MLB Trade Rumors: Ubaldo Jimenez and 10 Hot Names in the Rumor Mill

Just over a week remains before the 2011 MLB Trade Deadline, meaning GMs all around the league are assessing their current situations.

With 16 teams at or near the top of their divisions, there is a larger than normal pool of buyers out there making it a sellers market. 

Teams that find themselves outside of contention are currently working to decipher just how much they can get in return for their expiring stars as they look to 2012 and beyond

Carlos Quentin

With the Chicago White Sox currently four and a half games from the top of the AL Central, the time is now for the team to make their move. If they're able to reduce their deficit, they can use their tools to make a charge towards Cleveland and Detroit as the season winds down.

If they continue to drop and find themselves in a position to listen to offers, outfielder Carlos Quentin could be a target of teams looking to add power to their lineups. A free agent at the end of the season, Quentin could add a strong offensive threat to a contending franchise.

Ubaldo Jimenez

Despite having a lackluster season in comparison to his 2010 campaign, Ubaldo Jimenez has still managed to keep his strikeout and walk numbers consistent in 2011 and is making a case to become a valuable part of a team's quest for October.

The Rockies do still have control over Jimenez for multiple seasons, but with a need on some contenders' rosters for strong and consistent arms, the Rockies could likely get a formidable package for their ace.

Hunter Pence

With a .315 batting average and 61 runs batted in so far in 2011, Hunter Pence has plenty of suitors wishing he'd make his way onto their rosters.

The Houston Astros All-Star is a solid player both offensively and defensively and would immediately make an impact on even the most complete franchise.

Pence will be arbitration eligible in 2012, and rather than negotiate a deal with their rising star, the Astros could look to get the best possible return in exchange for their trade chip.

B.J. Upton

With the Tampa Bay Rays currently sitting eight games out of first place in the strong AL East, the team may find itself fielding additional calls over the next week or so as the trade deadline looms.

One player who teams will likely be calling about is B.J. Upton. A very versatile player, Upton provides a multi-dimensional attack. His .237 batting average is low for his standards, but his power numbers are there and his basepath speed is an asset that will surely appeal to the right suitor.

Casey Blake

Casey Blake played his way to a .243 average in 44 games before being placed on the disabled list.

Playing the majority of his games at first base this season, Blake's ability to play all over the field would allow a team to use him in a multitude of ways as they see fit.

With no definitive timetable placed on Blake's return, it's uncertain as to whether or not a team would take the risk on, but with the Dodgers likely in a selling mood, the price may be low.

Josh Willingham

The Oakland Athletics are currently 13.5 games out in the AL West and will likely be entertaining many offers from interested suitors.

Set to join free agency after this season, Josh Willingham's name has been linked to a number of MLB teams. The 32-year-old outfielder is batting just shy of .250 and has knocked in 46 runs while going deep 12 times.

Aaron Hill

Even though Aaron Hill hasn't exactly been the model of consistency since first joining the Blue Jays in 2005, he has approached a .300 average in multiple seasons and has slugged the ball well in recent seasons, once hitting 36 home runs in a season.

He disappointed many in 2010, as he barely batted over .200 and saw nearly a 200 point drop-off in OPS. It's hard to say whether or not the Blue Jays are eager to part ways with Hill, but if the right suitor came up with a good package, he could shore up the infield of a contending team by August.

Mark Buehrle

The Chicago White Sox currently find themselves just a half game out of fourth place in the AL Central and four and a half games out of first place. In a division that lacks a truly dominating force they can't consider themselves out of contention, but if they continue to drop in the standings and sit in a deeper hole as the deadline nears they may look to move veteran Mark Buehrle.

Currently in the final year of a four-year, $56 million deal, Buehrle is 7-5 with a 3.38 ERA in 19 starts. The team may be hesitant to extend Buehrle at what would likely be a high price tag for a 33-year-old starter, making this move more logical in the event they falter.

Jeff Francoeur

The Kansas City Royals have a number of emerging prospects in their system that are slowly giving fans a glimpse of what the future of the franchise may hold.

In an effort to gain some additional prospects, the team may opt to move soon-to-be free agent Jeff Francoeur. The rightfielder is batting .264 this season and is just shy of the 60 RBI mark. With above average speed and defense, he may be a useful tool for a team in need. 

Ryan Ludwick

San Diego Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick has been less than impressive since coming over from St. Louis in 2010. His .229 average with the team is 35 points below his career average and a far cry from the .280 average he put together in four years with the Cardinals.

The Padres may look to move Ludwick before he enters free agency after this season. While a number of teams appear to have interest in his services, a return trip to Cleveland, where he spent parts of three seasons, may be a likely destination.