We know that many players are about to be traded before the July 31st deadline. But, where will some players be heading following the season? Here are my speculations for this year and next season:

Richie Sexson - While it's pretty clear no team will give Sexson an every day job, he could end up joining a team that will want to spell their regular first baseman against lefties on occasion. Despite Sexson's troubles (and let's be clear, there are troubles), he is hitting .344 against lefthanders this season, and he is not a total slouch at first base. If the Diamondbacks can't re-acquire Tony Clark, they may look to sign Sexson for the rest of the season. Where as Met fans would have threatened GM Omar Minaya had he made a deal for Sexson, he now comes with a cheap price tag and no minor leaguer having to be dealt, so he could find his way to Shea Stadium as well. Don't be shocked if the Brewers and Blue Jays take a look at him either. Brewer fans still like Sexson for his past contributions.

Mark Mulder - His days in St Louis appear to be over. Which team will be willing to take on Mulder and his injury problems after the season? Normally, it's the Cardinals that take such risks, but even they have had enough. Could Billy Beane take a chance on bringing Mulder back? The Padres and Cubs are two other teams that often take chances on injured pitchers.

Moises Alou - Here's the problem. Despite the daily injuries, Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel will want him back next season. Met fans will stage an all-out riot if that happens, as they're tired of seeing him relaxing comfortably on his sofa rather than patrolling left field for the Mets. If the Mets don't ask him back, he'll probably retire. But I just don't see Minaya cutting ties with him just yet.

Gary Matthews Jr. - I scoffed and ridiculed the Angels for giving Matthews that absurd contract, and now it's going to come back and bite them in the hiney. Matthews is not an every day player. He's had one decent season, and a bunch of under-achieving seasons. He's a special defensive outfielder, but teams don't pay $10 million a season for a defensive replacement. The Angels will try to deal him over the winter, but unless they pay most of his salary, no other team will want him.

Manny Ramirez - The Red Sox hold a $20 million dollar option on Manny for 2009. Do they exercise it? After this season, the Sox may just part ways with Ramirez. Of course, some teams would shy away from his antics. Omar Minaya may make a play for Ramirez if the Red Sox decline the option. He's always been intrigued by Manny, and he may be viewed as a guy who can fit right into the Met clubhouse...especially if Pedro returns to the Mets.

Pat Burrell - Do Phillies fan love him or hate him? They used to despise him, but they seem to be on his side once again. Will he reciprocate the love and return to Philly? Money talks, and the Phillies may not be the winning bidder for his services. It's difficult seeing him join an NL team, so he could wind up in Boston to replace Manny. Conversely, Manny could wind up in Philadelphia replacing him. Look for Baltimore, Houston, Atlanta, and Cleveland to make a play for him following the season, but my bet is that he'll go to an AL team.

Brian Giles - He'll be 38 next season, and it's doubtful the Padres will exercise the $9 million dollar option they have on Giles. He's clearly on the downside of his career, so after receiving a $3 million dollar buyout, he may not come with an enormous price tag next season. He is still a trade candidate this season, and he could find himself in Tampa Bay, The Yankees, or with the Red Sox as an experienced bat off the bench.

Carlos Delgado - There won't be any love lost on either side when Delgado leaves the Mets following this season. He's never fully embraced New York, and fans haven't fully embraced him. He is still productive despite the gripes of most Met fans. Will he want to finish his career back in Toronto? If not, he'll return to a small market team where the press will leave him alone.

Mark Teixeira - As the Braves fall further out of contention, the probability exists that the Braves will deal Teixeira. Teams will be willing to deal for him and his potent bat. He could wind up back in the AL. Wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise to see him end up in Tampa Bay? Wouldn't he be a help to the young Rays? As for next season, the Mets will want him, but he won't sign with them. Don't be shocked if he ends up with the Angels or Mariners next season.

Justin Duchscherer - As under rated a pitcher as there is, Duchscherer recently asked the A's for a contract extension. Usually, when that happens in Oakland, the pitcher is dealt away. Duchscherer can't become a free agent until 2010, but he is arbitration eligible next season, and after his impressive 2008, he may be looking at a nice pay day, which makes him trade bait for Billy Beane. Don't look at this season as a fluke. Even as a reliever, Justin Duchscherer had great stuff. He could be a nice, economical pick up for a team looking to bolster its rotation. Any team would be smart to acquire him from Oakland, especially a mid market team like the Reds, Astros, Brewers, or Padres. Don't be shocked if the pitching-starved Phillies make a play.

Carl Pavano - Okay, who wants him? Going once...going twice.....anyone...anyone at all? If ever there was a player who is destined for the old "signed to a minor league contract and invited to Spring Training" transaction, it is Carl Pavano. The Yankees hold a 2009 option. They'll exercise it....yeah, and as Wayne Campbell would say..."when monkeys will fly out of my butt." Pavano will hide in a small market, with a team like Kansas City or Texas desperate enough to invite him to Spring Training.

Players likely to be traded before the end of this season: Darrell Rasner, Melky Cabrera, David Eckstein, Frank Catalanotto, John Buck, Joey Gathright, David Dellucci, Huston Street, Arthur Rhodes, Kenji Johjima, Erik Bedard, Greg Dobbs, Dmitri Young, Wily Mo Pena, Paul LoDuca, Paul Bako, Ryan Freel, Adam Dunn, Chris Sampson, AJ Burnett, Ty Wigginton, Delwyn Young, Brian Fuentes, Scott Podsednik, Randy Wolf.

Players likely to be kept due to poor contracts: Luis Castillo, Bronson Arroyo

Court Adjourned!