The winds of change are swirling as the second half of the season kicks off tonight. The Astros have already beefed up their batting order with the addition of Aubrey Huff, a typically strong second-half performer, in a deal with the Devil Rays. The move will help to shore up the middle of the order and perhaps get Roger Clemens and company more regular offensive support.  The move paid immediate dividends when Huff launched a three-run home run in his first game for the Astros. 

Another move occurred on Thursday, when the Reds bolstered a flailing bullpen with a deal that sent Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez to the Nationals for Gary Majewski and Bill Bray. The Reds also added veteran shortstop Royce Clayton in the deal to replace Lopez. Additionally, the Nationals picked up one-time closer prospect Ryan Wagner. Can he get back on track in Washington?

These moves are just in what is expected to be a busy time for general managers. Several big weekend series may decide whether teams become buyers or sellers as midnight on July 31st approaches.

 The A's travel to Boston to face the Red Sox in a battle of frontrunners. The White Sox head to the Big Apple to square off against the Yankees. The Dodgers visit St. Louis in a battle of teams contending for NL Playoff slots.

There are stars galore rumored to be on the move. Again, it's all rumor, conjecture and speculation, but it's pretty a fun world to explore.

Alfonso Soriano is perhaps the biggest name on the list, with potential suitors including the Angels and even a return to the Yankees.

Florida pitcher Dontrelle Willis remains one of the players on the list, even if the Marlins have been playing well of late.

Greg Maddux's name has been associated with the Brewers and a union with his brother Mike, the pitching coach.

Sean Casey was a prized addition by the Pirates in the off-season, but he's now rumored to be on the move to San Francisco. Lance Niekro has been injury-prone, as have most of the Giants top hitters, and San Francisco would like to shore up their lineup with a veteran bat for the inevitable September playoff run.

Bobby Abreu, Carlos Lee, Jon Lieber and Livan Hernandez are other big names floating on the winds. The action of the next two weeks will determine which way the winds blow.

It'll certainly be fun to watch.