NL West

Dodgers. They'd like to add a starter, but don't have much room in payroll. The best team in the league might be content to go as is – unless the Giants make a big move and tighten the race.

Giants. They have the pitching. They need a bat. The perfect one - Holliday - is right across the bay. If the price for Holliday is too high, LaRoche, Huff, or Dunn could be a fit. The Giants are dangling lefty Jonathan Sanchez, but his value has shrunk as his ERA has risen.

Rockies. Amazing what a 17-1 stretch will do for a club. The Rox looked like sellers, but are now in no hurry to move pieces like Marquis after getting back into the wild-card race under interim manager Jim Tracy. "They've got a GM [Dan O'Dowd] and an interim manager both fighting to keep their jobs," one executive said. "Unless they collapse, I'd say they'll buy."

Padres. An ankle injury has taken ace Jake Peavy out of play in July, but don't rule out an August waiver deal (to the Cubs?) if he makes it back. Righthander Chris Young is nicely priced at $6.25 million for 2010, but he's not due back from a shoulder injury until after the all-star break and his ERA climbs outside of San Diego's spacious park. Scott Hairston could help a team (Phillies?) looking for a righthanded bat.

Diamondbacks. They would have moved ace Brandon Webb, but he's out with a shoulder injury. Starters Doug Davis and Jon Garland could be had. Relievers Jon Rauch and Chad Qualls could be attractive.

AL East

Red Sox. Sox management believes its 2004 title began when it shored up its defense by trading shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and replacing him with Orlando Cabrera, who is now with Oakland and very much available. A deal for the Pirates' Wilson seems more likely.

Yankees. After their wintertime spending spree, it could be a quiet month for the Yanks. They might add a bullpen piece.

Blue Jays. Too early to tell if they'll buy or sell. Either way, Roy Halladay isn't going anywhere. The Jays need to continue to build around him and see where it takes them over the next year. Halladay is eligible for free agency after next season.

Rays. They're hoping that pitchers Scott Kazmir, Brian Shouse, and Chad Bradford make a difference coming back from the DL.

Orioles. First baseman Huff and reliever Danys Baez, both free agents at season's end, could be dealt. Some teams are looking to get lefty closer George Sherrill, but the O's are in no hurry to move him and will look for a big return. Righthanded hitting Ty Wigginton would intrigue teams like the Phillies, but he's owed $3.5 million next season and the O's might need him at a corner infield spot in 2010.

AL Central

Tigers. The Tigers would love to deal slumping outfielder Magglio Ordonez and add a bat, but no one will take his money. Of more intrigue: Will they release Ordonez and risk a grievance before he gets enough plate appearances to guarantee his $18 million option for next season?

Twins. They look like buyers. "They'd love to get a veteran starter," one scout said. "They looked into Peavy."

White Sox. Buy or sell? If they buy, they need a starting pitcher and a centerfielder. If they sell, they could offer power (Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, and Jermaine Dye) and bullpen arms (Octavio Dotel, Matt Thornton). Some scouts have heard closer Bobby Jenks' name thrown around.

Royals. They could move pitchers Gil Meche or Brian Bannister. Lefthanded reliever Ron Mahay would interest some clubs. Royals scout Mike Arbuckle has been watching the Phillies' triple-A team.

Indians. They're headed toward sell mode, as confirmed by their sending DeRosa to the Cardinals last night. Kerry Wood could be had, but he's expensive at $10.5 million in 2010. There will be a lot of interest in inexpensive righthander Carl Pavano. It's unclear if Cy Young winner Cliff Lee will be available, but if teams ask, they'd better be ready to surrender lots of young talent. One executive speculated that the Indians could move first baseman Victor Martinez, a gifted hitter, for a big score.

AL West

Rangers. The surprise Rangers are looking to bolster their pitching, but unless club president Nolan Ryan overrules GM Jon Daniels, the team will be protective of prospects. Their top prospect, gas-throwing righthander Neftali Feliz, has moved to the bullpen at triple A and could soon help in the majors. Orlando Hernandez, who might be older than Jamie Moyer, is in the system, and free-agent Ben Sheets remains a possibility.