The MLB Trade Deadline has come and past. As anticipated, this season's trade deadline was very active and included some trades that were confusing, bad, good, long awaited, and surprising.
I'd like to hand out my awards
Biggest Winner: Red Sox
Between their Acquisition of Victor Martinez and Adam LaRoche (which turned into Casey Kotchman), they have juiced *NPI* their line-up to the point that they are overflowing with All-Stars. They could have used another Starter, but Beckett, Wakefield, Lester, and others will carry on just fine.
Runners Up: Phillies, Mariners
Biggest Loser: Pirates
They have lost 4 very good players. They gained mediocre minor leaguers with very little upside. I feel so sorry for Pirates fans. It's very hard for me to give sympathy to another fan base considering I root for the Orioles
Runners Up: Indians, Pirates again (yes, they are here twice because they were THAT bad)
Best Trade For Both: Tigers acquire Washburn for French and Robles
The Tigers get one of the best pitchers in the A.L. this season for future Rotation Starters. The AL West is going to be one tough division next season (except for the A's who keep going backwards)
Runners Up: Rolen for Encarnacion, Peavy to Sox
Biggest Bargain: Cliff Lee to Phillies
The Phillies went from having to give up their 2 best Pitching Prospects for Halladay to giving up lower ranked prospects for the reigning A.L. Cy Young and the league leader in Quality Starts
Runners Up: Sanchez to Giants, Wilson to Mariners, LaRoche to BoSox, LaRoche to Braves
Biggest Surprise: Peavy To White Sox
No surprise on Biggest surprise. Everyone was waiting upon news on Halladay or Adrian Gonzalez. Ever since Peavy got hurt earlier this season, everyone besides his fantasy owners forgot about him due to the state of the Padres. This move was the perfect encore to a great month of trading. Right around the 4pm deadline, the trade was announced. The most surprising thing about this trade was that Peavy let it through. He didn't let it through a couple months ago, I guess realizing how bad the Padres actually are opened his eyes.
Runners Up: Halladay not moved, Pirates trading away everyone
Conclusion
It was a very cool deadline in my mind. Besides the Pirates looking ridiculous, I think all the teams made personal strides and it was very fun.
I end S.O.S.'s coverage of the MLB Trade Deadline with this statement:
Toronto overplayed the Halladay drama more than Pete Rose plowing through home plate in the All Star Game.
July 31: The clock stroked 4:00 PM and the trade deadline befell, but that didn't stop Kevin Towers and Kenny Williams from striking a last second deal. Current details are unknown, but here's the spin from the last time we heard this:
White Sox acquired: Jake Peavy
Padres acquired: Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard and 2 PTBNL
It was a nice haul for the Friars, but Peavy rejected the trade, reportedly having a strong NL preference. The Padres had to be fuming, as a day after the rejecting a trade, Peavy was placed on the DL and hasn't been off of it since; surely diminishing his value. Rumored to be in today's deal are Poreda (again) and RHP, Adam Russell. No further details have arisen.
UPDATE: The White Sox have confirmed they have landed Peavy, and that he has, indeed, accepted the trade of:
WhiteSoxacquire:JakePeavy
Padresacquire: Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Dexter Carter and Adam Russell
Winner: Padres
The White Sox are in the thick of the AL Central, 2.5 back and Peavy is the perfect counter to Detroit's acquisition of Jarrod Washburn. Peavy, however, is still on the DL and the Sox found themselves giving up the same package they offered back in May centered around Poreda & Richard. This move helps the Sox immensely, pending Peavy's recovery, but relatively speaking, they overpaid for damaged goods. San Diego got luuuuuuuuucky. Regardless of how good a healthy Peavy is, he wasn't carrying San Diego anywhere soon.
Today, the Blue Jays acquired 3B Edwin Encarnacion for 3B Scott Rolen.
Rolen is hitting very well this year and is reminding us all of his days back in Veterans Stadium with the Phills.
Encarnacion has been hurt for most of the season, but has some pop in his bat that is often overshadowed by some awful fielding blunders and just as awful swings.
Winner: Tie
This was a swap of Over-achieving has been for Under-Achieving youngster. The Jays are trying to get younger, and the Reds needed a Veteran for the Clubhouse. Hopefully Encarnacion can find his '07 self in Canada.
Today, Nick Johnson was acquired by the Marlins for minor league pitcher Aaron Thompson.
