Freddy Garcia could use a change of scenery. AP

It probably shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that the rumor mill is grinding at full force, with the trade deadline a little more than a month away. It may be slightly more surprising that no big deals have been struck just yet (depending on how you feel about Richard Hidalgo). But as the real teams strike trades, you can use those moves to help out your fantasy squad.

There are a number of players on the block, either as the prime targets or as the cheap prospects every rebuilding team desires.

If you're in AL- or NL-only league, interleague trades could spice up the pennant race and/or the chase for youngsters, depending on what direction your team is going. If you're in a mixed league, there are plenty of directions you could go when your players are on the move.

Here are a number of players that you'll need to watch in the upcoming weeks as moves are made:

Carlos Beltran, OF, Royals: He's the grand prize in this summer's trade sweepstakes. He's among the top fantasy players because he can hit for power, steal lots of bases and hit for average (although he's a bit down in that category so far). The power and speed should stay the same, depending on which ballpark he'll call home. The average could pick up as well as the RBIs, depending on where he hits in a new lineup.

Freddy Garcia, P, Mariners: Right now, he's the main starting pitching target despite a subpar 2003 and a losing record this year (although Seattle's anemic offense is a huge reason for it). His ERA and WHIP have been outstanding, which makes him an inviting trade target. His record should improve noticeably going to a team with a much better offense than the Mariners, but the ERA and WHIP could suffer, depending on the park. His ERA on the road is close to four, almost a run and a half more than at home.

Jamie Moyer, P, Mariners: If Seattle doesn't trade Garcia, maybe Moyer goes instead, although he has the 10-5 rights that make deals difficult to pull off. Moyer just finds ways to get people out, although he's giving up too many longballs, which could be an issue if he leaves pitcher-friendly Safeco Field.

Randy Johnson, P, Diamondbacks: There are some rumblings that the Big Unit could be dealt, given Arizona's money issues, but it seems like a longshot. You know what he can do, and he's even cheated time by throwing a perfect game. It's interesting to note that Garcia is now on the market, given he was one of the main prospects sent from Houston to Seattle in the trade for Johnson in 1998.

Kris Benson, P, Pirates: It's hard to figure out when Benson will finally make the leap to a top-shelf starter. Maybe he won't, although he's trying to make inroads. That potential may be why a number of teams are scouting him to provide pitching help for the stretch run. The K rate is improving and he's toned down the homers allowed, which is a good sign for later in the season, whether it be in Pittsburgh or somewhere else.

Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox: With Bill Mueller coming back, the "Greek God of Walks" -- as described in Moneyball -- needs a place to play, either in Pawtucket or another franchise. In fact, Mueller's injury was a convenient way to showcase Youkilis, who's been a solid hitter since coming up with the club (even if he has struck out more than he walked). He appears deserving of a starting job in the majors, and a major deal could afford him that chance.

David DeJesus, OF, Royals: The major benefactor of any potential Beltran deal would be DeJesus, the team's top prospect who struggled in his first go-around in the show. At this point, Kansas City will give him as many at-bats as possible in the minors until he's handed a starting job.

Xavier Nady, OF, Padres: There isn't much room for Nady in the San Diego lineup with all the main starters now back relatively healthy, although he has plenty of skills to be playing on the major-league level, based on last year's decent stats . He could be included in a deal if the Padres make a run at the NL West title.

Arthur Rhodes, P, A's: He hasn't been as good as advertised, ranking among the league leaders in blown saves. The rest of the bullpen hasn't helped matters, which is why Oakland is likely going after some relief help. If Rhodes doesn't get shipped in a deal, he could be shifted back to a setup role for whatever closer might end up with the job.

Oscar Azocars update: I'm now officially out of the cellar for good unless there's a remarkably productive game from my cast of castoffs. I'm realizing that my hitters may be the ones who will carry my team instead of the patchwork of pitchers I've been trotting out all year. Eight strikeouts in 13 at-bats from Brandon Larson last week was a help, as was a 5-for-29, seven-strikeout performance from Mark Kotsay. My pitching is still all over the place, but I was helped by Dewon Brazelton flaming out after just two innings against the D'backs. However, just my luck, I pick up the slumping Bartolo Colon in time for his brilliant game against Oakland on Tuesday (and keep him benched in my "real" leagues), but I was saved by Javier Lopez's meltdown.

James Quintong is Fantasy Sports Producer for SI.com.