Contending clubs in need of late-inning relief help may want to keep the telephone number of Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd on speed dial.

As the Rockies try to decide whether they are contenders or pretenders, the topic of lefty closer Brian Fuentes being dealt before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline has come up. Fuentes, a three-time All-Star, was 13-for-16 in save opportunities through Friday with a 2.01 earned run average.

While the thought of adding a left-hander of Fuentes' quality to the back end of the bullpen may be intriguing, would-be buyers will have to be patient. Colorado's decision on whether to ultimately move Fuentes hinges on the individual progress of Manny Corpas and the collective progress of the team.

When the Rockies think about how they laid in the weeds last year and then emerged with a comeback story for the ages to claim a National League pennant, it fuels the hope that magical history can repeat itself. But if Colorado officials don't feel the September stars can align for them again, they might be inclined to consider offers for Fuentes.

According to the Rocky Mountain News, Colorado would want two quality prospects for Fuentes if the club decides to move him.

The ultimate decision on Fuentes is said to be tied to how much confidence manager Clint Hurdle develops in Corpas going forward. After being dependable last year, Corpas blew three of his first eight chances in 2008. Fuentes got his old job back and has been making good use of his latest closing opportunities. If Corpas comes on strong and indicates he could again be reliable in save situations, it would enable the Rockies to be more aggressive in dangling Fuentes as trade bait.

Fuentes is headed toward free agency at the end of the season and could be lost for just a compensatory Draft Pick if the Rockies don't make a preemptive move.

Elsewhere on the Trade Deadline front, it appears the Texas Rangers -- because of a glut at first base -- may consider offers for Frank Catalanotto.

With Chris Davis being called up and Hank Blalock nearing a return from injury, something has to give. Texas probably wouldn't be able to keep Davis, Blalock and Catalanotto on the 25-man roster.

Catalanotto is signed for 2009 for $4 million with a $5 million option for 2010 that includes a $2 million buyout. He had just 10 RBIs in 168 at-bats through Friday.

Cincinnati's Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. continue to be discussed in trade banter, but fans can officially cross Dunn off the Toronto list, the comments of general manager J.P. Ricciardi notwithstanding. According to ESPN.com, Toronto was already on Dunn's 10-team no-trade list when the recent exchange of barbs between Dunn and Ricciardi occurred.

While there has been speculation about Griffey winding up back in Seattle, ESPN.com said Griffey has no interest in being a Mariner again now that Bill Bavasi is out as general manager.