WHEELER

BOSTON — Less than two weeks remain until the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, meaning talks between teams are just starting to intensify. In the estimation of most, whatever deals get made probably won’t be consummated until the final 24 hours.

Even then, most baseball executives wonder how much activity there’ll be. The last two years, the rumors have greatly outweighed the actual moves.

“There’s so much of an emphasis now on prospects,” said one major-league executive yesterday, “that it’s hard to get anything done. Teams are afraid to deal their top prospects because fans have heard and read all about them [in the media].”

As the team with the best record in baseball and the healthiest lead of any division leader, the Red Sox have no desperate need. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t talking — and listening.

Based on conversations with numerous talent evaluators and executives, here’s a look at who interests the Sox — and who doesn’t — position-by-position.

•RELIEF PITCHERS: This is the treasure trove — for those teams willing to pay the exorbitant asking price.

Among the relievers said to be on the market: Eric Gagne, Octavio Dotel, Akinori Otsuka, Brad Lidge, Chad Cordero and Brian Fuentes.

Some clubs (Detroit, Cleveland) are looking for someone to close. The Red Sox have the relative luxury of obtaining someone to set up, with lefty Hideki Okajima already firmly established in that role.

The recent emergence of Manny Delcarmen (1.32 in 12 games) has taken some of the pressure off the need to deal for a righty power arm. But Delcarmen still doesn’t have pennant-race experience and the Sox would still prefer to upgrade.

Lidge, of course, will be the most expensive, because of his high ceiling and the fact that he’s under control through 2008. Gagne and Dotel, both of whom received interest from the Sox last winter, are coming off injuries and are on one-year deals. Most believe Gagne will go to either the Tigers or Indians.

Look for the Red Sox to focus more on Lidge’s Houston teammates: Chad Qualls and Rhode Island native Dan Wheeler.

San Diego’s Scott Linebrink remains an option, though some in the Red Sox organization believe his success owes a great debt to cavernous Petco Park.

One long shot name to keep in mind: Pittsburgh’s Salomon Torres.

•STARTING PITCHERS: Not long ago, this was the chief focus of teams at the deadline. No more. With quality pitching as scarce as ever, most clubs have given up hope of obtaining any starter of substance in midseason.

There are a handful of veterans with sizable contracts being made available, like San Francisco’s Matt Morris ($9.5 million this season; $9.5 million in 2008; $9 million option for 2009 with a $1 million buyout) and Baltimore’s Steve Trachsel ($3 million this season; $4.75 option for 2008 with a $100,000 buyout).

From the Red Sox’ perspective, neither pitcher is much of an improvement over Julian Tavarez or Kason Gabbard, and thus, not worth the effort.

If a top-flight starter — say Houston’s Roy Oswalt or Florida’s Dontrelle Willis — were to become available, the Red Sox would become involved.

Jose Contreras and Javier Vazquez, part of the White Sox’ sell off, don’t do much for Boston, but Jon Garland, under control through the end of 2008, does.

•OUTFIELDERS: Ideally, the Sox would like to find a right-handed-hitting outfielder to spell J.D. Drew against some lefties and provide some pop off the bench. Clearly, Wily Mo Pena is not the answer here.

Kansas City is trying to give away Reggie Sanders, but the Sox aren’t much interested. Believe it or not, there’s been at least some internal discussion about reacquiring Kevin Millar, but he’s hardly a priority.

Jermaine Dye, who was an MVP candidate just last season, has had a miserable season (.228-15-44) in the final year of a multiyear deal with the White Sox. Chicago has given little indication that it intends to meet his asking price on a contract extension and would move him.

Dye and the Red Sox might be the perfect fit: Dye could reestablish his value with a contender and the Sox gain a veteran presence with power while getting compensation draft picks when he signs elsewhere this winter.

•INFIELDERS: This isn’t a fit for the Red Sox. The middle infield is set, especially with the recent (partial) resurgence of Julio Lugo.

Mark Teixeria, drafted out of high school by the Red Sox, can be had, though he’ll be costly. Teixeira, a Scott Boras client, will almost certainly head to free agency after 2008, meaning any team trading for him will get only 1 1/3 seasons for their investment.

Would the Sox deal Jon Lester, Coco Crisp and another prospect for Teixeira? Doubtful, though that would be close to the expected asking price for Texas GM Jon Daniels, who has to make a good deal after a series of poor ones.

Of course, even if the Sox were to land Teixeira, they would then have to turn around and find a taker for Mike Lowell. In other words: don’t hold your breath.

smcadam@projo.com