One on one with ... Mark Rodgers.

During the days and weeks before the trading deadline, general managers take on a high profile in the baseball world. But agents play a very important role behind the scenes in trade discussions. Mark Rodgers, who represents Rockies pitcher Mike Hampton, talked with TSN'S John Rawlings about his job in the week leading up to Wednesday's deadline.

TSN: This is an exciting time for fans of teams in pennant races and an anxious time for many players. How is it for you?

MR: The truth is anxiety exists almost every day in this business. The trade deadline can be an anxious time, but it doesn't compare to late December's contract tender date for a player on the bubble or the day players and clubs exchange arbitration numbers. Those days can be far more devastating for a client than July 31.

TSN: You have one high-profile client, Mike Hampton, whose name is in the rumor mill. Is that good or bad?

MR: Almost every player is mentioned in at least one conversation between two general managers now. Obviously, franchise players like Derek Jeter and Barry Bonds are among the rare exceptions. The best general managers are the ones with open minds. The truth is that hearing that your client is rumored in a trade can be very positive. It can make a player feel appreciated, even if it is by a club other than the one he is playing for. Then there's the flip side: rejection. That's when an agent becomes a ...