Trade Rumors:

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, 2B Jorge Cantu, 1B Adam Dunn, and LHP Ted Lilly will get traded before Saturday's non-waiver deadline.

2B Jorge Cantu - Stark says that Cantu will most likely be traded to either the Rangers or giants. Stark cites the fact that since the Rangers have financial restrictions that in order for them to acquire Cantu the Marlins will have to pick up some of the $2 Mil left on his deal. However, since the Marlins are also strapped for salary they responded to the Rangers by saying they will pick up Cantu's tab if the Rangers send them high-end prospects in return. If the Rangers do not consent to this, expect the San Francisco Giants to acquire Cantu.

Opinion - Cantu can help both of these teams tremendously. The rangers do not have confidence in the struggling Chris Davis. So Cantu can slot right into that lineup and add additional pop to an already powerful lineup. The Giants are another story. I think this is the team that needs Cantu the most. Although they have been hitting a lot since the All-Star break, the Giants offense tends to struggle most of the time. They have gotten better due to the arrival of Buster Posey, however Cantu's bat at 1B is a significant improvement over Travis Ishakawa.

1B Adam Dunn - Stark says that it is increasing daily that Adam Dunn will be dealt. He says talks are going nowhere between the Nationals and Dunn's representatives regarding a contract extension. He says the White Sox are still the main suitors, however other teams are jumping in as well including the Tigers, Yankees, Rays, Giants, or Padres.

Opinion - I think the Tigers, White Sox, and Giants match up the best for Dunn. The Tigers are desperately searching for offense after they took major blows with the injuries to Magglio Ordonez and Brandon Inge. Dunn would fit in perfectly and form a very nice middle of the order with Miguel Cabrera and Brennan Boesch. The White Sox have been Persuing Dunn ever since he became available, however I don't think these two teams match up well. The Nationals keep insisting that they want either John Danks or Gavin Floyd in return. I don't see how the Sox can move such intricle parts of their starting rotation.

LHP Ted Lilly - Stark says that the Dodgers seem to be the most logical fit here. Many teams have inquired including the Mets, Tigers, Dodgers, Twins and Yankees. Stark however says that the Mets and Tigers are reaccessing their situations because of a rough few weeks. Stark also says you can never count out the Yankees.

Opinion - I think Lilly will end up with either the Dodgers or Tigers. I wish I could say that the Mets were in on him because I still think the teams most glaring need is a starter, but I think they are looking in the another direction at this time.