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spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Texas RangersAfter dealing their most-marketable commodity, Mark Teixeira, to the Braves, the Rangers might not be done. Eric Gagne or Akinori Otsuka could be dealt, too, although the former is tough to deal due to a limited-trade clause. Other possibilities include Sammy Sosa and Joaquin Benoit."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Orioles","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "358", "204", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Baltimore Orioles
Melvin Mora is on the disabled list and Miguel Tejada just came off, so that will limit what new exec Andy MacPhail can do to kick-start his administration. But Steve Trachsel is one of the few available starting pitchers, and Aubrey Huff, Kevin Millar, Jay Gibbons, Corey Patterson and Jay Payton are expendable, as the O’s offense has disappointed."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Red Sox","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "242", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have been in first place since April 17, and their lead remains sizable, so there is no urgency here at the moment. But some injuries – Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Brendan Donnelly, Mike Timlin, Kevin Youkilis – bear watching, and a tweak or two is likely, especially in the bullpen (Damaso Marte?) and in the outfield (Reggie Sanders or Jermaine Dye?). The Dye talks appear to be heating up again. "; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","White Sox","Jose Contreras","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060617/060617_Contreras_vmed_7p.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Al Behrman", "AP", "235", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Chicago White Sox
Mark Buehrle has been locked up for the next four years, but free-agent-to-be Jermaine Dye and Jose Contreras could be moving on. Dye hasn’t exactly been a happy camper since contract extension talks with the Sox went nowhere. Scott Podsednik is off the disabled list, and also could be used in an attempt to land bullpen help, as the Sox have young outfielders Jerry Owens, Ryan Sweeney and Brian Anderson. "; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Indians","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "247", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Cleveland Indians
It’s no secret the Tribe wants to add a closer or setup man, as Joe Borowski’s ERA is too high, and depth is needed behind Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez and Aaron Fultz. They did get a veteran bat in Kenny Lofton."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Tigers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Detroit Tigers
Starting pitching and offense are leading the way, but there are questions about the bullpen. Zach Miner has returned, Fernando Rodney could be back this month, and Joel Zumaya is expected back next month, but expect another move before the deadline, possibly involving Craig Monroe and a prospect. Eric Gagne, Salomon Torres and Octavio Dotel are possibilities, but Akinori Otsuka currently is on the DL."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Royals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "358", "236", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Kansas City Royals
The Royals already have made a couple of moves by claiming infielder Jason Smith and trading for reliever Roman Colon, and could part with Octavio Dotel (Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox and Indians are interested), Reggie Sanders (Red Sox?), David Riske and another veteran or two. But they aren’t in a position where they need to dump salaries, and since they are above .500 since June 1, may not want to deal away too much."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Angels","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
With more than enough depth for Mike Scioscia’s needs, the Angels fill from within rather than make a deal they might regret. And in fact, they cleared a bit of that depth by dealing Jose Molina to the Yankees for a pitching prospect, leaving Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis to share the catching duties. The popular theory is they need another power bat, but they probably won’t make a major move in that direction. Instead, they could add another starting pitcher, as the No. 4-5 spots have been inconsistent."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Twins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "258", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Minnesota Twins
It’s not hard to figure out the Twins’ two biggest needs – another quality starting pitcher at the back of the rotation, and a power-hitter in the designated hitter spot. They aren’t likely to deal Torii Hunter before the deadline. But it looks like they might be sellers, since they dealt Luis Castillo to the Mets."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Yankees","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "264", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "New York Yankees
The idea that the Yankees will be sellers by the deadline just isn’t logical. If the Bombers’ streak of consecutive playoff appearances ends at 12, it will be after they’ve used every bullet at their disposal until being eliminated. And in fact, they have upgraded their backup catcher position by acquiring Jose Molina from the Angels, who will displace Wil Nieves, who could be dealt. They need a first baseman, and Scott Proctor is a likely bargaining chip, but they won’t be giving up any of their top prospects."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Athletics","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Ed Betz", "Reuters", "163", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Oakland Athletics
