MLB Rumor Rundown: SF would 'push' for Pence

Cliff Lee might not be heading anywhere (see story), but Hunter Pence is reportedly garnering some interest.

Fox Sports' John Morosi tweeted Friday afternoon that the Giants want a righthanded outfield bat and are "expected to make a push" for Pence should he be made available before the trade deadline.

Pence leads the Phillies in hits (104), home runs (17), walks (37) and runs batted in (59). That said, he's also hitting just .242 with runners in scoring position and has had a difficult July, going 17-for-74 (.189).

The Phillies acquired the 29-year-old outfielder in exchange for a host of prospects at last year's trade deadline to help fill the void in right field as a result Jayson Werth's departure the offseason prior.

The real question is whether or not Pence, or anyone else on the roster, will be available, as the Phillies appear to trending in the right direction as the deadline approaches. The team's three-game set in Atlanta this weekend could go a long in determining general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s course of action leading up to next Tuesday.

At 55-43, the Giants currently lead the second-place Dodgers in NL West by three games.

Pence has one year remaining on his contract that will take him through the 2013 season.

Rangers, Marlins talk Johnson trade
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Hardball Talk), the Marlin's are "leaving no doubt" they want to trade Josh Johnson. While apparently their asking price is very high, the Marlins are in continued talks with the Texas Rangers about the starting pitcher.

Johnson has been dominant in the past, but is having an down year. He is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA after losing most of last year to injury. In 2010 Johnson went 11-6 with a 2.30 ERA.

Dodgers interested in Morneau
The L.A. Dodgers have been to connected to quite a few trade rumors. They landed Hanley Ramirez, are pursuing Ryan Dempster and are in the market for a bat in the outfield. Add Justin Morneau to the list of players they are looking into, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (via Hardball Talk).

The Twins first baseman is batting .253 with 11 home runs.