Some pitchers who could be available between now and the trading deadline: Paul Byrd; maybe Jeremy Sowers if the right bat were available in return; Derek Lowe; Rich Harden; Odalis Perez; Brett Tomko; Jarrod Washburn; Zach Duke; Vicente Padilla; and Kevin Millwood, if the money could be worked out.
Then here are five unlikely, but not impossible, scenarios:
1. If the Blue Jays fall out of the AL East race because of injuries, they might move A.J. Burnett, who can opt out of his deal at the end of the season. Their starting pitching is so good, it's hard to imagine them falling far behind.
2. If the Indians fall out of the AL Central race because it can't hit, they may have internal discussions about whether it's better to do a deal for Bartolo Colon in July (the next Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips might be hard to find in this market), or to sign C.C. Sabathia or take two draft picks after the season.
3. If the A's fall, they might deal Joe Blanton. Actually, call Billy Beane right now. He'll always listen.
4. If the Padres believe it's hopeless this season, they might move Greg Maddux. Hello, Cubbies, Braves, Dodgers.
5. If the Brewers cannot get healthy and in gear, they may have to listen to teams about Ben Sheets, who is a free agent at the end of the year.