The baseball trade deadline is the actual Christmas in July. Not the shopping sales or food deals, but the trade deadline on July 31.

While this year’s list of rumored trade candidates short, expect some bigger names to change uniforms and maybe, just maybe a notable prospect or two get moved. If the Cubs-Rangers trade of Matt Garza for Mike Olt, Justin Grimm, and C.J. Edwards can happen, then seeing another sizable, high-profile trade is possible.

This week’s column is centered on a few of those rumored to be moved, and if a change in scenery means that they are worth an add/drop, or trade.

Peaking

Jake Peavy, Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox: The injury history is hard to ignore, but his T.W.T.W. (Did I really just go there? Yes, yes I did) and return from injury with two solid starts means he could very well be the best pitcher on the market. If Peavy finds his way to Oakland, St. Louis, or Atlanta, playing with a much better defense can only help him. I am a huge fan of Peavy’s, and I can only hope he gets out of Chicago’s cesspool and into a better place in real baseball and in fantasy.

Cliff Lee, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies: If Philly finally realizes they have zero shot of making the postseason and look to sell, Lee will be a hot commodity and best available pitcher. Lee has been a hot pitcher as the summer months give way to fall temperatures. Lee can still dominate the best lineups in the game, and a little run support on a contender could get him out of his July funk.

Carlos Quentin, Outfield, San Diego Padres: Quentin has seemed to find his hitting stroke again, and the consistency is showing in his md-.270 batting average. The run production has picked up speed as well as he has driven in 13 runs since the All-Star break.

I see Alexei Ramirez getting moved and getting some pop back. His 1 home run in 2013 is very disappointing, but his season as a whole has been inconsistent.

In the Valley

Closers– Glen Perkins, Joe Nathan, Bobby Parnell, Tom Wilhelmsen, and Jonathan Papelbon are all rumored to go, and all scare me to death. Call me crazy, but closers get comfortable in a situation that breeds success. The first four have been good this season, and a change could ruin that. Plus, if any of these guys are moved, who’s to say that they close?

Alex Rios, Outfield, Chicago White Sox: The power is declining despite an acceptable OPS over .760, and Rios’ largest contribution in 2013 has been his steals. A move to a team like Texas hurts his power value more than a trade to Pittsburgh. His RBI production may dip some away from the White Sox, but there is a better chance of Rios hitting 6^th or 7^th on a contender than 4^th or 5^th like he has in 2013.

Nate Schierholtz, Outfield, Chicago Cubs: While not a trade candidate a few weeks ago, a torrid July makes Schierholtz an attractive option off the bench. His value has come from being in the lineup often. A trade kills any chance of him seeing enough at-bats to be fantasy relevant. His time with the Giants and Phillies are a testament to that. I love Schierholtz and have since his signing with Chicago, but a move makes him useless to me.

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