Rumor Mill Roundup: July 25

With the trade deadline right around the corner, our MLB editor brings you the top five rumors every day until July 31.

- Along with Colorado closer Brian Fuentes, Baltimore left-hander George Sherrill continues to be the hottest commodity on the trading block, drawing interest from many contenders including the Cardinals, Rays, Red Sox and Marlins, according to Dan Graziano. The Orioles remain somewhat reluctant to even deal their closer, particularly since their bullpen is a bit shallow after Sherrill, Dennis Sarfate and Jim Johnson and also because he is under team control for the next three seasons after this one.

Latest Trade Buzz

Mark Teixeira, Braves
Buzz: Though Atlanta has denied a willingness to trade Teixeira over the last few weeks, the club appears to be moving toward becoming a seller. How the Braves play over the next week will likely determine whether or not the team moves the slugger.

Jeff Zelevansky, Getty Images

A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays
Buzz: Though several teams have scouted Burnett, trade movement remains slow as teams balk at the right-hander's uncertain contract status. He has great stuff and would be a quality No. 2 starter for a contender down the stretch.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Buzz: The closer has reportedly been scouted by seven different clubs over the last few days, but Colorado's asking price -- rumored to be a top pitching prospect -- might be scaring potential suitors off. Florida will not deal Chris Volstad for Fuentes, but is still pursuing a deal for the southpaw.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

George Sherrill, Orioles
Buzz: The Cardinals and Angels are among the teams who have asked about the closer, while the Brewers are not. Baltimore's rumored asking price is said to be two or three prospects.

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Barry Bonds, Giants
Buzz: The Yankees are the latest team to say they won't rule out pursuing the all-time home run king now that Hideki Matsui could miss the rest of the season. Hank Steinbrenner has admitted that the team will discuss Bonds in the next few days as they go over their options.

Lisa Blumenfeld, Getty Images

Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Buzz: The Seattle left-hander is drawing interest from the Yankees, who could use him to bolster their rotation. While not an ace, Washburn is a reliable innings-eater.

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Huston Street, Athletics
Buzz: Though some teams are worried about the recent drop in his arm angle and velocity, Oakland's closer seems to have no shortage of suitors. The Reds are the latest team believed to have expressed interest in Street. The Brewers have also made inquiries about his availability.

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Greg Maddux, Padres
Buzz: San Diego would ideally like to move the future Hall of Famer, but he has a full no-trade clause and is rumored to only be willing to accept a deal to a West Coast team.

Marc Serota, Getty Images

Brian Giles, Padres
Buzz: Giles is an on-base machine and a solid defender who could give a contender looking for a corner bat a boost. Getting out of pitcher-friendly Petco Park could lead to a power spike.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Andy LaRoche, Dodgers
Buzz: LaRoche, L.A.'s No. 2 prospect entering the season according to Baseball America, is reportedly being showcased for a potential deadline deal.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

But at some point the offers from other clubs are going to be hard to ignore, particularly if the team continues to struggle as it has recently. And Sherrill will probably become the latest chipped cashed in by GM Andy MacPhail as the O's continue to build toward contention in 2009 and 2010.

- Though they have a ways to go to get to the top the AL Central, the Tigers do not consider themselves sellers and are looking at adding pitching, particularly in the bullpen if reliever Freddy Dolsi continues to be bothered by shoulder discomfort. Detroit's biggest need is probably a starting pitcher, not a relief arm, but unless it pursues a bargain option like Odalis Perez, the Tigers do not have the assets in the upper minor leagues to get someone like A.J. Burnett.

- The Yankees will not sign Barry Bonds after a "brief" discussion about the all-time home run king. That's not a huge surprise. The team is continuing to work on a deal for Seattle's Jarrod Washburn, while also pursuing other starting pitchers including Burnett and Bronson Arroyo. Look for a Washburn deal to get done eventually with New York taking on significant salary and giving up very little in the way of prospects.

- The Mets aren't interested in San Diego outfielder Brian Giles, in fact it's hard to find any team that is, and are looking more closely at the trio of Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez and Casey Blake. Giles might come cheaper than any of those three save Blake and still gets on base a ton, and there's reason to think his power could spike once he leaves Petco Park.

- The Diamondbacks have been mentioned as a possible destination for Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira, but Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic isn't buying the buzz.