ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tropicana Field is a preferred destination for many major league scouts, and six days before the trading deadline, they were here in big numbers Friday night.

Scouts from at least 17 clubs were here: Marlins, Padres, Reds, Pirates, Royals, Giants, Rockies, Indians, Braves, Twins, Orioles, Phillies, Brewers, Nationals, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Mariners.

The Giants, Pirates and Twins all have two scouts apiece here, while the Brewers, Royals, Giants and Pirates all have had scouts on both legs of the Sox trip -- first in Toronto, now here. The Brewers, Giants and Pirates have all been linked to Jake Peavy, the Royals to Jonny Gomes. The Braves are in the market for relief pitching, with Andrew Miller’s name surfacing as a potential target.

Some of these scouts are here because this is their regular coverage area. Some are here to scout future opponents. But there is no question some of these scouts are representing their team’s interest in potential deals. With all the talk swirling around potential deals with the Phillies, it’s noteworthy that they have a scout here.

Because the Marlins are here, that undoubtedly will spur conversation among Red Sox fans about one of their favorite fantasy acquisitions: Giancarlo Stanton. But alas, he is not available, a major league source with direct knowledge of Miami’s plans said.