It's starting to become clear who are the buyers and who are the sellers in baseball

Thirteen more days until the non-waiver trade deadline, then everyone can finally stop agonizing and move on to more important things.

Like who is going to clear waivers and get traded in August.

But that's a question for another day. For now, we're going to tackle the question of who is going to be buying, and who is going to be selling, who is going to be doing both, and who is going to stand pat.

Don't bother asking about the Mariners. They still could go either way, depending on the outcome of their upcoming series with Detroit, Cleveland and Toronto. The M's will be in Arlington, Texas, preparing for the second of a four-game series with the Rangers, when the deadline arrives at 1 p.m. Pacific on that fateful Friday the 31st.

Though six of the eight teams with the highest payrolls reached the break as playoff teams, there's enough parity to entice a vast majority of clubs into thinking they're contenders. Through Friday's games, 21 out of 30 teams were within seven games of their division lead or wild card.

Some separation could still take place over the next two weeks, but it's shaping up as a strong sellers' market. Yet in this economy, fewer teams will be willing and able to take on salaries, and even the large-market teams are reluctant to part with their prized prospects.

Yet trades will get done — perhaps even some blockbuster trades, with the likes of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee possibly on the market.

Here's a look at how each team stands as the deadline approaches.

Buyers (13 teams)

Angels: They are looking to upgrade their pitching and are thinking big. They've inquired about Dan Haren, and are mulling over Halladay. The Angels have a surplus of middle infielders to dip into (Brandon Wood, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, Sean Rodriguez), and could also use one of their two catchers (Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli) as a chip.

Astros: The Astros have a history of second-half surges, and an owner that doesn't believe in giving up on the season. Couple that with the fact they reached the weekend just three games out of first, and you can bet they'll be trying to strengthen their team. General manager Ed Wade has said, however, he doesn't expect a major trade.

Brewers: GM Doug Melvin made the premier trade last July for CC Sabathia, who pitched them into the playoffs. That cost top prospect Matt LaPorta, but they say this time they won't trade either of their two top prospects, Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel. But shortstop J.J. Hardy could be dealt and replaced by Escobar.

Cardinals: They've already landed Mark DeRosa and would like to take a run at Matt Holliday. Don't count the Cardinals out of the Halladay sweepstakes, either. Their trade chips include Rick Ankiel, who can be a free agent. Ryan Ludwick would go in a Halladay deal.

Dodgers: The Dodgers are looking for pitching help, but they feel comfortable enough that they have no urgency to overpay for an arm, or anything else. That said, they realize they probably need one more top-flight arm to get them to the World Series. They will be players for Halladay, but the question is whether they want to give up some of their emerging young stars to get him.

Giants: The Giants need offense, offense, offense. Jonathan Sanchez is their trade chip, and that no-hitter didn't hurt his value. With Randy Johnson's injury, it's possible GM Brian Sabean might also look to add a veteran arm.

Mets: The Mets are getting perilously close to being out of contention. But the competitiveness of the New York market, coupled with an expensive new stadium, almost dictates that they buy. They should try to rebuild, but look for them to make a splashy acquisition to appease fans.

Phillies: Even after signing Pedro Martinez — who's no sure thing — the Phillies will aggressively be in the market for a starting pitcher. They've been linked to Halladay (who hasn't?), but first-year GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is reluctant to part with the huge package the Jays are asking for.

Red Sox: The Red Sox have built a superb farm system that gives them a large supply of young talent to use as trade chips. That said, Theo Epstein is reluctant to part with the likes of Clay Buchholz and Lars Anderson. But they could use a left-handed bat. They've been linked to switch-hitter Victor Martinez.

Tigers: They're unlikely to do anything big, but the Tigers could use some offensive help. They'd probably deal Magglio Ordonez, who has regressed and has a vesting option that would guarantee him $18 million next year. Not many teams would want to take that on, even if he starts hitting.

Twins: They want to buy but are prepared for the fact it might not happen. The Twins could use bullpen help and have been in touch with Pittsburgh and Toronto. They could also use a middle infielder to bat second. The Twins would have to be bowled over to trade top prospects Ben Revere (an outfielder) and catcher Wilson Ramos (catcher).

White Sox: GM Ken Williams is as aggressive as they come, and he has already made bids to land Jake Peavy and Roy Oswalt. They were willing to move left-handers Clayton Richard, Aaron Poreda and two more pitching prospects for Peavy, so they have some young pitching to offer in a blockbuster.

Yankees: They're looking for a No. 5 starter, a lefty reliever (John Grabow?) and a right-handed bat for the outfield. They'll kick the tires on Halladay, but it's unlikely the Jays will trade with them.

