Rumor Mill Roundup: July 29

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

- Mark Teixeira is off the board, leaving a bunch of lesser players in the rumor mill. The best non-Teixeira rumors continue to surround Manny Ramirez, despite the fact that he is unlikely to be moved before the July 31 deadline. The Red Sox might be more reticent than ever to deal Ramirez with Teixeira off the table. He was the most obvious replacement for Ramirez's production (with Kevin Youkilis moving to left field in a potential deal). But Boston seems so fed up with the slugger it might move him anyway. So the question is, where?

Latest Trade Buzz

Manny Ramirez, Red Sox
Buzz: Boston is exploring possible deals for the slugger, but it remains unlikely he'll be moved before the deadline. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Phillies and Mets are believed to be the teams interested in the slugger.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Jose Guillen, Royals
Buzz: Though he just signed with Kansas City last winter, Guillen is reportedly unhappy with manager Trey Hillman and would like a trade.

G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images

Will Ohman, Braves
Buzz: Mark Teixeira probably won't be the only player leaving Atlanta before the deadline. Ohman, a left-handed reliever, will probably get moved as well.

Drew Hallowell, Getty Images

A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays
Buzz: With the Blue Jays back over the .500 mark, Toronto is planning to hold on to Burnett. A deal now looks like a longshot.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Buzz: The Yankees are stuck in a holding pattern as they try to acquire Washburn. New York is interested in him as a salary dump, but Seattle would prefer quality prospects. With the remaining money on his deal, the southpaw could sneak through waivers in an August trade.

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Matt Holliday, Rockies
Buzz: Colorado is believed to have pulled Holliday off the market as it attempts to make a push in the NL West.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Buzz: The Rockies are unlikely to trade their closer as they try to make a push in the NL West.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

LaTroy Hawkins
Buzz: Hawkins, who was released recently after struggling with the Yankees, is drawing interest from both the Twins and Tigers.

Nick Laham, Getty Images

Jason Bay, Pirates
Buzz: With Pittsburgh's asking price for Bay high, the market around the outfielder seems to have cooled. The Braves were reportedly on the verge of a deal this weekend for the outfielder, but it was nixed by Pirates ownership.

Nick Laham, 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. The Mets are one of the teams that may have interest in the outfielder.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

The Dodgers have moved to the front of the line for Ramirez, offering an outfielder in return -- believed to be either Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier and perhaps prospects. When Teixeira was still available, it was believed they would spin those players to Atlanta for the first basemen, but the Red Sox could hold onto someone like Kemp, who could equal Ramirez's value when you account for defense. The Diamondbacks are unlikely to make a move for Ramirez, especially considering GM Josh Byrnes' familiarity with the slugger (he worked under Theo Epstein in Boston). Ditto for the Phillies. The Mets are very difficult to read, with the team claiming they have no interest and media reports saying otherwise.

- The Royals could infuse some late life into the outfield market if they decide to make Jose Guillen available. Guillen signed a three-year, $36 million deal with Kansas City this winter, but there are rumors that he's unhappy with manager Trey Hillman. Guillen has denied the reports, but he is not known as a great clubhouse guy and he had a very public and messy feud with Mike Scioscia in his last days with the Angels. On the other hand, he is only 32 and is still productive. After hitting .183 in April, Guillen has hit .288 since.

- Teixeira is probably not going to be the last Braves player on the move before 4PM ET on Thursday. According to Atlanta GM Frank Wren a "half-dozen" players are on the block with the team now in full selling mode. Reliever Will Ohman will almost certainly be moved and Mark Kotsay is another likely candidate, but don't rule out someone like Jeff Francoeur finding a new home as well.

- Several rumors have withered on the vine in recent days. The Blue Jays now intend to hold onto A.J. Burnett, which has to make one wonder if the club will re-work his contract to prevent him from opting out after the season. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but Brian Fuentes and Matt Holliday won't be on the move either since the Rockies now consider themselves contenders. And finally, talks between the Mariners and Yankees about Jarrod Washburn appear dead as the teams haggle over prospects and money. It's still possible (maybe even likely) that the teams will re-visit a potential deal in the next 48 hours.

- Recently released relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins is drawing interest from two AL Central teams. Both the Twins and Tigers are eyeing him for the stretch drive. Hawkins began his career in Minnesota, but Detroit probably has a greater need as Freddy Dolsi and Joel Zumaya battle nagging injuries.