2010 MLB Trade Deadline

That's the newest Cincinnati outfielder, Gary Matthews Jr.

If the Reds' skipper wasn't such good pals with his pop, they would trade him for a warm six-pack and a couple of Slim Jims.

Rather than someone that no one would want, let's take a look at some Reds' needs and some prospects they may be willing to trade.

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Kansas City Royal outfielder David DeJesus has reportedly been on the block for some time now, and the injury-riddled outfield of the Boston Red Sox has been suggested as a possible destination.

Since the beginning of June, the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves have also been linked to trade discussions involving the 30-year-old DeJesus and his mere $4.7 million salary. However, Boston's need is quickly eclipsing that of an offensively soft San Francisco squad and an unpredictable Atlanta club.

Jonathan Papelbon should be looking over his shoulder. At first considered the rock of the Red Sox bullpen, Papelbon is quickly eroding his own reputation and opening the door for the more consistent, if still more raw, Daniel Bard.

Still, despite certain trade rumors to the contrary, this writer is confident that Papelbon won't be dealt this season.

That's not to preclude a move as early as this offseason, particularly if Papelbon continues to struggle shutting the door.

With the non-waiver trade deadline just over a month away, the rumor mill machine is starting to build considerable steam.

Once again the A.L. East is the most competitive division in baseball with the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in a triple threat death match for the pennant.

But hold on, the Toronto Blue Jays are making some serious noise as well.

With an exciting young pitching staff and a hodge podge offense that hacks now, ask questions later, the Jays are literally bombing their way into contention.

What will these teams do to improve their post-season chances?

If the Seattle Mariners trade Cliff Lee before the 2010 trading deadline, he has made sure that the Mariners will get top value in return.

Lee has posted an historic start to his 2010 campaign. Over his first 10 starts, Lee has 67 strikeouts and only four walks. Since 1900, no pitcher has posted as many strikeouts with as few walks over his first 10 starts. Additionally, over his last five starts, Lee has put in five quality starts, three wins, two complete games, and a tidy 1.75 ERA.

Welcome to the Cleveland Indians Trading Post, a weekly segment meant to help my fellow Tribe fans sort out which of the few familiar faces left on the team won’t be around much longer.

This week’s potential trade bait is Russell Branyan.

The basics

Roy Oswalt has asked the Houston Astros to trade him. He is owed quite a bit of dough so he won't be easy to deal. He will get $15 million for 2010 and 2011. In 2012, there's a club option for another $16 million, or a $2 million buyout. Good luck taking that salary on. He also has had groin and back troubles. Given the salary and injuries, the Astros may not get a lot back. He is off to a good start with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.

The word on the street says that that Oswalt wants to go to a contender. His short list includes the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves.