LHPs Luke French and minor leaguer Mauricio Robles
Analysis:
The Tigers land a solid veteran lefty for the rotation, a rental player to help them hold onto the lead in the AL Central. Washburn hits the free-agent market at the end of the season and he would've been too expensive for the Mariners to re-sign. At the time of the trade, his 2.64 ERA was ranked third in the AL. The Mariners get French, who will land in Seattle's rotation immediately and could develop into a strong starter for Seattle. He started five games for Detroit this season and is 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA. Robles is still over a year away from the majors.
Analysis:
Shortly after first-place Detroit made the move for Washburn, the Twins took the chance to improve their middle infield. At the time of the trade, the Twins were only two games behind Detroit and Cabrera's hot July hitting should be a boost -- he is hitting .373 in July and riding an 11-game hit streak. He could bat in the No. 2 spot. Ladendorf was Oakland's second-round pick last summer and was recently promoted to Class A.
Analysis:
Vargas spent 2007 with the Brewers where he started 23 games, pitched 134.1 innings and went 11-6 with a 5.09 ERA. Since then, he's been with the Mets and the Dodgers mainly as a relief pitcher. Vargas, who didn't pitch this season until July 7 because of an elbow injury, pitched only 11.0 innings. He'll likely fill a middle relief role for the Brewers, but he could start to help Milwaukee's struggling rotation. Rottino has played in 18 major-league games over three seasons and his ability to play several positions could put him in a reserve role for the Dodgers.
Analysis:
Despite some minor trades prior to the deadline, this late blockbuster deal brings the Sox the boost they wanted. Martinez will probably relieve an aging Jason Varitek, play at first when Kevin Youkilis moves to third to cover for Mike Lowell and will also be a DH. This is an offensive upgrade from Adam LaRoche, who was acquired July 23 and subsequently traded to Atlanta at the deadline. Boston gave up some decent prospects but they did not have to give up highly sought-after prospect Clay Buchholz. Masterson has been a reliever and a starter this season and was the Red Sox second round pick back in 2006.
Analysis:
With youngster Emilio Bonifacio struggling at the plate and Florida still in the wild card race, the club made a move. Johnson, a strong and consistent veteran, will play first, pushing fellow veteran Jorge Cantu to third. That means that Bonifacio moves to a utility role. In Washington, Adam Dunn could take over first in Johnson's absence and the Nationals save some of his hefty salary. Thompson was a first-round pick in 2005.
Analysis:
The Padres needed to unload Peavy's salary and after several attempts to send him to the White Sox, it finally went through. Since No. 5 starter Bartolo Colon was put on the DL, and Richard was sent to the Padres in the deal, the White Sox will struggle to fill that fifth spot until Peavy returns, likely in late August. For the 2007 unanimous Cy Young Award winner, the Padres get four young pitchers to restock their farm system. Richard was 4-3 with a 4.65 ERA in 26 games, including 14 starts, with the White Sox this season and could land right in the Padres rotation. Poreda is a little behind Richard and could contribute later on this season. He was a first-round pick in 2007.
Analysis:
Reds GM Walt Jocketty and Rolen were together in St. Louis so Jocketty knew exactly what he was geeting with this deal. "He will bring a lot to this ballclub that's been lacking," Jocketty said. "He brings leadership. He's a veteran." Rolen is a seven-time Gold Glove winner and continues to do well at the plate, hitting .320 this season with eight HR and 43 RBI. The Reds hoped Encarnacion would be the third baseman for years to come but he turned out to be inconsistent and even led the team in errors last season. The Blue Jays will make Encarnacion their starting third baseman and they were able to dump a good portion of Rolen's salary. Roenicke has pitched 13.1 innings so far this season and Stewart was just promoted to Triple-A.
Analysis:
In a little over a week from when the Red Sox got LaRoche from the Pirates, they shipped him to the Braves for another first baseman. It's obvious that the addition of Victor Martinez made LaRoche expendable but because the Sox traded for another first baseman leaves many scratching their heads. Perhaps the motivation for this deal was to free up some money for Martinez. LaRoche, who was drafted by the Braves in 2000, could be revitalized by a return to his roots.
