"B-List" candidates garnering interest

When the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia in a four man deal from the Cleveland Indians yesterday the rest of Major League Baseball was thrown into a frenzy.

The trade deadline isn't until July 31st but the Brewers got their feet wet early to get the most out of Sabathia, whom they will most likely lose to free agency at the end of the year.

Now that last years AL Cy Young winner is off the market the other twenty-nine teams, those looking to deal and shop, will be thrown into a hectic whirlwind to get the most for and out of their players.

The "B-List" as it has become referred to is stocked with solid pitchers who could help

 out teams as they make their late season push.

Oakland Athletics ace Rich Harden  could be considered an "A minus list"but his recent history of injuries has brought his trade value down a notch. Harden isn't officially on the trade block yet but look for A's G.M. Billy Beane to shop him as well as Joe Blanton around. 

At 48-41 Oakland is still in the AL West as well as the wild card race; but, with teams like the Cubs, Yankees, Rays and Tigers in the market for a starter Beane could make things very interesting come late July.

Toronto's number two man A.J. Burnett was supposed to be the missing part to the Blue Jays problem when he was signed back in 2005 to a five year $55 million deal. He hasn't lived up to the hype and will soon be out of Toronto reports Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun.

Elliot quotes an AL manager as saying, "They're (Toronto) is offering Burnett to any team that needs pitching." 

Look for Burnett to be the next pitcher on the market to be moved, he has a player option to opt-out of his contract after this season and Toronto desperately needs help on the offensive side of the plate. No teams have officially shown interest in Burnett, but with his asking price being reasonable on today's market look for Detroit, the Cubs, and possibly Philadelphia to be in the mix.

Speculation from around the league says Royals reliever Ron Mahay is drawing interest from several contenders. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that it is a "low-level buzz" for now, but with Rockies closer Brian Fuentes sure to cost a hefty price Mahay could be a cheaper solid alternative. Contenders in need of bullpen help such as Tampa Bay, Boston, Yankees, and Detroit could all be serious players in the Mahay sweepstakes. 

Mahay will most likely have to wait until Fuentes is traded, but remember his name as you sure to see him land with a big-market team come late July.

Rockies closer Brian Fuentes has seen his name dangling around trade rumors ever since the season started. From the looks of things the 34 year old closer will be out of Colorado soon, possibly before the All-Star game. 

ESPN reports it's not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when" and with bullpen help being highly totted, Fuentes could come at a high cost; although, it's been reported that the Rockies are just looking for one quality prospect in return.

While many teams including Boston, Mets, Yankees, Oakland, Philadelphia, and St. Louis have inquired to Fuentes availability word around the league is that Tampa Bay is in the drivers seat to make a move. 

According to the Denver Post, the Rays had a scout at Coors field on Saturday (July 5th) and are preparing to make an aggressive move for the Rockies closer. Will the trade really pay off for a closer who is 1-4, with only 14 saves on the season? Only time will tell.

With more money, risk, reward and high profile players on the line than ever before look for this seasons trade deadline to be one of the most active in recent memory.