It’s looking more and more as if the injury-ravaged A’s are sellers, as Milton Bradley and Jason Kendall already have been dealt. GM Billy Beane could part with Mike Piazza, Shannon Stewart and Dan Johnson for young talent -- the Brewers, Phillies and Dodgers have reportedly shown interest in Johnson. But Rich Harden’s continuing arm troubles mean he won’t be going anywhere."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Mariners","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Seattle Mariners
Now that Ichiro Suzuki is locked up for the next five years, GM Bill Bavasi could do something else to improve his job security by adding a quality starting pitcher or reliever. The bullpen has been overused, and that could catch up to the M’s if the rotation doesn’t gobble up more innings. Ben Broussard could go."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Devil Rays","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Closer Al Reyes could have been an attractive bullpen piece for a contender, but he is on the disabled list. Rocco Baldelli remains an attractive player despite his history of injuries. The young players should get the at-bats this half, while Greg Norton could help contenders. They traded infielder Ty Wiggington to the Astros for reliever Dan Wheeler."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Blue Jays","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Toronto Blue Jays
GM J.P. Ricciardi has said there will be little activity before the deadline, as Lyle Overbay and Reed Johnson have come off the disabled list, and the Jays feel they can finish strong. But with Jack Wilson suddenly available, they could fill a hole at shortstop by taking on much of the $14 million he is owed beyond this season. Troy Glaus has attracted some interest, and Josh Towers could be available."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array(""," National League","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Diamondbacks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Lm Otero", "AP", "280", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Arizona Diamondbacks
They have hit an impasse in contract negotiations with free-agent-to-be Eric Byrnes, as they are committed to their young big-league outfielders, and Justin Upton and Carlos Gonzalez are on the way. So they could part with Byrnes now, even though they still are a playoff contender. Livan Hernandez also could go, but because they're in the hunt, it's likely they'll stand pat."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Braves","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "AP", "260", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Atlanta Braves
The Braves made their big splash by landing Mark Teixeira, boosting their power. They have been searching for back-end-of-the-rotation consistency since Mike Hampton went down for the second consecutive season, so a pitcher-for-prospect deal is likely. Jose Contreras, Livan Hernandez, Joe Kennedy, Kyle Lohse and Steve Trachsel could be possibilities. "; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Cubs","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "AP", "270", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been unable to solve their outfield-in-flux. They thought they had Jacque Jones traded, but a potential deal with Florida fell through. Now, Cliff Floyd has a strained neck and Felix Pie is back in Triple-A. They have acquired Jason Kendall, and sent Cesar Izturis to Pittsburgh, and expect another smaller deal or two – rather than something major with the Cubs’ unsettled ownership situation. A move to bolster the starting pitching – Jose Contreras? – is a possibility, but the bullpen got Ryan Dempster back, and reports have been positive on Kerry Wood. "; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Reds","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "289", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Cincinnati Reds
Adam Dunn has 25 homers and a lot of interest from teams in need of power. He’s more likely to go than Ken Griffey Jr., whose departure would be a PR nightmare for a near-last-place team with little else to attract fans. But a rumored deal with Milwaukee for Dunn was squashed. The Reds do have other veteran usable parts, especially Scott Hatteberg and Jeff Conine."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Rockies","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "263", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Colorado Rockies
With Jason Hirsh out and Josh Fogg struggling, the Rox need a starting pitcher, and also could use another reliever to make a run in the NL West. The question is, will the Monfort brothers OK additional payroll to make something with impact happen? They also are getting calls on injured closer Brian Fuentes – not that they are interested in dealing him."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Marlins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Chris O'meara", "AP", "281", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Florida Marlins
The big question is what the Fish will do with Dontrelle Willis. They remain on the fringes of playoff contention, and a hot streak before the deadline could lead them to hang onto him through this season, as well as perhaps add another starting pitcher. But if the right offer comes along, they could pull the trigger on what would be yet another shameless cost-cutting move. You also have to wonder if Scott Olsen’s days are numbered in South Florida after his recent legal troubles."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Astros","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "George Widman", "AP", "256", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Houston Astros
