MLB Trade Rumors: Carlos Beltran and 5 Big Names on the Trade Block

The trade deadline is right around the corner and there are a lot of teams trying to upgrade their squads for the late season push. Teams are jockeying for position and it is going to be a tough next few months as squads try to win their respective divisions.

The All-Star game was a bust, it seems their were more no-shows than there were actual All-Stars (not the case-sarcasm). The game was boring, nothing really exciting to talk about, other than Heath Bell's awesome sprint and slide to the mound.

The Mets already started to wheel and deal before the trade deadline, sending K-Rod to the Brew Crew for cash and a couple players to be named. 

Let us see now who are the biggest names on the trade bubble for the next two weeks.

Heath Bell: San Diego Padres

As I said, Heath Bell was the highlight of the night at the All Star Game in Phoenix. With that being said, Bell is one of the most valuable players on the trade block due to the Padres surplus of pitchers and lack of hitting. 

The Padres will be in search of a big bat to make themselves relevant and a force int he NL West in the second half of the season. The Rangers were keeping tabs on the right-handed reliever/closer back in May and they still have according to Bell himself. 

Bell had told Bill Shaikin  that there were several teams interested, including: the Angels, Phillies, Cardinals, Yankees, and Rangers.

All teams aside from the Angels (who have All Star Jordan Walden) are in need of a solid closer. 

Aramis Ramirez: Chicago Cubs

Aramis Ramirez has been a highly touted player that could be on the trade bubble. It seems that the Angels are the most interested team in the third basemen. There are also other teams who could be in need of a big time bat where he has hit 15 bombs to go with 51 RBI's and a .298 average.

Ramirez and his agent have said that he will not waive his no-tade clause, but an exit to a possible playoff team might make him think again. 

The Angels could bolster their inconsistent offense and create depth at the infield position. 

Other teams keeping tabs on Ramirez are Mariners, Giants, Braves, and Diamondbacks.

Ubaldo Jimenez: Colorado Rockies

It has been a disappointing season for the right handed ace, Ubaldo Jimenez. He is an obvious name that has come up in trade talks and apparently the Cincinnati Reds have been keeping an eye on the Dominican.

It seems unlikely that JIm O'Dowd and the Rockies will part ways with their leader in wins last season, but it does not mean that they are not listening to offers.

The Reds would have to give up quite a bit of value to make a trade go down with Jimenez' ERA steadily improving, even though it is still in the low 4's. 

Colby Rasmus: St. Louis Cardinals

Colby Rasmus was told that he would not be trade, but it seems that the Cardinals may be rethinking their position.

The Rockies, Nationals, and the Rays have been teams that would be interested in the center fielder. The Cardinals have said that they would have to see some serious return for a player like Rasmus who is hitting .246 with 9 homers and 36 RBI's.

If the rumor is true that Rasmus is on the market then expect more than just three teams to be vying for the 24-year-old. 

Carlos Beltran: New York Mets

The Mets are not hesitant to make a deal (as seen with Francisco Rodriguez), and they may not be done yet. It has been reported that the Mets may be trying to shop Beltran for a "big time" prospect.

Bruce Bochy has said in countless interviews that no one on the Giants offense has really played well this season aside from Pablo Sandoval. Bochy is definitely looking to upgrade the offense with a power hitter with a good average. 

Carlos Beltran is hitting .285 with 13 bombs and 58 RBI this year.

He would be a nice addition for the Giants, but would require a definite loss of a nice prospect or two.

Worth it for a repeat?