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July has always been baseball's season within a season. It's the month when contending teams trade for players they hope will propel them into the playoffs, and when down-and-out teams dump talent and salary while setting their sights on the future.

The trading season got off to a splashy start a few days ago, when the surging Chicago White Sox bolstered their offense by acquiring Roberto Alomar from the New York Mets and Carl Everett from the Texas Rangers.

With the trade, the Sox served notice that they are going for it in the American League Central.

The White Sox' activity last week was also an acknowledgment that, barring a horrendous month by the team, right-hander Bartolo Colon isn't going anywhere.

As always, teams will be looking for pitching, pitching and pitching this month, and with so many teams alive, the competition will be fierce.

Here's a look at what other teams might do before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline:

Phillies. This team made its moves over the winter and they are paying off now. We don't see them doing much. They hope to acquire a slugger for the second half. His name is Pat Burrell.

Expos. They tried to get Juan Gonzalez, but he nixed the deal. GM Omar Minaya is too energetic not to try something, but how much will Major League Baseball allow? And will he have to move people like pitcher Javier Vazquez if the Expos sputter?

Marlins. They've said they will hang on to highly coveted third baseman Mike Lowell for now, but second baseman Luis Castillo and pitcher Brad Penny could move.

Mets. Alomar is gone, but they're still trying to dump closer Armando Benitez, infielder Rey Sanchez, and outfielders Jeromy Burnitz and Roger Cedeno.

Astros. Locked in a tight race in the NL Central, they're looking for a starting pitcher and an infielder. They've scouted Baltimore's Sidney Ponson and also have shown an interest in Melvin Mora, the Orioles' versatile dynamo.

Cardinals. They're looking for pitching, but finances are tight.

Cubs. They wanted Lowell badly but might have to settle for the Padres' Mark Loretta, a big drop-off in talent, or underachiever Adrian Beltre of the Dodgers.

Reds. Starting pitching is their big problem. They would like to get a leadoff man, too.

Pirates. Starter Kris Benson could be had at a high price, and slugger Brian Giles at a break-the-bank price. Kenny Lofton was signed for one reason - to deal.

Dodgers. Their pitching has been brilliant, but their offense has been terrible. They need a bat and will go hard after Juan Gonzalez.

Giants. GM Brian Sabean always does something. With closer Robb Nen out, the Giants could take a run at Ugueth Urbina.

Diamondbacks. Watch out. They're back in it in the NL West, and they will soon add two game-breaking talents when Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson come off the disabled list.

Rockies. They've been shopping closer Jose Jimenez, if anyone wants a guy with a 7.00 ERA.

Yankees. They've already been busy, acquiring reliever Dan Miceli and outfielder Karim Garcia. Urbina remains a possibility.

Red Sox. They believe they have solved their closer problem by putting Byung-Hyun Kim into the role, even though he wanted to start. Having Kim close big games at Yankee Stadium is risky.All this means the Red Sox will keep an eye on Benitez's availability.

Blue Jays. They are about to begin a 12-game stretch against the Yankees and Red Sox that will determine if they are buyers or sellers in the July marketplace. If they're buyers, they will look for pitching. If they're sellers, pitchers Cory Lidle and Kelvim Escobar, and outfielder Shannon Stewart could go.

Orioles. They could be very active. Ponson could be a gem for someone. Mora is getting interest, but the O's have set a high price because of his big season. Veteran starters Rick Helling and Pat Hentgen could be had. Lefty reliever Buddy Groom could help someone.

Devil Rays. Reliever Al Levine could interest some teams.

Twins. No big moves are seen. They believe they have a team that can win the division again - if it plays to its potential.

Royals. They added Curtis Leskanic to their bullpen and are looking for more pitching, but nothing big is expected. They could also possibly deal center fielder Carlos Beltran, who will be a free agent this winter.

Indians. Terry Mulholland could make his annual July move. Lefty Brian Anderson is available, but his market is probably slim.

Mariners. The bullpen has been this team's strength for years, and closer Kaz Sasaki's rib injury could send Seattle looking for a stopgap closer until he returns.

Athletics. Will anyone deal with GM Billy Beane after Moneyball, the tremendous book in which Beane comes across as an arrogant know-it-all who believes some of his fellow GMs are stooges? The A's are looking for a leadoff hitter and a bat off the bench. They could make a play for Lofton, Beltran or Stewart. Their second-half pitching addition will be one of their own, super-prospect Rich Harden.

Rangers. Everett is gone. Gonzalez will be next if he waives his no-trade clause. Urbina will probably go, and so, too, could Chan Ho Park.

Angels. Pitchers Aaron Sele, Kevin Appier and Scott Schoenweis are all available.