Now that the season is in full swing, it's time to take a look at the teams that are falling out of the race, and speculate as to which players will be dealt during the season. (Keep in mind, these player moves are strictly based on my speculation...and are not based on facts or rumors.)

Brandon Inge - Inge hasn't had a position all season, and with Vance Wilson coming back soon, and Matt Joyce showing enough to earn a recall from AAA, Inge is as good as gone. The Tigers appear to be having a lost season, and Inge will be the first player dealt in order to shake up this team. Despite his versatility, he is not indispensable. Look for the Cardinals, Dodgers, and Rays to inquire.

Marcus Thames - The Tigers tried trading Thames before the season started, but with no success. There will be a team out there who will be able to use his bat off the bench. Despite having troubles of their own, the Mets could look at Thames as insurance for brittle Moises Alou, as well as the Blue Jays, Braves, Cardinals, and Brewers.

Josh Barfield - Once Asdurbal Cabrera straightens himself out in AAA, Barfield will be designated for assignment and dealt quickly. It's doubtful teams will line up for his services, but the Phillies or Cubs may want an experienced bat coming in off the bench...as weak as that bat may be.

John Buck - It took the Royals five years to realize that Buck is not a very good catcher. He's a rally killer, and they are a much better club with Olivo behind the plate. Buck may be moved to a team needing a backup catcher, which is what Buck is better suited to be. Look for the Yankees, Dodgers, and Astros to be curious. The Astros may be the team most interested with JR Towles unexpected troubles leading to a demotion.

Tony Pena Jr. - As my friends at 3guysandasportspage.com point out...he's the worst regular player in the game today...and it's hard to argue with that assessment. Mike Aviles is more of an answer at shortstop than Pena. Look for the .155 hitting shortstop to be designated for assignment, with perhaps only the Reds and his father's former team, the Pirates, showing mild interest.

Brett Tomko - Do the young Royals really need Tomko wasting a roster space? The answer is no. Tomko is another Royal who could be designated for assignment, but it's doubtful Kansas City will find any takers. Would you want him on your team? The Cardinals often take a chance on aging veterans in the hopes of Dave Duncan turning them around. Outside of St Louis, I don't see another team calling KC for Tomko's services.

Adrian Beltre - It's time for Seattle to blow up this team, and it may just start with trading Beltre. He is the one player that could net the Mariners decent young players in return. Look for the Dodgers and Astros to show interest if he's made available.

Richie Sexson - He's starting to look more and more like a pinch hitter rather than a starting first baseman. Many teams could use a powerful, albeit, low batting average hitter. Look for the Mets, Phillies, Blue Jays, Angels, and Diamondbacks to give him a passing look.

Jose Vidro - Vidro's days in Seattle are probably numbered. While he can play second base, he's better suited for DH...though his ability to play the infield may be what interests other teams. The Indians and Cardinals could have mild interest.

Jarrod Washburn - The Mariners no longer require his services, but many other teams very well could. He's no longer an ace, but he's still better than his record indicates. Look for the Yankees, Tigers, Indians, Braves, Mets, and Astros to be curious about his availability.

Ramon Castro - This oversleeping excuse just isn't going to cut it in New York. He can expect to be elsewhere before the season is over. Look for teams such as the Dodgers, Cubs, and Indians to show interest.

Endy Chavez - The Mets just have too many fourth outfielders, and Chavez may be squeezed out once Angel Pagan returns from the DL. Look for the Cardinals, Indians, Blue Jays, Rays, Yankees, White Sox, and Twins to try and deal for him. His exceptional defense will attract interest from contenders.

Oliver Perez - Perez has stated that he will test the free agent waters over the winter, and the Mets are losing patience with him. Perez is a prime candidate to be moved in a deal if the Mets remain in reverse. The Angels, Indians, and Brewers may call the Mets.

Aaron Heilman - The Mets may be realizing that Heilman needs a change of scenery. He can still help a playoff team if he can straighten his head out. The talent is still there, but he's not been pitching smart. Look for the Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Angels, Red Sox, and Dodgers to have interest in Heilman.

Felipe Lopez - Lopez hasn't quite played up to expectations. How long will Jim Bowden stick with him as the team's underachieving shortstop? Look for him to be moved, with the Tigers, Yankees, and Cardinals possibly taking a flier on him. His speed makes him an intriguing bench player.

Wily Mo Pena - Pena's already looking like a player on the downside of his career, and he's still just 26 years old. If he can find his power stroke, he could be a nice addition for a contending team. The Yankees, Astros, Marlins, White Sox, and even the A's to make a call to Bowden.

Paul LoDuca - They don't need him anymore with the emergence of Flores. This was a bad signing by Bowden. LoDuca may look appealing to the Blue Jays, Rays, and Red Sox. And despite signing with Washington as a free agent, he'd be willing to move to a contender.

Ronny Paulino - His value is way down now, so teams will look to steal him away from the Pirates. Look for the Astros, Royals, Rockies, and A's to give him a go. He won't cost much in return. Paulino may very well appeal to non-contenders as well, which is why the Royals and Rockies may look in his direction.

Bronson Arroyo - He's another pitcher who needs a change in scenery, and the Reds will be willing to move him. He could attract interest from the Indians, Rangers, Yankees, Phillies, and Cardinals. He can turn it around for a good team.

Ray Durham - He's aging and hurt an awful lot. That makes him a prime candidate to be dealt by the rebuilding Giants. He could be sought after by the Twins, Indians, and Blue Jays.

Tony Clark - A contender would be smart for wanting him on their bench. The Padres won't need him if they're out of the playoff hunt. Look for the Diamondback to try and retain his services, as well as the Yankees, Phillies, and Red Sox.

Wilfredo Ledezma The Padres don't need him. The Trouble here, is that most other teams don't need him either. Look for mid-contenders like the Orioles, Rangers, and A's to take a look and make a mild offer to San Diego.

Matt Herges - The Rockies can afford to deal him if they're out of the race. Look for teams such as the Yankees, Rangers, and Phillies to be semi-interested.



Court Adjourned!