Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi has confirmed rumors that the team is talking to Arizona about a deal involving shortstop David Eckstein, according to MLB.com. Talks with the Angels appear to have broken down, but Eckstein could still be out of Toronto by Tuesday. "We're talking to them," Ricciardi said of non-specific trade discussions with the Diamondbacks. "David is one of my favorite guys on this team," manager Cito Gaston said. "You're talking about a guy that's just absolutely been great here with me and I haven't been able to play him as much as I'd like to. David has always, whatever you've asked him to do, he will go and do it for you. He's a class act." If Arizona wants to have Eckstein on their postseason roster, they'll have to land him by midnight on Sunday (EST).

The Phillies have reportedly pulled a trade for Blue Jays' veteran hitter Matt Stairs, according to Courier Post. Stairs was designated for assignment on Thursday. The deal reportedly involves the Phillies sending Toronto a prospect for the 40-year-old slugger. Philadelphia officials would not confirm the rumor. Stairs is batting .250 this season with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs for the Jays.

The Angels continue to pursue a veteran shortstop as insurance in case Erick Aybar is injured as the deadline is just five days away. The team has targeted three Toronto players, slick-fielding John McDonald, former Angel David Eckstein and Marco Scutaro, as well as Baltimore's Juan Castro and Cleveland's Jamey Carroll.

The Angels are looking for depth at shortstop for the stretch run and could be looking to bring David Eckstein back to the team, according to Los Angeles Times. "We're looking, we're surveying the landscape, and nothing has materialized," General Manager Tony Reagins said. "But if we see an opportunity to improve, we'll pursue it." The Angels have targeted three Blue Jays, John McDonald, Eckstein, and Marco Scutaro as well as Baltimore's Juan Castro and Cleveland's Jamey Carroll.

The Reds have a trio of good relievers who could pass through waivers and end up with the injury-riddled Mets, according to Cincinnati Enquirer. The Mets need bullpen help, having blown twenty-two saves entering Wednesday. David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, and Francisco Cordero all appear to be possibilities.

Sources told ESPN's Peter Gammons and ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Tuesday that the Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring Mark Kotsay from the Braves. Boston is talking to Kotsay, who was held out of the Braves lineup on Tuesday, about his limited no-trade clause. ESPN.com has learned that Kotsay cleared waivers earlier this month, so the Braves can trade him to any team.

The Rockies have placed reliever Brian Fuentes and outfielder Willy Taveras on waivers, and they expected to shop them this week, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. Fuentes was placed on waivers Monday, and Taveras followed Tuesday. That means Fuentes would expire Wednesday afternoon, with Taveras' waivers expiring a day later. Fuentes was also placed on the bereavement list, but there is no rule against trading a player while he's on the list. "When you place a player on the bereavement list, it's just a paper move," an executive of one club said. "So my interpretation is, if you wanted to make a deal, you'd just reinstate the player and trade him. Then the other club could put him back on the bereavement list."

Mark Kotsay, who has cleared waivers, is the subject of trade interest from both the Red Sox and Phillies, according to major-league sources. Both teams are dealing with injuries to left-handed hitting outfielders, and both have been in contact with the Braves, sources say. The Red Sox are trying to decide whether to place right fielder J.D. Drew on the disabled list.

The Tigers have placed pitcher Kenny Rogers on waivers, and it is believed that he will be traded by the end of the week, according Detroit Free Press. The deadline for team's to set their postseason roster is Sunday, and multiple league officials expect Detroit to trade Rogers prior to the deadline. "Dealing in hypotheticals is very difficult -- I'm not one to do that," Rogers said. "I haven't thought about a deadline. I'm not worried about one, that's for sure." He was placed on trade waivers on Friday.

The Rockies reportedly made outfielder Willy , and it appears as though he could land in Washington this winter, according to The Denver Post. "I would like to be here, but I don't know what's going to happen," Taveras said last week. The Nationals are interested in Taveras and could get serious about him if they opt to move Lastings Milledge from centerfield.