MLB Trade News: 4 Teams We Didn't Expect to Be Sellers

Aside from the playoffs, trade deadline time is the most exciting time of the year in any sport. 

It is the time for a struggling team to bring in promising prospects and give the fans hope for the future. 

It is the time for a contender to bulk up on star players who can help their team get over the top. 

Usually at the trade deadline, teams will make it clear whether they will be "buyers" or "sellers," denoting their position at trade deadline day. 

Here is a list of four teams that, at any time, did not think they would be sellers at this year's trade deadline. 

As always please feel free to comment your opinion on the trades you think might happen on trade deadline day. I'm always intrigued. 

Oakland Athletics

At the start of the season, the Oakland Athletics were looking to contend for a playoff spot. 

They now sit 12.5 games back of the division and have become a prime example of what a seller should look like. 

The A's have a wealth of talent that could be moved, including Hideki Matsui, Coco Crisp and David DeJesus. 

The A's seem to be the busiest team every year at trade deadline day. This year looks to be no exception. 

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners were actually in contention for the AL West title until about three weeks ago when they hit a 17-game losing streak. 

The Mariners, despite appearing to be sellers, have few viable players to sell. 

Seattle has few hitters worthy of a trade but have a bullpen that might warrant some offers.  

It is unlikely, but Ichiro Suzuki is realistically the only offensive player from the Mariners who contenders would vie for. 

Minnesota Twins

The Twins are more in limbo than anything. But some people are arguing the Twins should become sellers by the time the trade deadline rolls around. 

The Twins sit seven games back of the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, so a playoff run seems highly unlikely. 

But at the same time, this appears to just be an off year for the franchise. Next year, with fewer injuries, they might be able to find themselves back in the postseason. 

The Twins have a crop of talent that would have many playoff contenders happy to dish out prospects . 

These players include Delmon Young, Francisco Liriano and Michael Cuddyer. 

If the Twins decide to become sellers in the next couple of days, expect big action out of Minnesota. 

Tampa Bay Rays

At the start of the season, the Tampa Bay Rays looked poised for another playoff run. 

The Rays are in the toughest division in baseball, the AL East. Even though they are having a good season by all accounts, a playoff spot seems impossible. 

The Rays will likely deal B.J. Upton and Johnny Damon by the trade deadline, as both players seem to be going elsewhere after the season anyways.