Buyers, sellers and lookers as baseball’s trade deadline approaches

The run-up to the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline is generally a busy time as teams gear up for a playoff run. But this summer, with 17 teams within seven games of a playoff berth, it may be difficult for buyers to find sellers.

Buyers

Angels: Money is tight, but a power bat and bullpen arm would help.

Arizona: Bullpen help is probably D-Backs’ biggest need.

Atlanta: Might move Derek Lowe for a bat; also looking for bullpen help.

Chicago White Sox: Could deal an arm from its rotation for much-needed offense.

Cincinnati: Pitching tops the wish list, but there’s no pressure to deal.

Cleveland: Thin rotation needs help, but Indians have little to trade.

Detroit: Acquired Wilson Betemit on Wednesday and can add salary to get a front-line starter.

Milwaukee: Are interested in the Dodgers’ Jamey Carroll, among others.

Minnesota: Scott Baker’s injury complicates Twins’ decision-making; are they still buyers?

New York Yankees: Desperate for a starter, they like Colorado’s Ubaldo Jimenez.

Philadelphia: Padres’ Heath Bell or Mike Adams would be a fit. Also looking for a right-handed hitter.

Pittsburgh: Cautious Pirates have reportedly talked to A’s and Astros about outfielders.

St. Louis: Heath Bell would help, but Cardinals need a starter.

Texas: Deep in prospects and cash, the Rangers are looking for a quality reliever.

Sellers

Chicago Cubs: Carlos Pena and Kerry Wood are already packed.

Colorado: Bullpen market may lead to parting with Huston Street, Rafael Betancourt or Matt Belisle.

Dodgers: Hiroki Kuroda’s no-trade clause could slow talks, especially with East Coast teams.

Florida: Many covet starters Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco.

Houston: Astros asking top dollar for outfielder Hunter Pence and pitcher Wandy Rodriguez.

Kansas City: Already dealt Betemit; left are lefties Bruce Chen and Jeff Francis and centerfielder Melky Cabrera.

New York Mets: Willing to pay $6 million to move Carlos Beltran, who is drawing substantial interest.

Oakland: Perpetually rebuilding A’s are likely to deal an outfielder and a reliever or two.

San Diego: Relievers Bell and Adams are coveted by many teams.

Seattle: Starters Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda are just about the only M’s who are off limits.

Toronto: Blue Jays will probably open the gates to their deep bullpen.

Washington: Several teams are asking about relievers Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard.

Looky-loos

Baltimore: Ownership giving conflicting signals on which way team will go; could deal pitching.

Boston: Injury-riddled rotation could use some help but owner John Henry predicts no major deals.

San Francisco: Got Jeff Keppinger from Houston and have interest in Beltran. May address other needs on waiver wire.

Tampa Bay: A cheap upgrade won’t help much. Outfielder B.J. Upton and pitcher James Shields may be available.

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