MLB Trade Rumors, By Position: Adam Dunn, Prince Fielder Just Part Of A First Base Bumper Crop

And now we move on from backstops to a much fuller position. As impact bats are concerned, first place seems like the place to look.

FIRST BASE

Lance Berkman, 34, Switch

2010: $14.5m
2011: $15m club option

Berkman has a hefty price tag, and isn't a good bet to be moved. However, the trade picture can change in a hurry, and though Berkman is currently slogging through the worst season of his career, he did post a .907 OPS just a year ago, and a .986 OPS the year before that. He still has to be considered a potential difference-maker; it's just unclear how willing anyone would be to take on his cost.

Russell Branyan, 34, Left

2010: $1.5m
2011: $5m mutual option

The Mariners traded for Branyan when they were already out of the race, so he may not be on the market, but the team has since landed Justin Smoak and Branyan doesn't appear to be a part of the future, so he could be there as a potential deadline bargain should a team balk at the price tags on Prince Fielder and Adam Dunn. Branyan provides all the power, but less of the reliability.

Jorge Cantu, 28, Right

2010: $6m

Cantu's in the midst of a down season, but as a versatile right-handed infielder with power, he's managed to draw a fair bit of interest as half of a platoon, having been most strongly linked to the Rangers.

Adam Dunn, 30, Left

2010: $12m

Dunn is certainly on the market, as the Nationals have had problems trying to negotiate a contract extension. The issue is that the team has reportedly set an extraordinary price. There's no doubting what Dunn would bring to the table for a contender. There's only doubting whether anyone will pay what Washington wants, or whether Washington will back off its demands.

Prince Fielder, 26, Left

2010: $10.5m
2011: arbitration-eligible

Fielder is like a younger Dunn, and just one of the powerful young bats the Brewers have on the market. Like Dunn, he's very good, and like Dunn, he'd cost a lot - both in terms of prospects now, and money in 2011. It's worth noting that Fielder has lost nearly 100 points off his slugging percentage from a year ago.

Casey Kotchman, 27, Left

2010: $3.5175m
2011: arbitration-eligible

Kotchman is no one's idea of an impact addition at the deadline, but he's lost his place in Seattle and should soon find himself readily available to be someone's Doug Mientkiewicz. The lefty makes consistent contact and plays excellent defense, making him an attractive bench piece.

Adam LaRoche, 30, Left

2010: $4.5m
2011: $7.5m mutual option ($9.5m if traded)

The Diamondbacks would like to shed LaRoche, and he'd work as a B-level addition. However, he doesn't really seem to be anyone's first choice, which makes sense, given his limited skillset. 2010 has been the worst season of his career.

Derrek Lee, 34, Right

2010: $13m

The free agent-to-be has taken a huge step down from his monster 2009, and given his performance, his salary, and concerns over whether he'd waive his no-trade clause, Lee probably isn't going anywhere.

Lyle Overbay, 33, Left

2010:$7m

Like LaRoche, Overbay is an average first baseman due to be a free agent who has little demand for his services. Toronto would love to dump him, but it's an open question as to whether they'll find a partner, as Overbay just doesn't represent an upgrade for many teams.