In his latest column today, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney begins with a trade idea that might not be too heart-warming for Cleveland Indians fans. According to his report, the St. Louis Cardinals have continued discussions with the Tribe in regards to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

The article states that the two teams discussed such a deal during the offseason, when usually it’s easier to get such a major trade completed. St. Louis has continued to lack production at the shortstop position in 2013. Thus, talks have continued between the two clubs.

Obviously, with the Indians at 48-44 and only 2.5 games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, it likely wouldn’t be a popular deal in Cleveland. Olney mentioned that the Cardinals have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, as led by a number of MLB-ready arms such as Shelby Miller, Trevor Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha.

Another interested team in Cabrera is the New York Yankees, who are looking for more future infield production because of injuries (Derek Jeter), a possible suspension (Alex Rodriguez) and the likelihood of an offseason departure (Robinson Cano). They’ve asked about Cabrera repeatedly, per Olney, and feel that he could be a versatile player capable of filling in at multiple positions.

Mike Aviles would be the likely short-term Indians answer at shortstop with High-A Carolina star prospect Francisco Lindor to follow in the long-term, per Olney’s analysis of such a deal. Although the Indians believe No. 2 prospect Trevor Bauer will eventually work out his struggles, the team still is looking for pitching help.

Previously, we’ve seen MLB Cleveland trade rumors related to Matt Garza and the other top pitching prospects on the market. This is the first one in July 2013 that relates to the Indians perhaps selling off one of their better players, albeit one oft-rumored in deals last offseason and only under contract through 2014.

[Related: Indians can’t afford to wait until deadline to make a deal]