MLB trade rumors: Orioles interested in A.J. Burnett, Giants pursuing infield help

According to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles may be adding Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett via trade before the July 31 deadline.

While Morosi described the talks as "very preliminary" with "no substantial progress," there has been "initial dialogue" between the two teams. Burnett has not played particularly well this season in Philadelphia, but had two strong years with the Pirates in 2012 and 2013. And his 4.08 ERA so far this season -- in the bandbox that is Citizen Bank Park (although Camden Yards isn't exactly Petco Park) -- is one one-hundredth of a point more than the collective ERA for the Orioles' starters.

With the talks not quite taking form just yet, it's unclear what the O's may have to give up for the former World Series champion. But considering his mildly onerous contract -- he's owed $16 million this season and between $7.5 million (his player option) and $15 million dollars (the team part of a mutual option) next season -- it may not be much if the Phillies are looking to unload salary. As they are also shopping Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, it appears they might be.

Giants looking for infielders in Cleveland

Their offense sinking faster that an Alcatraz escapee in the San Francisco Bay, the Giants may be looking to swipe either Asdrubal Cabrera or Mike Aviles from the Cleveland Indians, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

San Francisco is not looking to replace shortstop Brandon Crawford, but the team is in serious need of an upgrade at second. Brandon Hicks, their second baseman for most of the season, was hitting .162/.280/.319, with the batting average the worst in the majors for players with as many plates appearances as Hicks. Although he's been sent down, his replacement -- Joe Panik -- has only been able to keep the crowd of his head above the Mendoza line and the team was reluctant to bring him up to begin with.