Which players contending teams are looking at

With the trade deadline arriving Thursday, here’s a list of players that are being looked at and which teams are looking at them.

David Eckstein- LA Dodgers, St.Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers are in need of a shortstop, but Ecskstein could be seen as too much of a defensive liability. I would be a little surprised if he is not moved by the deadline, or one of our middle infielders moved. Don’t expect the return to be more than salary relief.

Greg Zaun and Rod Barajas – Yankees, Red Sox, Tampa Bay Arizona.

By trading Barajas we will get more in return. One of these guys will be back next year, and I’m hoping its Barajas. He’s got a much better arm and his bat, in my opinion is better. Don’t be surprised if the Jays trade within the division. The Yankees, with Posada looking like he’s gone for the year, or at least he won’t be catching this year, are looking around. There more interested in Bengie Molina and Miguel Olivo, but could look at Zaun or Barajas if the price is too steep for those guys. Again, return won’t be anything to write home about.

AJ Burnett- Detroit, Philadelphia, Dodgers, Yankees,

What a surprise, it’s the home stretch in a contract year, and Burnett is starting to perform. Who knew this would happen? Anyways, Detroit scouted his game against the Orioles, but they aren’t sure they want to add to their payroll. Many teams are said to be scared he will stick with the contract and they will be on the hook for the 24 million left on his deal but with each quality start he has, those concerns are becoming less and less. Only way we trade him to the Yankees is if they give us something amazing in return, I don’t see it happening. I could see the Mets coming into play, there hot, and I think they need a quality starter for the run.

Scott Downs – Brewers, Tampa Bay

Brian Fuentes is the lead guy in the relief department especially with Marte going to the Yankees. Downs is extremely valuable as a lefty out of the pen, but his contract is friendly and I don’t think he’s going anywhere unless we get something real good for him.

Matt Stairs- All contending teams

Matt Stairs still has some power. He could be valuable to any team looking for a lefty bat off the bench. He could be moved.

Others to look for who could possibly be moving, but might not move till end of august- Shannon Stewart, Jonny Mac, Kevin Mench, Brad Wilkerson, Jason Frasor.