With the August 31 waiver trade deadline approaching, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "doubts" his team will swing a deal. Philadelphia could use a left-handed power hitter and a lefty reliever. The Phillies have the best record in the Major Leagues, which means they have the lowest waiver priority.

Rangers president Nolan Ryan has confirmed that the team will explore the possibility of trading for Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman. Texas right fielder Nelson Cruz suffered a hamstring injury Sunday and will be sidelined at least three weeks, which has only intensified rumors. Speaking on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM, Ryan said: "Obviously with Nellie going out like he is, not knowing when he's going to be back and we got a tough schedule ahead of us, anything we can do to help the ballclub, we're certainly going to look at it. "Lance is having an outstanding year with the Cardinals. So is that a possibility? I guess you could say it's remote, but ... with a player of Lance's caliber, if that's a possibility, you certainly have to give it consideration." Berkman has cleared waivers, but the Cardinals are reluctant to move him without significant return.

The window for the Rays to trade center fielder B.J. Upton has expired, so he will remain with the team. There was speculation that the Indians or Nationals claimed him. Upton is arbitration-eligible this offseason. "I hope [I won't be traded], but I don't see why I wouldn't be with all the talks at the [non-waiver Trade] Deadline, and with this [waiver claim]. I don't see why there wouldn't be that possibility," Upton said. "I don't want to go anywhere, but if that's what they want to do, it's out of my hands."

Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson would love to see the team acquire Lance Berkman if a trade can be worked out by Thursday. Wilson made the comments on the Ben & Skin Show on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM on Monday. Berkman has reportedly cleared waivers from the Cardinals and a source claims Texas is interested in the slugger. "You have to think about the needs of the team and the needs of the other teams that would potentially (be) going after him as well," Wilson said. "It'd be great for us to get him because the Angels could use him a lot. ... Lance Berkman is a good player. He can play first base. He can play the outfield."

The Rockies placed slugger Jason Giambi on waivers and his preference would be to land with the Phillies for the stretch run. However, it's highly unlikely that Giambi will reach Philadelphia through the waiver process.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore is willing to deal some of the team's prospects for starting pitchers. "We'll be aggressive in trades," Moore said. "We'll try to make a trade or two that helps us. We have to look internally first, but then we have to look at trades. Then, finally, we have to look at free agency. We'll explore all of those options." Even after calling up Eric Hosmer, Johnny Giavotella, Danny Duffy and Mike Moustakas this season, the Royals still have six minor-leaguers who were chosen to Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list. "We have a minor-league system that's ranked pretty good," Moore said. "So we'll see what's out there. We're a pitcher or two away."

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano cleared waivers earlier this month. Chicago is reportedly willing to pay a majority of the $50 million remaining on his contract.

Rays center fielder B.J. Upton was claimed on waivers by an unnamed team this week. Tampa Bay has until Monday to work a trade or pull him back, though it appears as of now that a deal is unlikely.

The Cardinals placed right-hander Chris Carpenter on waivers earlier this month. The former NL Cy Young winner was claimed by multiple teams and then pulled back by St. Louis, according to a baseball source.

The deadline for the Padres to work out a waiver trade with the Giants for closer Heath Bell has passed without a deal. San Francisco claimed Bell off waivers on Wednesday. San Diego had 48 hours to decide whether to work out a trade for the three-time All-Star, allow him to be claimed or let waivers expire.