SportProjections.com

Aug

1

Baseball Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

Filed Under Major League Baseball | 

The non-waiver trade deadline is now in our rearview mirror. There was definitely a lack of big-time moves this year simply because there wasn’t a ton of talent available. Because of the scarcity of available talent, the teams with hot commodities put the price so high that other teams chose not pay it. However, there were some moves that should help clubs down the stretch and some non-moves that may cost clubs a world title. Let’s take a look at the deadline winners and losers.

Winners

* Atlanta - The Braves were clear winners. They had two real needs: offensive help from the first base position, which they addressed with Mark Teixeira, and an additional arm, which was addressed with Octavio Dotel. They not only addressed their needs but did so with the best players available. They did have to part with Saltalamacchia, but Teixeira was well worth trading him for. Look for the Braves to make a run at the Mets.

* Boston - The Red Sox were clearly in a win-now mode. They sent three players to the Rangers in exchange for Eric Gagne. Gagne will be the right handed set-up guy for Papelbon. The Red Sox now have one of the best bullpens in the game and should be able to hold off the surging Yankees. Did the Red Sox give up too much? Maybe, but since when do the Sox worry about overpaying? They want to win now, and this deal should accomplish that.

* San Diego - The Padres are the best bargain shoppers in baseball. They were able to add several pieces without breaking the bank. They added Milton Bradley, Morgan Ensberg, and Rob Mackowiak. None of these guys is a superstar, but all 3 have the potential to help the Pads ailing offense. Nice work by the front office.

Losers

* Detroit - The SP favorites to win the World Series made a huge mistake by not adding bullpen help. There was plenty of help available, and I don’t understand why they would not have landed a player or two. Reyes would have been a nice addition to this relief staff as would have Kyle Farnsworth or even Salomon Torres. They needed to do something, and they just sat on their hands. I hope this doesn’t come back to bite them.

* LA Angels - This team is playing better as of late, but they still have huge holes that they didn’t address. How could you not get a bat to protect Vladimir? How about adding a starting pitcher? This team has a chance to win it all, but I don’t see how they can do it with this line-up. Don’t be surprised if you see the Mariners win the AL West.

There were several other teams that could have made the list of losers. Seattle, Cleveland, LA Dodgers, and the Mets all had the chance to improve their teams and didn’t. It will be an interesting pennant run, but the teams that made the moves have a distinct advantage. Does that mean we will see a Braves/Red Sox World Series? Not necessarily, but it would not surprise me. I can’t wait to see how this all shakes out in the end.

Lonnie
Head Sports Writer
SportProjections.com

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