Their disappointing first half has them in position to dump salaries and make changes. But forget about those Brad Lidge rumors, as owner Drayton McLane said the closer isn’t going anywhere. Struggling Jason Jennings might be available if the Astros don’t plan on signing him this winter. Mark Loretta, Jason Lane and Mike Lamb also could be moved. They already moved reliever Dan Wheeler to the Devil Rays for infielder Ty Wiggington."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Dodgers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "289", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Los Angeles Dodgers
The focus has turned to pitching, as injuries to Jason Schmidt, Randy Wolf and Takashi Saito have strained the depth of Grady Little’s staff. They reportedly have interest in Octavio Dotel. Wilson Betemit has become a bargaining chip, as James Loney is getting an opportunity at first base, pushing power-short Nomar Garciaparra to third. It’s quite possible GM Ned Colletti will stay with his current group of position players rather than deal for Adam Dunn or Jermaine Dye. "; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Brewers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "David Zalubowski", "AP", "288", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Milwaukee Brewers
Ben Sheets’ finger injury will be closely monitored, and with Chris Capuano struggling, the Brew Crew could need another starter to hang onto their NL Central lead. But that might just be Yovani Gallardo, who has replaced Sheets. Some veteran presence wouldn’t hurt, but the rumor of a deal for Adam Dunn was shot down by GM Doug Melvin."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Mets","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Jim Mone", "AP", "241", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "New York Mets
Oliver Perez is back in the rotation and Pedro Martinez continues to clear all hurdles in the way of an August return. But the Mets still could use another starting pitcher, and Jose Contreras and Livan Hernandez are possibilities. It won’t be Lastings Milledge who goes in return, however. With Jose Valentin out likely for the rest of the season, they acquired second baseman Luis Castillo from the Mets."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Phillies","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "298", "167", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Philadelphia Phillies
Remember when the Phils had six starting pitchers in spring training, and were looking to move Jon Lieber? How things have changed, as Lieber is out for the year, and Freddy Garcia is on the disabled list. That should tell you what GM Pat Gillick is looking for, but there is little to deal, as they can’t trade Pat Burrell’s huge contract. At least Tom Gordon is back in the bullpen, and Myers is on the way. The Phillies moved quickly to grab Tadahito Iguchi from the White Sox after Chase Utley got hurt."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Pirates","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "242", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Pittsburgh Pirates
The acquisition of Cesar Izturis has sparked speculation that Jack Wilson will be moving on, and Toronto reportedly has interest. But Pirates won’t be trading the one commodity other teams would want from them – young starting pitching. They do have other usable veteran parts, especially closer Salomon Torres, now that he is off the disabled list, and lefty specialist Damaso Marte. Jose Castillo and Tony Armas Jr. also are available."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Cardinals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "274", "198", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "St. Louis Cardinals
The season-ending surgery for ace Chris Carpenter could push the Cards into seller mode. Juan Encarnacion, David Eckstein and relievers could be made available."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Padres","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "San Diego Padres
Milton Bradley is getting a shot in left field, but Adam Dunn and Jermaine Dye, among others, are out there. The Pads could trade a reliever, or dip to the Triple-A level to deal some surplus pitching for offensive help if Bradley and recently acquired Michael Barrett don’t provide enough punch for an offense that lost 16 one-run games in the first half."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Giants","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "San Francisco Giants
About the only untouchables on this ancient roster are Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Noah Lowry. Nobody is going to take Barry Bonds or Barry Zito, but everybody else is expendable, led by Matt Morris, Omar Vizquel, Ray Durham, Randy Winn and Pedro Feliz. GM Brian Sabean has a new contract extension, and must begin retooling this team."; spt_MLB_rumormill[i++] = new Array("","Nationals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); spt_MLB_rumormill[i-1].body = "Washington Nationals
Closer Chad Cordero is their most-marketable commodity, but the Nats would have to be blown away to part with a 25-year-old who is locked up relatively cheaply through 2009. Setup man Jon Rauch also could bring some much-needed offense. There is interest in Dmitri Young, although he just signed a new deal. Really, everybody except Ryan Zimmerman could be considered expendable, as the Nats will finish last no matter who they keep or deal."; // END editorial data