MLB trade rumor roundup: Yankees close on Soriano, Several scouting K-Rod, Orioles ‘tapped out’

Arguably the deadline's biggest trade piece, Matt Garza, was finally dealt to the Rangers on Monday in exchange for three prospects and a couple of players who will be named later. While Garza's off the table, there are still plenty of trade rumors swirling about. So let's get up to date, shall we? Here's a quick wrap of Monday's rumor dirt:

Once again desperate for help in the outfield corners, the New York Yankees are "close" to acquiring Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs. The price to reunite with their former second baseman is reportedly a mid-level prospect, with Chicago sending a good amount of money the Yankees' way to help with the roughly $24 million left on Soriano's contract this year and next. The Yankees were tied to Soriano in the winter, but his name was thought to be off the table after the club acquired the similarly-overpriced Vernon Wells from the Angels. Well... apparently not.

The market for Brewers right-hander Francisco Rodriguez is heating up, with the Red Sox, Tigers, and Dodgers all sending scouts to watch the reborn closer. No deal is close at the moment for the right-hander, reportedly, but he will likely be on the move before next's week deadline. An afterthought on the free-agent market this winter, K-Rod has regained his form this season and established himself as one of the best relief options on the summer market. The former All-Star closer owns a stellar 1.09 earned-run average in 24⅔ innings this season.

The Baltimore Orioles have made just one move to shore up their roster this month, acquiring starter Scott Feldman from the Chicago Cubs, but may be done making moves on the trade market. Reportedly, the move to not make any more moves has more to do with being "tapped out" in terms of available money than a desire to stand pat. For instance, when asked about possible interest in Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, the club said that his roughly $6 million salary is "too expensive." While this may not put them out of the trading game completely, it certainly hurts their chances of making any big moves in the next week.