July 28 roundup: Hunting for Hunter

After an intense day on the trading block Wednesday, Thursday was more tame. The Indians made noise early, landing Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs and bolstering an outfield that’s been stung by injuries, giving way to rumors surrounding the usual suspects — and setting up a potentially frenzied final three days of the non-waiver trading period.

The Astros are inclined to part with Hunter Pence, and at least six teams are in the mix, but the Phillies appear to be leading the pack. With two arbitration years remaining for Pence, any deal involving him would likely qualify as a blockbuster, probably the largest that could come up this deadline, unless …

… Ubaldo Jimenez is involved. The Yankees appear to be in the best position, The Denver Post’s Troy Renck reported, but the price seems high according to multiple reports.

The Rangers have made Heath Bell their most wanted man.

The Braves likely would have to give up Mike Minor to land B.J. Upton. Ryan Ludwick could be a good fit, but FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal thinks the Indians have a leg up there.

The big game already bagged in Carlos Beltran, Giants general manager Brian Sabean wasn’t giving off the sense that more impact moves are coming down the pipe for his club.

The big game already shipped off, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson directly said that more impact moves aren’t coming down the pipe for his club.

With Rickie Weeks out for six weeks potentially, the Brewers, of all teams, need a second baseman, and on Friday, they landed Felipe Lopez from the Rays, but he was most recently at Triple-A. Clint Barmes, Adam Kennedy and Omar Infante could be in the mix.

The Tigers’ priority is starting pitching, and they’re looking into Jason Marquis, according to FOX Sports. MLB.com’s Jason Beck reports that middle relief could also be on the checklist for Detroit.

The Dodgers drawing the most interest are Rafael Furcal and Hiroki Kuroda, despite no-trade clauses for both. Jamey Carroll‘s still a circulated name (Brewers?).