There is almost no question that Sabathia will be wearing a new uniform by August 1st.

The operative word for the next few weeks is…..trade! MLB is gearing up for its annual celebration of the games biggest names at the All Star game, taking place in “The House that Ruth built.” While MLB’s hype machine expends all of its time and energy into making that into an event, just about everyone else is looking ahead towards the end of July and the trading deadline, baseball’s annual swap meet. This is when the have-not teams look to get some value in return for players they no longer need, or can no longer afford to keep. It’s also a time when the contending teams try to grab a player or three that they hope will kick them over the top towards winning a division title and the chance to play in the post season. For the fantasy manager, it can be a mixed bag depending on where a player is moved. It can also create opportunities for players who were blocked from a full time job, and the savvy fantasy manager who knows where those opportunities might be lurking. Trades can also be the ruination of a fantasy team in monoleagues, when a player is traded from the AL to the NL, or visa versa. All of which begs the question – how do you find out about potential trades, and who might end up with a new job? What players could end up in a new league, and what is the best way to replace a guy who becomes useless in a monoleague?

Of course, the snarky wise-guy answer to all of these questions is – why, right here at Sports Grumblings young ladies and lads!! We will keep tabs on everything that is happening around baseball, and report it to you here in The Grumble, or in one of our daily columns, and in our player news. But seriously, there are a few good places to keep tabs. MLB Trade Rumours.com is probably the most comprehensive site for trade information on the web. Think of it as kind of a meta-site where they compile all of the various rumors/speculation that are out there. They also take the time to analyze and comment on the veracity and authenticity of the rumors, which is somewhat helpful given that so much of what is out there really is just speculation and not based in fact. There is also a new site, launched just a week ago, Trade Talk on MLBlogs looks as though it might be a good site too. It’s hard to say just yet because it’s so new, but the information there looks to be on target so far.

So just what are some of the current rumors making the rounds these days? For starters, there is little doubt now that C.C. Sabathia will be wearing a new uniform by August 1^st. The most well know suitor so far is the Milwaukee Brewers, where Indian’s scouts have been checking out prospects Matt LaPorta and Alcides Escobar, one of whom could be part of a deal for Sabathia with the Tribe. Other teams that have an interest in Sabathia are the Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, and Mets. The Yankees were thought to be interested as well, but Hank Steinbrenner claims that the Yankees are not going to be making any kind of big splash in the trade market and are not interested in Sabathia.

The Rockies are rumored to be ready to deal Garrett Atkins and Matt Holliday. The Indians are interested in both players, but probably don’t match up well with the Rockies for a trade. The Angels are thought to have an interest in Holliday, and have plenty to offer in trade. One would think that both New York teams would have an interest in the outfielder, but may not have the pieces to trade.

A.J. Burnett is reportedly available from the Toronto Blue Jays, mainly because he has an opt out clause that he is likely to exercise over the winter. The Jays are looking for an upgrade at shortstop in return as they are unhappy with David Eckstein’s production issues.

Don’t forget that Freddy Garcia is just about ready to come back Tommy John surgery. He is reported to be throwing very well, and veteran arms with post-season experience don’t exactly fall off a truck very often. Supposedly there are 13 different teams interested in Garcia’s services. He has auditioned for the Tigers, White Sox, Phillies, and Indians so far. Detroit is expected to make the most serious offer, which is not surprising given their pitching woes.

The Nationals are looking to move some older players, like Cristian Guzman, Felipe Lopez, and Paul LoDuca. They may also move Jon Rauch, who is a valuable pitcher with a closer’s pedigree, or Tim Redding, but their younger arms are not available.

The Marlins need a catcher, and are considering Dave Ross from the Reds, or they could go after Yorvit Torrealba, who is unhappy that he has pretty much lost his job and has asked for a trade.

The Pirates are shopping some of their players, with Jack Wilson being the most prominently heard name. The Dodgers are reportedly interested in Wilson, which makes sense with Rafael Furcal going under the knife and out for two months or more. The Pirates could also move Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and Damaso Marte to bring some prospects into the organization. There are several teams in need of outfield help, so they shouldn’t have a shortage of suitors for Bay and/or Nady.

Finally, the Braves are rumored to be shopping Mark Teixeira, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season. It is virtually assured that the Braves won’t be able to sign Big Tex, who is looking for a big fat long-term contract.

That’s all I’ve got today folks. Shake it easy.