NL East:

The East is actually wide open at this point, and while only the Mets and Phillies are actually over .500 the Braves and Marlins are still within five games of the division lead.   However, as both the Braves and Marlins are dealing with tight budgets it's unlikely that they'll take on a player due a lot of money and that's the type of player usually available at this time of year.  That's not to say that either team couldn't make a surprise move or get mixed into a three-way deal, but neither are likely to make a big splash as buyers, but the Marlins might be looking to do some salary dumping themselves.

Buyers:

Phillies - Boasting some of the worst pitching in the Majors, the Phils will be searching for help in both the starting rotation and in the bullpen.  The only question is just how much they are willing to spend to get that help.

Mets - Decimated by injuries and weak in the corner outfield slots the Mets will obviously be serious players in trying to obtain Matt Holliday from Oakland.  They'd probably also have tremendous interest in the Dodgers Juan Pierre and the Rangers Ian Kinsler to boost the offense.  They'll also be looking for pitching help across the board.

Sellers:

 

Could Adam Dunn's time with the Nationals already be coming to an end?

Photo by dbking, used under creative commons license.

Marlins - The Marlins aren't a sure thing to be moving anyone, but historically they like to dump salary when not in contention.

On the Fence:

Braves - The Bravos face a tight budget, but they've already made a big splash by acquiring outfielder Nate McLouth from the Pirates earlier in the month.  It's unlikely to be a precursor to big move, and they don't have a lot of players outside of co-closers Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez who are due to be free agents after the season.

 

NL Central:

Another wide open division where no team is more than 6.5 games back and where everyone COULD be a contender and with four teams playing better than .500 ball.  But this is a division where the Cubs were expected to run away with everything and still might.  The Pirates and Astros can safely be counted on to be sellers, but after that it's anyone's guess.   The Reds will probably continue to work on internal development rather than take on much in the way of salary, but that leaves the Cards, Cubs and Brewers as potential buyers.

Buyers:

Cardinals - The Cards are willing to add some payroll and if they do it's likely to be a hitter who they target.  They've expressed interest in Mark DeRosa but supposedly were unwilling to part with the talent demanded by the Indians.  They'll look elsewhere. A third baseman with power would top their want list.  Could that be the Rangers Hank Blalock?

Brewers - The Brewers are still very much in the mix but they find themselves needing some additional pitching help, especially as they find themselves a pitcher short in the rotation due to the demotion of Manny Parra and his 7+ ERA.  It's unlikely they'll go all out like they did last year in acquiring Sabathia unless they can lock any ace into a long term deal as a condition of the trade.

Sellers:

Pirates - The Pirates will once again be selling in July as they once again are staring down the barrel of a losing season.  On the chopping block is soon to be free agent Adam LaRoche as well as Zach Duke and Matt Capps both of whom should bring decent returns.

Astros - Even though the Astros are not that far out of it being on the wrong side of .500 plus the fact that big bat Miguel Tejada is due to be a free agent following the season will put the Astros firmly in the seller column.   Others likely to be moved include LaTroy Hawkins, Jose Valverde and possibly Carlos Lee.

Sitting Tight:

Cubs - The Cubbies have sputtered offensively all season and they are unlikely to do more than pay lip service to the trading deadline because they are both cash strapped and in an uncertain position due to ownership issues.  Expect the Cubs to more or less stand pat or make a few minor salary neutral deals.

Reds - The Reds are largely committed to their youth movement and the idea of developing players from within their system.  That doesn't mean they won't entertain offers, but the most likely players to be moved are relievers David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes, starter Aaron Harang and utilityman Jerry Hairston.

 

NL West:

Unless the Rockies continue their red hot tear, the only team at this point to really consider is the Dodgers.  Since they don't need pitching help and will be getting Manny Ramirez back from suspension they are unlikely to be doing a lot of shopping although the possibility of shipping Juan Pierre and the $22 million dollars owed to him over the next two seasons somewhere else does exist.

Buyers:

Possibly the Rockies (see below):

Sellers:

Giants - The Giants have a lot of older players and big contracts that they probably wouldn't mind getting rid of.   Bengie Molina and Randy Johnson will arouse some interest and both are free agents after the year is done.  They'd probably also love to shed the remaining years on Barry Zito's deal as well as that of Aaron Rowand.

Padres - The only untouchable Padre is probably first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.  However the gem of the Padres team is Jake Peavy who has already declined a trade to the White Sox.  Any team trying to get him to waive his no trade clause would probably have to have a lot of zeros on a fat contract.  Even then he might only consider west coast teams.

Diamondbacks - The D-Backs are loathe to trade any of their young talent and probably won't be looking to do more than dump some salary at the deadline.  Starter Doug Davis, infielder Felipe Lopez and closer Chad Qualls will draw some inquiries but the guy the D-Backs would most like to dump is Eric Byrnes and his remaining contract.

On the Fence:

Rockies - The red hot Rockies are could consider making a run at the Dodgers or at least the Wild Card if they can keep this momentum going the next three weeks.  If not, they'll try to move Huston Street, Manny Corpas, Jason Marquis and Garrett Atkins but probably not Brad Hawpe.

Dodgers - Don't need anything but may move Juan Pierre if the offer is right and they can find someone to eat the $11 million dollars he is due in 2010 and 2011.

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