MLB Trade Rumors: Hunter Pence and Five All-Stars Who Will Stay Put

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HOUSTON - MAY 24: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros doubles to right field in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park on May 24, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

The July 31 MLB Trade Deadline is just two days away and Ubaldo Jimenez and Hunter Pence are two of the biggest names on the block.

Asking prices will be an issue when discussing with the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies about Jimenez and Pence, possibly allowing them to stay with their respective team.

As we see more and more players go on the disabled list, both of these players could be dealt if teams get extremely desperate for a big-time bat or power arm.

Unless the Rockies or Astros find the right deal, both have a great chance of staying home for another season.

They aren't the only ones, though. Here are five players that may be staying with the home team.

No 5: Hiroki Kuroda

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 27: Hiroki Kuroda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on July 27, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Rockies defeated the Dodgers 3-1. (P

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Hiroki Kuroda is a hot commodity at the Major League Baseball trade deadline, but his no-trade clause is holding the Los Angeles Dodgers hostage.

The Dodgers would like to move the right-hander—who is 6-13 with a 3.11 ERA—but are not taking any offers as of now.

Los Angeles wants a "significant piece" in return for Kuroda. Although his record is awful, Kuroda has been solid in 2011 so it is understandable why the Dodgers feel this way.

In the end, that "significant piece" may never come out, keeping Kuroda in Los Angeles.

No 4: Carlos Quentin

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 22: Carlos Quentin #20 of the Chicago White Sox looks to the sky after hitting a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 22, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller

Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Chicago White Sox and outfielder Carlos Quentin don't want to part ways at the trade deadline. He has hit .262 with 20 HR and 62 RBI in 96 games played.

However, the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and others are interested in his services.

Quentin could be traded at the deadline—especially if teams really feel they need to upgrade in the outfield—but the White Sox will want a few top-notch prospects in return.

He has been very productive in the past four seasons, hitting 20 + home runs including 36 and 100 RBI in 2008.

I'm not sure the White Sox will be willing to part ways with a player who has been so extremely productive.

No 3: Aramis Ramirez

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 17: Aramis Ramirez #16 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI double scoring Starlin Castro during the first inning against the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field on July 17, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images)

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Aramis Ramirez has been dead set on his no-trade clause, but has mentioned that he understands that Major League Baseball is a business.

He may, however, be more willing to trade now compared to earlier in the summer.

It still looks bleak that Ramirez would be willing to move his family to another city, which has been one of the biggest issues with his no-trade clause.

The Cubs should do whatever they can to deal the third basemen, who is hitting .296 with 19 HR and 62 RBI.

Ramirez will most likely be staying in Chicago unless he decides to play for a contender.

No 2: Ubaldo Jimenez

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 24: Starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez #38 of the Colorado Rockies during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on July 24, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 7-0. (P

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ubaldo Jimenez has taken a step back in 2011.

In 2010, Jimenez went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, but in 2011 he has fallen to 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA.

The Colorado Rockies seem to be asking a lot for Jimenez. The New York Yankees seem to be one of the few teams that could generate enough in return for the hard-throwing right-hander.

It may take three top prospects to get Jimenez and few teams would be willing to give up three top prospects for a pitcher who has struggled during the current season.

No 1: Hunter Pence

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 20: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros hits a triple in the first inning against the Washington Nationals on July 20, 2011 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. Astros won in the bottom of the 11th 3 - 2. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/G

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Hunter Pence is the best player on the Houston Astros. Trading an all-star caliber player should bring in a couple future all-star caliber players in return.

To add value you must be willing to give up value and that will be the case if a team "wows" the Astros.

Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves seem to be the front-runners.

The Phillies would include Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton in the deal. Cosart is 8-8 with a 4.19 ERA in Single-A Clearwater. He was ranked the 70th best prospect in Major League Baseball before the 2011 season. Singleton is the 39th ranked prospect in the MLB. He is hitting .284 with nine home runs and 47 RBI for Clearwater.

Both the Phillies and Braves need a bat, but the question will remain how much are they be willing to spend for Pence who is hitting .307 with 11 HR and 62 RBI.

It will take a move that the Astros can't refuse in order to get Pence and that type of deal has a shot at never happening.

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