MLB Trade Deadline: Top Five Winners Of Deadline

When the clock struck four today, the most hectic period in baseball, the trade deadline came to a close. Here is a look at who the top 5 winners of the deadline were after today.

The Phillies got their guy in Roy Oswalt, but just missed my list.

#1- Texas Rangers

Even being bankrupt didn't stop the Texas Rangers from making a splash at the trade deadline.

They made the first splash by acquiring the best pitcher on the market, Cliff Lee from the Mariners. They didn't stop there as they also added catcher Bengie Molina from the Giants, Jorge Cantu from the Marlins, and Christian Guzman from the Nationals.

The team was also in the hunt for Prince Fielder and Roy Oswalt to the very end. I give them an A+ for their trades.

#2- New York Yankees

Two days before the deadline, you almost wondered if the Yankees were going to stay quiet. However, being a Red Sox fan, you knew that they wouldn't stay quiet for long.

The Yankees made all of their trades in the last two days before the deadline.

They were able to trade for Astros first baseman Lance Berkman to bat second and DH. In addition to Berkman, the team added Austin Kearns from the Indians to provide extra outfield depth. Finally, the team decided to address their middle relief issue by acquiring Kerry Wood from the Indians to fill that role.

Certainly an opportunity the Yankees couldn't pass up.

#3- Los Angeles Dodgers

In a tight race in the N.L West, the Dodgers needed to make a few trades to improve their club's chances of making the playoffs. They did just that.

The Dodgers started by adding outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Kansas City Royals to fill in for injured Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson.

The team then addressed their need for a starting pitcher as they acquired Ted Lilly and middle infielder Ryan Theriot from the Cubs.

And In a last minute deal, the Dodgers successfully obtained Octavio Dotel from the Pirates to set up for closer Jonathan Broxton.

They made three key moves that could ultimately put Dodger Blue back into October.

#4- San Diego Padres

With many experts expecting a Padres collapse down the stretch unless the team made a few moves at the trade deadline, the team acquired two big bats to insert into their lineup.

The team made some noise yesterday as they acquired third baseman and former shortstop Miguel Tejada. Tejada, switched over to third base this season for Baltimore, but has played shortstop his entire career and could come off the bench also.

They also pulled off the only three team trade, as they were able to acquire recently benched outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the Cardinals. The team was able to acquire a middle of the order hitter in Ludwick that they have been looking for.

The Padres don't plan on giving up that top spot any time soon.

#5- Atlanta Braves

After their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired pitcher Roy Oswalt from the Astros; the Braves needed to deliver an answer. They did just that at the last minute.

Today, the Braves were able to acquire outfielder Rick Ankiel and reliever Kyle Farnsworth from the Kansas City Royals.

The Braves have been looking for an outfielder they can stick in the middle of the order that has some pop, Ankiel fits the bill. He is able to play every outfielder position and is outstanding defensively.

The team has expressed interest today about acquiring an extra bullpen arm. They were able to get Kyle Farnsworth, who has had a pretty good season to go along with Takashi Saito, Peter Moylan, and Billy Wagner in the back end of the bullpen.

The Phillies may have acquired Oswalt, but the Braves are still leading the division, and they want to keep it that way.