Minor league prospects Ryan Mattheus and Robinson Fabian
Analysis:
Within reach of an NL Wild-card berth, the Rockies made this second addition to their bullpen that has been hit with several injuries and slumps. Earlier the Rockies traded for veteran righty Rafael Betancourt. Beimel is another veteran and great situational lefty. Washington gets two strong prospects however, Mattheus is still recovering from ligament surgery.
Analysis:
The Yankees needed to fill the void left when Brett Gardner went on the DL with a broken thumb. Not only will Hairston fill that void, he's also versitle and, as Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, "can play pretty much anywhere." Weemes was in Class-A Charleston this season and was a sixth-round pick in 2007.
Thursday, July 30
Baltimore Orioles get:
Los Angeles Dodgers get:
Minor leaguers 3B Josh Bell and RHP Steven Johnson
Analysis:
With no luck landing a starter, the Dodgers decided to add arms to the bullpen to cover for injuries and starters that weren't going deep into games. Sherrill is a veteran arm that can bridge the gap to closer Jonathan Broxton and back him up. Baltimore will turn to struggling Jim Johnson or veteran Danys Baez to close. As for the minor leaguers acquired in the deal, Bell was hitting .296 with 11 HR and 52 RBI in 94 and Johnson was 9-5 with a 3.61 ERA.
Analysis:
The Cubs needed to make a move to compete in a tight NL Central race. They strengthened the bullpen with Grabow, a great situational lefty to compliment Sean Marshall. Cubs GM Jim Hendry said Gorzelanny will remain in Triple-A where has spent most of this season. His last decent season was 2007 (14-10, 3.88 ERA) and the Cubs are hopeful Gorzelanny can return to his old form. Hart was both a starter and reliever in Chicago and is hoping to find a permanent spot as a starter in Pittsburgh. Ascanio and Harrison will head to the minors, with the Pirates developing Harrison as a second baseman.
C Jeff Clement, SS Ronny Cedeno, and three minor league RHPs Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
Analysis:
Wilson will take over shortstop in Seattle, the third player at the post for the Mariners this season. The club is looking at Wilson to solidify the position for 2009 and beyond. Wilson's above-average defense is his best asset. The Mariners also get Snell, who started the season in the majors but was optioned to Triple-A in late June. The Mariners are convinced that after going 2-2 with a .96 ERA in six starts at Triple-A, Snell can rebound. Pittsburgh is clearly building for the future, getting several young players in the deal. Although Cedeno struggled in Seattle after taking over shortstop, he is still young and could even end up taking over the post for the Pirates. Clement, the third overall draft pick in 2005, was one of Seattle's top prospects and will go straight to Triple-A. The three pitchers are also headed to the minors and likely a few years way from the majors.
Analysis:
The Phillies acquired the reigning Cy Young award winner, didn't have to part ways with top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek and got a much-needed right handed bat for the bench. Despite having a sizable lead in the NL East, the Phillies were taking no chances, especially with Cole Hamels struggling and losing Brett Myers to hip surgery. The Indians, now forced to focus on rebuilding for 2010, get several top prospects from Philly. It's the second straight year the club traded the reigning Cy Young Award winner. As for the bunch of prospects, Carrasco is the closest to the majors. He'll head to Triple-A, but could get a call-up in September.
Analysis:
With an NL Wild-card berth within reach, the Giants made a couple of moves this week to show their commitment to reach playoffs this season. Sanchez should be a big boost to the lineup and joins fellow newby Ryan Garko in the infield. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Sanchez will be the regular second baseman and No. 2 hitter, when he is able to return. Sanchez hasn't played in three games this week because of a knee injury that is considered to be minor. The Giants are hoping the additions of Garko and Sanchez will give the club the boost it needs to reach the playoffs, where they haven't appeared since 2003. The Pirates continue to rebuild with young talent and Alderson, one of San Francisco's top prospects, was the Pirates' first-round pick in 2007.
Analysis:
The White Sox landed Kotsay, a veteran and left-handed hitter who can provide help off the bench and back up Paul Konerko at first. GM Ken Williams confirmed his plans for Kotsay -- insurance in the outfield and first base and as a DH. The Red Sox designated Kotsay for assignment last week after making a trade for Adam LaRoche. Anderson became expendable in Chicago after the club decided to go with Dewayne Wise as their fourth outfielder. Anderson is a career .225 hitter whose defensive reputation outshines his offensive abilities. Anderson will head to the minors until called up later in the season.