Nick Johnson, who's been in the Nats/Expos franchise since Montreal, must be doing the happy dance with former teammate Joe Beimel. He has really come into his own the last few years and is at the top of the league in OBP.
Thompson is a future Long Reliever or spot starter who has an ERA around 4 in Double-A this season.
Winner: Marlins
The Marlins needed a 1st basemen and someone who could get on base in front of Hanley. Even though they may lose him at the end of the season, he will be a valued part of their chase of the Phillies.
Today, the Yankees acquired Utility man Jerry Hairston Jr. from the Reds for minor league catcher Chase Weems.
Jerry Hairston Jr. started off as a second basemen for the Orioles and turned himself into one of the most versatile players in the game. He is a speedster with great fielding ability. He hustles like none other and has some hitting skill. Hairston is in no doubt a playoff team's most valuable bench player.
Weems sucks.
Okay, that may be a little harsh, but he is 5th in line to be the catcher of the Yankees. BEHIND Joe Girardi.
Winner: Yankees.
They got a good Utility man for nothing. Good for them.
Today, the Rockies acquired Lefty Set-Up man Joe Beimel for a player yet to be named
Beimel is a lefty specialist who is dominating against left handed batters this season. He was the Rockies plan B, as the Orioles didn't want to give up Mark Hendrickson (another mind-blowing decision by Andy MacPhail)
Winner: Rockies
I'm sure the Nats recieved some mediocre Minor Leaguer. The Rox now have a bona-fide Set-Up man for closer, Huston Street.
Today, the Braves acquired 1B Adam LaRoche from the Red Sox for 1B Casey Kotchman
Since we covered LaRoche's trade from the Pirates to the Sox already, I won't say much more. He obviously didn't have a place after the V-Mart trade.
Kotchman was acquired last year in the Mark Teixeira deal with the Angels.
Winner: Braves
The Sox needed to do this deal because LaRoche is starting quality and they couldn't have him on the bench behind someone. So they got someone who is a little worse, but will be a GREAT bench player as he normally hits around .300. LaRoche is no doubt better than Kotchman, thats why the Braves win. The Sox did well too.
Today, in the biggest trade since Cliff Lee's trade several days ago, the Red Sox acquired C/1B Victor Martinez from the Indians for pitchers Nick Hagadone and Justin Masterson.
Martinez is a switch hitting catcher. He is one of the best hitting catchers in the game and can play First Base as well. His production went down last year suffering from various injuries, but he is back firing on all cylinders this year and was named to the A.L. All Star team earlier this month.
Masterson was #3 in the Red Sox pitching prospect chain behind Jon Lester and Clay Bucholz. He has had reasonable success in the Majors, but has totally torn up the minors so far.
Hagadone, the lone unrecognizable name in the trade, is a big southpaw who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He resumed pitching regimens in May and is often compared to a Jon Lester-type pitcher. However, his velocity has gone down since the surgery.
Winner: Red Sox
It's become a pattern that the teams receiving the minor league prospects for the MLB All-Star are often the losers. I was very shocked to hear that, like the Phillies in the Lee trade, the Indians didn't ask for the better prospect. They didn't push too hard for Happ OR Drabek for Lee, and now they didn't push for Bucholz or Bard for Martinez. The Indians are about to go through a very dark time in the next 2 or 3 seasons
Today, a small trade was made by the Brewers as they acquired Claudio Vargas from the Dodgers for minor league catcher Vinny Rottino.
Vargas is a mediocre starting pitcher with a fastball in the mid to low 90s.
Rottino has potential to be a back up catcher. He was the starting catcher for the Italian National Team in the WBC.
Winner: Dodgers
As Vargas heads back to the Brewers (where he played in 2007), he has been nothing more than mediocre so far. Since he can't be optioned, the Dodgers obtained a solid fielding catcher as a future backup. This is an awful trade either way.
Well it has begun. The first Trade Deadline trade of 2009 has been announced:
The Tigers acquired Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners for pitching prospects Luke French and Mauricio Robles
Washburn is a former closer who may be the hottest pitcher in the American League who doesn't have the last name of Buerhle. He has pitched amazing all season and belongs on a contender.
Luke French is a southpaw won the Tigers Triple-A Pitcher of the year last season. According to scouts, to get an accurate idea of what his ability is, see the Orioles' Brad Bergesen.
Robles is another lefty starter, but he has more of a Daniel Cabrera quality about him. He has an above average fastball for a southpaw.
