posted June 30, 2005 at 14:51 EST in MLB Articles

The most exciting time of the baseball season is about to begin. No, I’m not talking about the all-star game, the playoff chase or even the potential of an all-Chicago World Series.

Just before the All-Star break is the time that teams have to decide if they have the horses to go the distance or if it’s time to pack it in for this year and trade some high contracts for future prospects.

What this means is that as far as debating who is more valuable, the proof will be in the pudding once the teams that are in the hunt begin trading for veteran help to aid the stretch run.

The Colorado Rockies are committed to putting a winning team together for the 2007 season, which means that there are a few Rockies who may be on the move before the break hits. Preston Wilson is an outfielder who can help a variety of teams, including the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. He can hit for power, steal bases, and offers the ability to take the extra base as well as steal a few.

Staring pitching is an area that most contenders will be interested in strengthening, and Roger Clemens and Jason Schmidt are only two of the potential big name starters that could be changing colors before it is all said and done. Colorado is also said to be shopping lefthander Joe Kennedy around and has already turned down some prospective offers.

Relief pitching also is an area that some contenders will look to improve. Ugueth Urbina has already moved from Detroit to Philadelphia, but the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Giants are interested in acquiring his services. Dany Baez, from the Devil Rays may also be the object of inquiries as will be Derrick Turnbow from the Brewers and Jose Mesa from the Pirates.

Power hitters in the infield are also in demand, the most prominent, Mike Sweeny from the Royals is currently on the DL, but there is no shortage of teams looking for a power-hitting first baseman down the stretch starting with the Atlanta Braves who really can’t count on 46-year old Julio Franco everyday.