Around the MLB, July 8th

• The Cubs have reportedly acquired Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Athletics for young right-hander Sean Gallagher, Matt Murton, Eric Patterson, and minor-leaguer John Donaldson. This move now gives Chicago a starting rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Harden, Gaudin, and either Ted Lilly or Jason Marquis, one of whom will probably either be dealt or moved to the bullpen. Looks pretty good to me. This move was clearly a counter to the deal that sent CC Sabathia to division rival Milwaukee.
  
• It's looking less and less like the Rockies are going to seriously shop Matt Holliday. Despite the fact that they are 38-52, Colorado sits only 6.5 games back of first place in the pathetic NL West. The Angels were rumored to be interested, but they seem to be okay with Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr. in left field for now. The Rays have also poked their heads in, but the Rockies want top pitching prospect David Price, someone Tampa Bay is not willing to part with.
• There is a chance that the Braves explore trade options for Mark Teixeira. I could see the Yankees making a run at him should Hideki Matsui's knee injury keep him out for the season. The Bronx Bombers could then put Teixeira at first base and slide Jason Giambi into the DH spot.
• The Pirates seem to be taking offers for Xavier Nady. Maybe the Rays will inquire about him? He certainly won't command as much in return as someone like Holliday, but he is still producing just as well as almost any other outfielder in the league this year. Right-handed prospect Jeff Niemann would probably have to be involved.
• With Matt Treanor looking like a sure-thing for the DL, the Marlins will now probably look even harder to find a catcher. They did call up John Baker from Triple-A, but I'm sure they will look around the majors for some stability. I think Miguel Olivo would be their best option. Other names that have been thrown around are Yorvit Torrealba and David Ross. If that's the best Florida can get, then they should just stick with what they have.
• The Marlins also demoted Mark Hendrickson to the bullpen in favor of top prospect Chris Volstad, and he wasn't too happy about it. Hendrickson wouldn't say that he requested a trade, but one would be safe to assume that Florida is looking for suitors for the 34-year old left-hander.
  
• Unless the Giants fall back rapidly in the NL West race, they will most likely not be trading Bengie Molina. Believe it or not, San Francisco sits only five games back in the division.
• David Eckstein is drawing some interest, with the Orioles and Dodgers both looking at the scrappy shortstop. Jack Wilson is another shortstop who may be on the market, and there were rumors that the Dodgers were working on a deal for the Pittsburgh Pirate. However, those rumors have since been quashed.