Winner: Tigers
This could have easily been a tie. I give tremendous props to the Mariners for admitting that they will not be a playoff team this year. The Tigers got a solid starter to fill in their depleting rotation.
I don't think any HUGE names will be traded in the next few hours. Roy Halladay won't be moved, No one will overpay for Adrian Gonzalez, and the Pirates have no more good players to give away.
However, there are a couple of players I do think will be traded today.
Clay Bucholz
The Red Sox have been trying to get rid of this guy all season. It is now looking like a three way trade is starting to form between the Sox, Indians, and a third team that would send Clay to Cleveland, Victor Martinez to Boston, and Adam LaRoche to the third team.
Victor Martinez
The C/1B Martinez is catching a lot of attention from teams in need of 1B depth. After dealing Cliff Lee, The Indians are obviously starting their rebuilding phase. Martinez may be the best hitter for sale.
Willie Bloomquist
The most versatile player left on the market, this Royal has great value to teams with a short bench. Bloomquist can play every infield position and has been a solid hitter for most of his career.
Mark Teahen
Another very versatile Royal, Teahen can play corner infield, corner outfield, and extended training at 2nd base earlier this season. Once known as a .270/15/70 hitter, this year his power numbers are down, but his average is way up in recent months.
Jarrod Washburn
This is a very interesting situation. Are the Mariners buyers or sellers? They have already won a couple trades in the last few days, but I think it may be time to get realistic. The Angels are still a great team, and the Rangers pitching is finally holding up. Washburn has been the Mariners' most consistent pitcher and have a good chance at getting some good pieces back for him.
Jeremy Guthrie
He is in no stretch of the imagination a #1 starter, although he has been the opening day starter for the Orioles 2 years in a row. If he is put on a contending team, he could be a very good 3rd or 4th starter and be very effective.
Stay tuned to S.O.S. for further Deadline Coverage.
Happy 23rd birthday to Brian Orakpo! (today!) Coincidentally, Orakpo, one of the last first rounders to sign, has finally reached an agreement on a 5-year contract with the Washington Redskins. Details at this time are not known.
This is absolutely huge for the 13th overall selection and Texas Longhorn, as well as the Redskins. According to Redskins writer, Gary Fitzgerald, defensive coordinator, Greg Blache intends to use Orakpo at both Strong Side Linebacker (on rushing downs) and Left End (on passing downs) with H.B. Blades and Phillip Daniels (Maybe a bit of Kentucky rookie, Jeremy Jarmon) coming in where Rak is not.
Avoiding a holdout (Well, technically, he missed 2 days of camp, but for all intensive purposes...) for Orakpo was critical on many levels as not only does he need to learn Blache's complex defensive schemes, but two positions therein. Envisioned as a DE/LB hybrid, Orakpo has drawn comparisons to Shawne Merriman, Terrell Suggs and DeMarcus Ware.
As of now, here is the Skins' first team defense:
LE: Phillip Daniels
DT: Albert Haynesworth
DT: Cornelius Griffin
RE: Andre Carter
SLB: Brian Orakpo
MLB: London Fletcher
WLB: Rocky McIntosh
CB: DeAngelo Hall
SS: Chris Horton
FS: LaRon Landry
CB: Carlos Rogers
Not one weak spot. Call fan bias if you want, but I expect a top 3 defense.
Today, the Cubs acquired left-handed set-up man John Grabow and southpaw starter Tom Gorzelanny from the Pirates for starting pitcher Kevin Hart and minor leaguers Jose Ascanio (pitcher) and Josh Harrison (Third Base)
I honestly think that Pirates are just messing with us now. After everyone (me included) started officially calling them out, they do ANOTHER trade for minor leaguers.
John Grabow has been one of the top holds guys in the Majors this season. He is a lefty, which the Cubs needed after losing out on the George Sherrill Sweepstakes.
Gorzelanny is another lefty pitcher who, as a starter, who used to be at the top of the Pirates prospect lists. After great '06 and '07 seasons, he had a pretty severe drop off last year which landed him in the minor leagues. He was recalled this season for several weeks then optioned back to the minors. It is not certain whether or not he has any upside left, but for someone who is just one year removed from a stellar season, the Cubs are willing to take the risk (ironic, due to the fact that they traded AWAY Rich Hill, who is in a similar situation).