Sellers (nine teams)

A's: Holliday is their big chip, and they hope to use him to get a good young shortstop or third baseman. If that doesn't happen, the A's will have to think about trading one of their young starters to get help on the left side. Bobby Crosby is very available, as is Orlando Cabrera.

Blue Jays: Halladay, of course, is the biggest potential name of the market, ensuring the Jays will be in the center of the action. But he won't be traded unless GM J.P. Ricciardi is blown away. Toronto would also move outfielders Alex Rios or Vernon Wells, but both have huge contracts that make it unlikely.

Diamondbacks: The D-backs are in full sell mode. They'd be happy to deal free agents-to-be Doug Davis and Felipe Lopez and potential free agent Jon Garland (who has a player option for 2010). Others on the block include Chad Tracy and Chad Qualls, but they'll listen on anyone this side of Justin Upton and Max Scherzer.

Indians: GM Mark Shapiro has already traded away DeRosa and will listen on anyone. They'd have to be blown away to deal Lee or Victor Martinez, both of whom can be free agents after the 2010 season. Kerry Wood could entice some teams. The only untouchable is Grady Sizemore.

Nationals: Any number of veterans are available, including Nick Johnson, Austin Kearns, Josh Willingham, Ronnie Belliard, Cristian Guzman, and maybe even Adam Dunn. They need relievers and middle infielders.

Orioles: They believe they're on the verge of contention with their young talent, and Andy MacPhail plans to drive a hard bargain. Their most attractive trade candidates are first baseman Aubrey Huff, right-hander Danys Baez and closer George Sherrill.

Padres: They've already dumped Scott Hairston to Oakland, and will listen to offers on just about anyone except Adrian Gonzalez. They'd like to deal third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, and would love to deal Brian Giles, but they'd have to eat most of his $9 million contract. Peavy was their prime trade chip, but he's likely out for the season. Pitcher Chris Young, who's hurt now, could be had.

Pirates: They've already sold Nate McLouth, and they could deal any or all of the following: first baseman Adam LaRoche, second baseman Freddy Sanchez, shortstop Jack Wilson and left-handed reliever John Grabow. They will listen on left-handers Zach Duke and Paul Maholm and closer Matt Capps. They want young pitching and middle infielders back.

Royals: Are they ever anything but a seller? They won't even listen to offers on Zach Greinke, and they have no plans to deal Gil Meche, Joakim Soria, Billy Butler or Alex Gordon. Anyone else is fair game. Their biggest need is to upgrade the offense. They also need to upgrade shortstop; they just don't know it yet.

Standing pat (two teams)

Cubs: Though GM Jim Hendry will sniff around, a major move seems unlikely while the sale of the team is in gridlock. Plus, the Cubs have already spent $120 million for 2010, and that doesn't count four potential free agents (Rich Harden, Kevin Gregg, Reed Johnson and Aaron Miles) and six arbitration-eligible players. The Cubs would consider trading Harden to fill a need, which includes bullpen help of all kinds.

Rays: The Rays don't appear to have the financial flexibility to add salary, and they claim they have no interest in adding a closer. So the expectation is that any move the Rays make would be minor (upgrades in the bullpen and at catcher).

Could go either way (six teams)

Braves: They're in that awkward position — close enough to dream but far away enough to be realistic. They've already traded Jeff Francoeur. Despite their frustration with shortstop Yunel Escobar, he's been one of the Braves' best players. If they fall out, Javier Vazquez could get a lot of talent back in a hurry.

Mariners: If they buy, they could use a shortstop or a left fielder with some pop. If they sell, they would dangle free-agent-to-be pitchers Jarrod Washburn and Erik Bedard, and might listen to offers on Russell Branyan. They might do some combination of buy and sell.

Marlins: They could be a modest buyer, looking for back-end bullpen depth — someone like a Sherrill to close. They could deal the likes of Jeremy Hermida and even Dan Uggla.

Rangers: They could always use some pitching help, but the big question is whether they have the ability to add salaries. Owner Tom Hicks is in dire enough financial hot water that he had to borrow from MLB. The frustrating part for the Rangers is they finally have enough talent in the farm system to put together a good deal for a prominent player. It might yet happen if they decide to go for broke (no pun intended).

Reds: They're rapidly falling out of contention, but could still pull themselves close enough to think they have a shot. If they fall out decisively, they could listen to offers for Aaron Harang or even Bronson Arroyo.

Rockies: The Rockies, who thrust themselves into contention by going 27-11 under Jim Tracy through the All-Star break after Clint Hurdle was fired, will be looking for seventh- and eight-inning arms to set up Huston Street. But they will also be willing to move Ryan Spilborghs, and would like to unload Garrett Atkins and Yorvit Torrealba.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com