MLB Trade Rumors: Braves Need an Outfielder, Vlad Guerrero Trade Talk and More

You may not realize it, but the 2011 MLB season is already flying by.

We’ve passed the magic quarter mark, where it is generally acceptable to start forming solid opinions on teams. Soon and very soon, the trade talk is going to start flying around as the July 31 deadline looms on the horizon.

Pitchers are always going to be in the mix for a trade, and some starting pitchers' names have already come into play, but there are also some big-name hitters and fielders in the mix too.

The Atlanta Braves are apparently looking for an outfielder, the Rangers are eying bullpen help and is Vladimir Guerrero really on Baltimore’s trading block?

Here are the latest MLB trade rumors:

Starting Pitchers

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 22: Jonathan Sanchez #57 of the San Francisco Giants starts against the Oakland A's at AT&T Park on May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 5-4 in 11 innings. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Jason A. Churchill of ESPN is reporting that many starting pitchers could be targets at the July 31 trade deadline.

He mentions Cleveland Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona as a pitcher that a contending team like the Rangers or Rockies could want in order to sure up the back end of their rotation.

He also believes that if the Giants fall out of contention, left-hander Jonathan Sanchez is going to be the hottest name on the market.

He is arbitration eligible for the third and final time this offseason, so there is a good chance that they could be looking to move him.

Texas Rangers Bullpen Needs

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CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 19: Joel Hanrahan #52 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 19, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Doug Mittler of ESPN is stating that the Texas Rangers are looking for help in their bullpen and are very high on Pittsburgh closer Joel Hanrahan.

Ron Biertempfel of the Tribune Review is reporting that the Pirates have rejected the offer and are not actively shopping Hanrahan, which might effectively put an end to that rumor.

The underlying reason behind this would be so that the Rangers can move Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation next season.

Kevin Slowey Trade Bait for Twins?

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 30: Kevin Slowey #59 of the Minnesota Twins pitches in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers during their game on June 30, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twins won 5-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images)

Kevin Slowey of the Twins is headed down to Triple-A Rochester, but La Velle Neal III of the Star Tribune thinks that if he can put things back together, he would be very valuable trade bait for the Twins.

Slowey reportedly texted Neal Sunday night and said he believes there is a possibility that he will be traded.

Guerrero on the Trade Block?

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 03: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the game against the Kansas City Royals on May 3, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Orioles are only four games out of first place in the AL East, so trading away their hottest hitter shouldn’t be an option right?

Jason Churchill of ESPN seems to think that the Orioles might try to get some big pieces back in return for Guerrero.

Churchill speculates that some teams in the market for a DH include the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners.

Braves Looking at Hunter Pence?

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HOUSTON - APRIL 30: Hunter Pence #9 of the Houston Astros looks back ahome plate umpire Derryl Cousins after striking out in the fifth ining against the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park on April 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty

ESPN’s Buster Olney seems to feel that Houston’s Hunter Pence would be a great fit in the Atlanta Braves outfield, and that Pence has been on the Braves' wish list for a long time.

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweeted that he doesn’t see the Braves pursuing Pence or any other outfielders though.

Jason Churchill speculates with Olney that other notable names the Braves could be looking at are: Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, David DeJesus, Ryan Doumit and Coco Crisp.

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