Hart is a young pitcher who was never a top prospect in the Cubs organization. He was acquired as a Player to be Named in a trade with the Orioles for infielder Freddie Bynum in 2006. He worked his way through the organization as a journeyman starter. This season he is posting some very good numbers in 4 starts.
Ascanio is young starter who was traded to the cubs in the Will Ohman trade a couple years back. He hasn't done much in the majors, but was called up earlier this season after posting a 1.01 ERA in Triple A after 26 2/3 innings.
Not too much to say about Josh Harrison. He was 2008 Big East co-player of the year as a 3rd basemen at the University of Cincinatti.
Winner: Tie
I hate giving out ties, especially two in a row. However, both teams did relatively well. The cubs fill a spot in their bullpen they desperately need, and get a pitcher who (hopefully) can still throw quality starts.
For once, this trade doesn't look too bad for the Pirates. Although 2/3 of the players they recieved have only had success in the minors or college, Kevin Hart is having a pretty good season. If he can keep it up, he will have no problem finding a spot in the rotation to keep behind Maholm and Duke.
Today, the Orioles traded away their closer, George Sherrill for minor leaguers Josh Bell and Steve Johnson.
Sherrill, former Holds Extraordinaire, was acquired in the Erik Bedard trade that brought top prospects Adam Jones and Chris Tillman to the Orioles in '08. He turned himself into a very effective closer and was even an All Star last season.
Johnson, son of former Oriole Dave Johnson, has torn up Single and Double A so far, and is a right handed starting pitcher; which is what the Orioles want to stock up on.
Bell is the 3rd base prospect the Orioles have been needing. A good average hitter, he was 3rd in line when it came to the Orioles' offers. They couldn't get Stanton from Florida and they couldn't get Wood from the other Los Angeles, so they settled with Bell.
Winner: Tie
Both teams got exactly what they needed in this trade. The Orioles have someone 2 years away from the majors, and they have Ty Wigginton for next season. The Dodgers add beef to a rapidly depleting bullpen and Sherrill will gladly take the roll as the best set up man in baseball on the best team in baseball.
July 30: As the trading deadline draws near, the action is beginning to slow (although, expect it to pick up tomorrow--naturally). The Royals have acquired Josh Anderson from Detroit for cash considerations.
Winner: Royals
With money to throw around and no cap, the Royals can't lose here. An excellent baserunner (and that's about all), he's certainly worth the price. Cash considerations are typically minimal.... relatively speaking of course; a few hundred thousand or so. These are baseball players, it's not like they perform open-heart surgery!
July 29: The Yankees have acquired starter, Jason Hirsh from the Rockies for a PTBNL (player to be named later; I'll be using the acronym a lot.). Hirsh was largely average for Colorado in '07, although he has spent his time since in AAA, where he will pick up for New York.
Winner: N/A
It's hard to gauge PTBNL trades, obviously, until we know who the PTBNL actually is. Hirsh isn't of much value to either club, so it would be expected that the return be a career minor leaguer or a fringe prospect.
On July 29, The Pirates shipped Freddy Sanchez off to the Giants for minor league pitcher Tim Alderson.
Freddie Sanchez, a three time all star, and former batting champ is having his best season in 3 years. A perennial .300 hitter, Sanchez is one of the best hitting second basemen in the National League
Alderson, 4th ranked prospect in the Giants organization, was a bonus for this trade. What was originally a salary dump is now a fair trade for the Pirates
Winner: Giants
The Pirates may have made off with a top Prospect, but this has just completed a total transition of good major league players for good minor league players. Just doesn't make sense.
July 29: They couldn't be so lucky to get Lincy from San Fran, but the city of brotherly love has everything to be happy about, regardless. Cliff Lee, the defending AL Cy Young Award winner with debatably the best control in the game joins a rotation of Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton and J.A. (Jay) Happ. Also coming to Philadelphia is corner outfielder, Ben Francisco, who was performing remarkably well for Cleveland.
Departing for Cleveland are Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, Lou Marson and Jason Knapp (Not to be confused with starter, J.A. Happ!)
Winner: Phillies
As I said before, Philly fans have everything in the world to be happy about. Let's face it, while Roy Halladay is the superior pitcher, the difference between him and Lee on the mound is so miniscule, it's hard to argue Roy would've net them more wins than Lee; all at a fraction of the cost. It was reported that Jays GM, JP Riccardi was asking for prospects such as Kyle Drabek and Knapp (and Happ!). Again, I can't stress how well the Phillies did here, and as a Marlins fan, I'm kind of frustrated, as this all but locks Philly in atop the NL East. Then again, we've won 2 Worlds Series' out of the wild card, so I'm not worried in the least.
