MLB Trade Deadline 2008 Recap

Manny Ramirez, Jason Bay, Andy LaRoche:

This trade actually ends up being an even trade. Bay’s and Ramirez’s numbers are almost identical, so what it comes down to is just trading away an unwanted player. Bay most certainly will be a Red Sox for years to come and Ramirez will most likely be a Dodger for awhile. The Pirates came out okay with Andy LaRoche and three others. LaRoche will join his brother in Pittsburgh and man the other corner infield spot, 3B. The Pirates ended up with solid players, but don’t expect a star out of the bunch. They will certainly be good role players if the Pirates ever come around.

Mark Teixeira for Casey Kotchman

This trade helps the Angels no question. Kotchman will be a solid player in Atlanta too, but nothing compared to Teixeira. I’m not sure why the Angels made this trade. They have probably won the division already, with the team they had. Sure, the trade probably helps them in the postseason, but I am a subscriber to the philosophy if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.  

Ken Griffey Jr for Nick Masset and Danny Richar

This trade also a little confusing to me because Griffey isn’t nearly as good as he once was. The White Sox really traded for a bench player if you ask me.  Griffey creates a logjam with the Sox’s outfield. The team probably will end up rotating players out each day in order to accommodate Griffey. Bench players can be difference makers, but Nick Masset might be a steep price for the future. The trade certainly helps the Reds with another good young arm in Masset.

Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez for Kyle Farnsworth

This trade baffles me the most. The Tigers got nothing out for Pudge. Farnsworth is an average reliever at best.  Sure, Rodriguez numbers are nowhere where they use to be, but he is still one of the best catchers. I do regret to see Pudge in a Yankee’s uniform though. The Yankees no doubt are a better team with Ivan.

Winners:

The Yankees: This team has put themselves in position to make another run for the title through deadline deals, and deadline deals only. Ivan Rodriguez fills a catching void left by injuries. And some other smaller trades made will round out other small holes. It pains me to say this, but the Yankees did a good job, again.

Dodgers: Manny Ramirez is without a doubt a huge addition to the Dodgers. It’s enough to make them front runners to win this weak division. They didn’t give up to much either to get him.

Push:

Red Sox: The Sox didn’t really improve their team, but they certainly didn’t lose much in their trade either. As I wrote earlier its really trading out a unwanted player for an equal caliber player.

Losers:

Mariners: I think half the team was part of trade rumors, yet only Arthur Rhodes got traded to the Marlins. This team is far from winning this year, and could have gotten a lot back with its stars for the future.  

On a closing note I did not include the Cubs or Brewers because their big moves happened a couple weeks ago, this not equaling a trade deadline deal. Both of those teams should be given winner marks however.

For more sports talk visit www.sportsopinionweekly.com