Preview/Prediction

OK, now the Philadelphia Phillies can get serious about rebuilding.

One deadline has passed, but lo and behold, August brings about yet another opportunity for trades, just in case your team still has improvements to make.

August 31 brings about the waiver deadline, where teams can make trades for players who pass through revocable waivers.

Some big names are still out there such as Chase Utley, Jose Reyes and James Shields, among others.

While the baseball world is still trying to make sense of everything that transpired at this year's trade deadline and there's still plenty of baseball to be played, the start of free agency really isn't that far away.

And what a free-agent class this is shaping up to be.

It's seemingly come out of nowhere, but right there on the horizon is the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. For the next two weeks, all would-be contenders will be scrambling to make deals. 

Some deals are more likely to happen than others. Likewise, some deals are going to have a bigger impact than others. What we're here to do is put these two ideas together and narrow down which impact deals you can count on happening.

Starting pitching and superstars from both sides will determine who earns home-field advantage in the World Series when the American League and National League clash Tuesday in the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. 

The American League and National League will play for home-field advantage in the World Series in Tuesday night's MLB All-Star Game, and as is the case every year, there should be no shortage of enthralling moments.

Before a pitch is even thrown, Great American Ball Park will be buzzing, as the Cincinnati Reds will honor a few of the franchise's greats.

Tuesday's 2015 MLB All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati promises the world to fans looking for a sport showcase with something on the line.

It's a home run-friendly ballpark in the Queen City, which will make the showdown between Houston Astros shocker Dallas Keuchel and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Zack Greinke quite interesting.

Simply looking at the rosters for the MLB All-Star Game should get fans excited for the Midsummer Classic.

Between young superstars and veterans who can still play at a high level, there is tons of variety on both the American League and National League squads. The first few innings should be especially enjoyable with a deep pair of starting lineups that didn't feature much drop-off even after injury replacements.

What made the All-Star Game so noteworthy in the 1960s and '70s was the specific identities of the American League and National League.

Players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente were identified as quintessential National League baseball players, and when they stepped onto the field in an All-Star game, they wanted to win for their league just as they wanted to win for the Giants, Braves and Pirates, respectively, during the regular season.

The buzzer is sounding, the bell is ringing, the game is over. The All-Star break has arrived, and with it, time has run out on teams that were on the fence as to whether they should buy or sell at the trade deadline.

While they continue to vacillate, their competition has been working the phones and laying the groundwork for deals that will be consummated in the days ahead. If and when they do finally decide to get involved, they'll essentially be stepping into the box with an 0-2 count and Johnny Cueto on the mound.