corey Black is the prospect headed to the Cubs.

• Phillies agree to sign Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez - The Cuban righty is headed to Philadelphia, and may join the big league club by the end of the season.

• Brian Wilson draws large scouting presence at audition - The Beard is back, baby!

• Phillies trade rumors: Players available, but not Cliff Lee - The Phillies are finally showing a willingness to sell at the trade deadline.

• Cubs trade rumors: "Strong preference" is extension for Samardzija - Although the Cubs are listening to offers on Samardzija, their preference would be to sign him to a long-term extension.

• Royals trade rumors: Luke Hochevar more likely to be dealt than Ervin Santana - The Red Sox and Royals are scouting each other, setting up a potential deadline deal.

• Rangers trade rumors: Texas might trade Joe Nathan - The All-Star would instantly become the premier reliever on the trade market.

• Red Sox trade rumors: Serious interest in Matt Lindstrom, "kicking the tires" on Jake Peavy - Boston seems more focused on Lindstrom than Peavy, who they are just "kicking the tires" on at this point.

• Orioles trade rumors: Baltimore interested in Michael Young, Justin Morneau - The Orioles are looking to add a bat before the trade deadline.

• Stuck in the middle: the second Wild Card's impact on the trade deadline - One unexpected consequence of the second Wild Card may be more deals after the July 31st trade deadline.