Analysis:
The Giants have been struggling to man first base and in a tight NL wild-card race, the need became more immediate. Garko fit the bill and will get most of the at-bats, pushing Travis Ishikawa to a more limied role. Garko is eligible for arbitration after the season and GM Brian Sabean could end up signing him to a long-term deal. In Cleveland, the focus is on 2010 after setbacks and injuries have them out of the playoff race. Barnes, a top prospect for the Giants, has been solid in the minors and is a future starter for the Indians although he is still a few years away from the majors. Andy Marte will take Garko's spot on Cleveland's roster. Marte was demoted after spring training but seems to have resurrected his career at Class AAA Columbus so far this season.
Analysis:
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has long had his eye on Holliday. The Cardinals badly needed a boost for the close NL central race and hope that Holliday's July hot streak can carry over to his new spot -- batting behind Albert Pujols. Holliday, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, will take over left field and move Rick Ankiel to a reserve role. The A's have been searching for a young third baseman in any Holliday trade, so Wallace was key in this deal. Wallace was St. Louis' first round pick in 2008 and one of the organization's top prospects. He has been playing well in the minors and is almost major-league ready.
Analysis:
Colorado's bullpen has been hit with several injuries and slumps, but the latest DL stint for Manny Corpas meant the Rockies need arms immediately. Betancourt went 1-2 with a 3.52 ERA in 29 appearances for the Indians and gives the Rockies a veteran righty for the primary setup role. The Indians are not fighting for a playoff spot this season, so the club is looking ahead to 2010.
Minor leaguers RHP Hunter Strickland and SS Argenis Diaz
Analysis:
Boston's struggles since the All-Star break pushed the club out of first place in the AL East and bumped up the priority to land a bat. LaRoche likely won't be an everyday player in Boston, but he will man first base often when Kevin Youkilis moves to third to cover for Mike Lowell, who is still recovering from his hip problems and can't play every day. However, LaRoche has been an overall disappointment for the Pirates and has slumped badly in July (.138 avg, 1 HR in 58 at bats). Boston only had to give up two mid-level prospects for LaRoche, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Diaz is known for his defense and Strickland is 5-4 with a 3.35 ERA in 18 games, including 12 starts, at Greenville of the South Atlantic League.
Analysis:
Lugo's production never really took of in Boston and the Sox were ready to move him. Boston is still on the hook for nearly $13 million he's owed through 2010. St. Louis adds the veteran to help with depth at shortstop where they have had trouble behind starter Brendan Ryan. Duncan started off strong but his production has declined as the season progressed. He'll go straight to Triple-A Pawtucket until needed in the majors.
Analysis:
After losing Ricky Weeks to season-ending surgery back in may, the Brewers needed a full-time second baseman and bat for the top of the lineup. The consistent veteran is a speedy leadoff hitter and a solid option to cover second for the remainder of the season, then he'll head to the free agent market. The Diamondbacks get two solid prospects for the minors and will call up Ryan Roberts to take Lopez's spot.
Analysis:
The Padres were down to two middle infielders after losing 2B David Eckstein and INF Edgar Gonzalez. Eckstein may not be ready to return as scheduled, so acquiring another infielder became a priority for the Padres. Salazar was hitting .419 with two homers and six RBI in 31 at bats for the Orioles and was without a consistent place on the roster. Since being acquired from Boston on May 1, 2006, Meredith made 233 appearances out of the Padres' bullpen -- the sixth-highest total in Padres history.
Analysis:
With Adrian Beltre still a few weeks away from returning, the Mariners needed another third baseman. Hannahan could platoon at the post with veteran Chris Woodward. The A's get Souza, a decent pitching prospect who will stay in the minors for now.
Analysis:
These two rivals decided to trade outfielders in hopes that a change of scenery could help each of them. Church struggled after a second concussion and never seemed to warm to manager Jerry Manuel. Braves GM Frank Wren likes Church's bat "especially against right-handed pitching." Wren also said Church "gives us an additional offensive spark and plays very good defense and can also play center field." With the Braves since 05, Francoeur was a fan favorite in 2006, won a Gold Glove in 2007 but slumped badly last year and was demoted to Double-A Mississippi, which he found embarrassing.
