Market Maker

The Blue Jays single-handedly brightened a dreary trade market when they unexpectedly dangled ace Roy Halladay, catching nearly everyone's attention, including even the Giants (who already have the game's best one-two pitching punch in Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain) and the Rangers (who are in the midst of an unsettled ownership situation and have cash-flow problems). Rating his potential impact on a scale of 1 to 10, one interested executive says, "He's a 500."

Halladay's availability was an eye-opener; what would be more surprising now is if he were traded anywhere but Philadelphia. The Phillies badly need an arm, and they have the other elements to make a deal: deep enough pockets to take on the balance of the righthander's contract and a bevy of frontline prospects, the most prized of which are righthander Kyle Drabek and outfielder Dominic Brown. The other names in Philly's system being discussed are outfielder Michael Taylor, shortstop Jason Donald and pitcher Carlos Carrasco. The other contenders for Halladay, who is signed through 2010, could include the Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Cardinals, Brewers, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, White Sox and Tigers.

While Halladay, 32, is the biggest prize of the shopping season, he isn't the only one. Here's a primer before the July 31 trade deadline.

THE STARS

Cliff Lee
Cleveland is seriously considering moving the 2008 Cy Young winner despite a reasonable $9 million option for next season. The Dodgers have interest in the lefty— who's been better than his 5--9 record at week's end indicates—and would love to slot him into a postseason rotation with Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw.

Victor Martinez
The Indians recently began scouting the stacked minor league system of the Red Sox, who covet the Cleveland catcher. The Tribe would need an overwhelming offer to deal V-Mart, a clubhouse leader and consistent slugger at a premium position. One person familiar with the thinking of Cleveland's front office said while G.M. Mark Shapiro loves Martinez, the All-Star's departure would be cushioned by the approaching arrival of switch-hitting Carlos Santana, one of baseball's best prospects.

Matt Holliday
The A's once envisioned recovering what they gave up to get the outfielder from the Rockies last winter (closer Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and lefty starter Greg Smith), but they didn't anticipate Holliday going through a 33-game homer drought, which he ended last Friday. Oakland might be better off taking the draft picks it would receive if Holliday becomes a free agent.

Adam Dunn
Acting Nationals G.M. Mike Rizzo said that he won't trade the 29-year-old slugging outfielder, who's having a fine offensive season (23 home runs, .401 OBP at week's end). Dunn, though, would be far more useful to an AL contender, which could use him at DH.

TEAMS SEEKING BATS

Giants
Holliday, Alex Rios and Jermaine Dye are outfielders on San Francisco's wish list. But third base is the position that the club really needs to upgrade.