When Jeff Weaver was traded to the Yankees last week, I suggested that perhaps the reason he was not selected to the All-Star game was that someone whispered to Joe Torre that Torre might be short a Detroit representative if he took Weaver. While all of the following players managed to stay with their teams through the All-Star game, a few are likely to switch organizations before the end of the season.

Scott Rolen wins this year's All-Star Most Likely to be Traded Award. He's already turned down an extension as he doesn't believe the Phillies are committed to winning and is dedicated to testing the free agent market if he remains in Philadelphia. He also wants to play for a team nearer his Indiana home.

However, the hottest recent Rolen rumor has the third baseman going to San Francisco for Jeff Kent. Tim prodded me to write a piece speculating about such a trade following the dugout incident between Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent, but I declined, as I prefer to discuss trades that have already happened. Now everyone's discussing the possibilities.

A swap of Kent for Rolen would allow both teams to switch premier free agents, each acquiring someone more likely to re-sign with their new team. It would also mean that neither team would lose their potential compensatory draft picks by trading away their free agent. Kent played third base in the past and could potentially fill that role in Philadelphia, while David Bell could move over to second in Frisco, allowing Rolen to play third.

With the front office changeover in Chicago, talk has also heated up that the Cubs might trade for Rolen. The Cubs have been looking for stability at third base for many years and don't appear to have anyone in the minors ready to fill that hole. Chicago's relatively close to Rolen's Indiana home and the team should have the payroll room to sign him to an extension after a trade. I don't think the club needs to add players to win this season but adding Rolen would be as much a long-term acquisition as help now.

If MLB played their All-Star game after their championship as the NFL does, Tampa Bay might need a different representative. Trade buzz swirls around Devil Ray representative Randy Winn, heavily rumored to the Giants and other teams seeking leadoff help. San Francisco has not been happy with their centerfield production this season. Tampa wants prospects and cash with which to sign their most recent draft picks, and the Giants have several AAA prospects practically ready for the majors.

Jose Hernandez likely deserved to start at SS for the National League, but he might not be starting for Milwaukee by the end of the year. He's a free agent after the season, and the Brewers, who still possess an excess of middle infielders, could really use a boost to their farm system. His All-Star appearance, particularly if he plays well in tonight's game, might generate enough buzz for the Brewers to move him. However considering he's likely to receive a high Elias rating, Milwaukee should make certain they receive more than they'd otherwise be able to acquire with his draft pick compensation.

The Astros and Dodgers appear to have the most need for Hernandez of all the playoff contenders. Unhappy with their prospects on the left side of the infield, Houston could certainly use Hernandez for a playoff run. LA also might search for some stability in their middle infield if they remain atop the NL West through the July 31st trading deadline.

Next we come to Luis Castillo, and as a member of the Florida Marlins, he's almost automatically on the market. The publicity of his hitting streak and All-Star appearance should make him valuable trade bait. Oakland comes to mind as the number one organization that could use his skills and they have plenty of minor league talent with which to acquire him, specifically their deep and talented AA pitching corps. I hate to mention the Giants as a buyer for every player, but they've really been missing a leadoff hitter this season, making Castillo a good target. The White Sox might be a dark horse candidate, particularly if they complete other trades, though I doubt they'll make such a move.

Other All-Stars that will likely at least be rumored in trade include Robert Fick, Mike Lowell, Vicente Padilla, and Roy Halladay. Detroit seems willing to trade anyone not in their long-term plans and Florida is in a similar position. Both Fick and Lowell will be somewhat expensive next season. Philly has several starting alternatives and could try to capitalize on Padilla while he should be at the height of his trade value. As for Halladay, I don't think he's at the top of the Toronto trade list, but I think J. P. Ricciardi will include almost any Blue Jay veteran, especially pitcher approaching arbitration, in a deal for the right player.