Seattle Mariners get:
Kansas City Royals get:
Minor leaguers RHP Danny Cortes and LHP Derrick Saito
Analysis:
The Royals have been hard hit by injuries this season and Betancourt was an upgrade at shortstop for the club after losing Mike Aviles for the season to Tommy John surgery. Betancourt was put on the 15-day DL for a strained left hamstring and will continue his rehab with the Royals before he gets any playing time. He has struggled at the plate but Betancourt called the move "a new beginning." Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu said Ronny Cedeno's play at shortstop allowed the club to make the trade. Both of the pitchers Seattle received will head straight to the minors.
Analysis:
Pena began the season as the D-backs top setup man but recent struggles, especially against left-handed hitters, he was available. with money now more of an issue, Pena could turn out to be a good deal if he rebounds. Allen spent time at Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this season and will be assigned to Triple-A Reno. The first-base prospect could get a September call-up, but he'll also be a part of the offense in the future.
Monday, July 6
San Diego Padres get:
Oakland Athletics get:
Minor league RHPs Ryan Webb and Craig Italiano
and a player to be named later
Analysis:
With Hairston, the A's add a much-needed bat to the lineup. He has 34 starts in center and 14 in left this season and in Oakland he'll remain the starter in center, with OF Ryan Sweeney moving from center to right. The Padres get two strong arms in the minors.
Analysis:
Jeff Baker had only 25 at-bats before a right hand sprain sent him to the DL. Baker had trouble getting regular at-bats in Colorado because he was blocked at third by Garrett Atkins. Baker will return to third in Chicago to cover for Aramis Ramirez. Baker hit .257 with 22 HR and 88 RBI in 231 games with the Rockies from 2005-09. To make room on the roster, the Cubs designated (and later dealt) INF Ryan Freel. Alburquerque will have more time to develop in Double-A.
Analysis:
The Indians continue to add arms to their bullpen in hopes of getting outs late in games. Abreu was strong in the minors, but failed to produce when called up by the Rays and was designated for assignment after only two appearances. John Meloan has pitched 9.1 major league innings over two seasons with the Dodgers and Cleveland. He has not yet pitched in the majors in 2009. Both of these pitchers could benefit from a fresh start with new teams.
Analysis:
With Xavier Nady out for the season, the Yankees needed another outfielder. Hinske, the 2002 ROY, can provide depth in the outfield, serve as a backup corner infielder and supply a little pop off the bench. He was disappointed with the lack of playing time in Pittsburgh where he played six games at first, three at third and 13 in the outfield. The Pirates will add Fryer and Erickson to their farm system, which has been unproductive.
Analysis:
Hanrahan was in and out of the closer's role in Washington and will likely move into the primary setup role in Pittsburgh. Milledge will join the Pirates' rookie-level Gulf Coast League to continue his rehab from a broken right ring finger he injured on May 11. Milledge's behavior on and off the field has been criticized by both of his former teams, and he struggled at the plate this season. As Milledge continues his reahab, he could rebound and serve an important role when eventually called up. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said the club views Morgan "as a speed-type" with "above-average defense." He'll be the new leadoff man and center fielder in DC. Burnett will be a middle reliever.
Analysis: With Seattle having lost Endy Chavez, their primary left fielder, the Mariners needed to add another outfielder for the long haul. It is expected that Ken Griffey could play some time in left, Mike Sweeney would move to DH and Langerhans would be used as a fourth outfielder. Morse played 107 games in the majors for Seattle from 2005-08 however, he has not made it to the majors yet this season. He'll start in Triple-A for the Nats and could get a call-up because of his versatility.
Analysis: With this trade, both teams filled holes on the rosters that badly needed addressing for the long haul. St. Louis has been trying to fill the spot at third since Troy Glaus went out with an injured shoulder. DeRosa is a versatile veteran and he strengthens the Cards lineup, especially against lefties. DeRosa can play all over the infield and the corner outfield positions but manager Tony La Russa has said DeRosa would spend most of his time at third. In Cleveland, DeRosa was already being phased out with Jhonny Peralta at third and Luis Valbuena at short so they already have infield coverage. Perez brings a much-needed power arm to the Indians' bullpen to help the Indians in the eighth. Perez could develop into the Indians' new closer, especially if Kerry Wood continues to struggle.
