The trade deadline is fast approaching so we'll take a look at some potential trade candidates this week.  All stats are through Monday, July 17th.   

Kansas City Royals

The Royals activated Mike MacDougal from the disabled list last week and immediately returned him to his closing role.  MacDougal picked up his first save of the season on Sunday pitching a scoreless inning against Detroit.  The Royals are well out of contention and new GM Dayton Moore should be looking to sell any major league talent that doesn’t have a future in KC.  MacDougal should fit in that category.  If he pitches well over the next couple of weeks it wouldn’t be surprising to see him shipped to another club.  As such, fantasy owners should probably hang on to Ambiorix Burgos for a couple more weeks.

Florida Marlins

There have been a few rumors popping up that the Marlins could consider trading Joe Borowski before the deadline.  The Marlins are technically still in the hunt for the Wild Card but the team would be better off cashing in on Borowski as they are unlikely to make the playoffs and it is doubtful they would offer Borowski a contract extension at the end of the season.  Should the Marlins make a move, Logan Kensing, Taylor Tankersley and Randy Messenger would all be candidates for saves in the Florida pen.  Kensing would probably be the initial favorite for saves.

Cleveland Indians

The Indians are more than 20 games back in the AL Central and are more than 16 games back in the Wild Card race making this team a likely seller.  The Indians figure to get calls asking for Bob Wickman and possibly Guillermo Mota by teams looking for bullpen help.  If Wickman goes, Fausto Carmona figures to earn an opportunity to close out games for the Indians.  The young right-hander has been excellent since moving to the pen, posting a 1.09 ERA and a 23/7 K/BB ratio in 24.2 innings pitched.  If you are speculating for saves, go ahead and grab Carmona and hope the Indians find a taker for Wickman.

Philadelphia Phillies

There have been rumors that Tom Gordon could be on the trade market after GM Pat Gillick mentioned his team would have a couple weeks to turn things around before he makes the decision to blow up his squad to start planning for next season.  Of all the trade candidates listed here I’d guess that Gordon is the least likely to be moved.  Gillick just signed him this winter and the GM appears more interested in getting rid of some of the bloated contracts from the previous regime in Philadelphia.  Still, if the Phillies get a sweet offer they’ll have to at least consider it.  Geoff Geary, Arthur Rhodes and Aaron Fultz could be candidates for saves if Gordon is moved.

Injuries

There are no injuries to report this week as all current injured closers are out for the season. 

Pen Names is your guide to bullpen situations around the majors.  Questions for inclusion in future columns can be emailed to Pelowski@CREATiVESPORTS.com.