Our latest column at The Hardball Times is up, talking about situations to monitor as trade season heats up in baseball.

We name five players who could see a boost of value with more playing time if their ballclub cooperates by trading a teammate.

The flip side may be those players whose value suffers if their team decides to trade for an upgrade.

This is pure speculation, but…

In Texas, Chris Davis has been pretty awful. The Texas Rangers have enough internal options at 1B, and a much bigger need in the rotation, to target a replacement, but you never know when someone like Aubrey Huff or Nick Johnson becomes the extra component of a deal to get something done.

In Atlanta, Kelly Johnson has not had a good season at all. He’s also never been a favorite of manager Bobby Cox, who has been prone to bench him against left-handed pitching and bat him very low in the lineup. The Braves are looking for outfield help to upgrade their hitting, and there aren’t a ton of great players on the 2B market, but someone like Jose Lopez could fit.

In Boston, Mike Lowell was having a decent season before being nagged with a hip injury. Lowell’s status could force Boston to acquire an extra bat like the above-mentioned Nick Johnson. Making a trade might make Boston relax on Lowell, sending him to an extended trip to the disabled list. 

Always be aware of players with better fantasy value than actual value and play on clubs who may look to rebuild. Nyjer Morgan of Pittsburgh or Scott Hairston of San Diego are two players who could see less playing time if their respective clubs make a trade.

Finally, bullpens are a breeding ground for disappointed fantasy owners. Here are some closers who could lose their job after a team’s trade: Leo Nunez in Florida, Mike MacDougal in Washington, Fernando Rodney in Detroit, David Aardsma in Seattle, J.P. Howell in Tampa, and Frank Francisco in Texas.