The centerpiece to this deal (for Cleveland) is pitcher, Carlos Carrasco. Perennially rated as one of MLB's best pitching prospects, Carrasco is having a down year by his standards, with an ERA north of 5.00, but the K rate is still there, so all hope is not lost.
It's become more than clear that Cleveland is in a sell mode, so don't be surprised to see a player like free agent-to-be, Victor Martinez, to get dealt. The Rays and Red Sox have shown interest.
July 29: And there goes another one of Seattle's former top prospects. Balentin, regarded as one of the best power hitters in the system, just never put it together in the majors these past few years. Seattle will be getting right handed reliever, Robert Manuel who has put up masterful stats in the minor leagues: 6-3 / 1.25 ERA / 103:18 K:BB ratio / 0.83 WHIP over 86.2 IP.
Winner: Mariners
The Reds payed full price for a prospect with diminishing value, although they evidently see something they liked, because Seattle DFA'd Balentin this past weekend. The mariners were lucky to get what they did for Balentin; it shouldn't be long before Manuel is the anchor of that pen.
July 29: Before I delve into details for you all, let's outline who gets what...
Mariners receive: Ian Snell, Jack Wilson, $3,308,702.19 (Yes, 19 cents... The combined value pays all but $400,000 for each player)
Pirates receive: Jeff Clement, Ronny Cedeno, Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
Winner: Mariners
There's a lot to explain here, and despite not being the "winner," the Bucs did very well for themselves, and this was the best move they've made in years.
At this point, I'm not too sure what the Mariners are doing. It seems they are on a very fine line between buy and sell, 7.5 games out of the AL West and 6.0 out of the wild card. This move, normally would indicate they are truly pushing for the playoffs, but the continued rumors swirling around Jarrod Washburn and Erik Bedard (pre-DL) seem to contradict that. Either way, this move is solid for this year or next. Jack Wilson is a fan favorite with a golden glove (Omar Vizquel has something to do with him not having any "actual" golden gloves) and an above average bat, while Ian Snell is a perennial sleeper, who has absolutely dominated at AAA since his demotion and will certainly benefit from spacious SafeCo Field.
The names to look at for the Bucs are Ronny Cedeno and Jeff Clement. Cedeno has had a mildly productive season in Seattle and figures to jump right in at PNC, while Clement will head to AAA. Clement, a catcher, was at one time Seattle's best prospect, and it was assumed he would take over at catcher with Kenji Johjima moving to first and Richie Sexson to DH, but alas, like the aforementioned fallen stars, Clement has also faded. The potential is still there, but he's going on 26, so it would seem that window is closing.
While the Pirates did well for themselves here, the Mariners reeled in a couple of starters who are better than their predecessors without giving up too much, and for that, they win this deal.
July 28: Mark Kotsay and Brian Anderson will be switching the color of their socks and heading to the South Side and Bean-Town, respectively.
Winner: Red Sox
Theo Epstein does it again! It's not that Mark Kotsay is a horrible player, but he doesn't really have a spot on either team behind Kevin Youkilis and Paul Konerko, who is quietly putting together a fabulous season. On the flip side, it seems as if Brian Anderson was only traded because he demanded one, and quite frankly, it looks like the Sox... the white ones... just took the first offer they got. It doesn't make much sense to trade a guy that is 7 years younger for a journeyman with relatively low upside and no place on the team. Maybe Kenny Williams is just a nice guy in giving Anderson his wish. Will he be happy in AAA though???
On July 27, The Tribe sent Ryan Garko to the Giants for left handed pitching prospect Scott Barnes and a player to be named.
Garko has been a spare parts hitter for the Indians for the last few seasons. He was a productive player last year as Travis Hafner's replacement, but has since lost playing time.
Barnes has a 2.85 ERA in 18 starts in High A. However, he is not a player with tremendous upside, as an 8th round pick in '08
Winner: Giants
Following the trend, it seems that the name wins the trade. Unfortunately without the minor leaguer having any visible upside, we can only hope to be pleasantly surprised. Garko should see more playing time at Pac Bell (I know it's not the name, but I like it better than AT&T)
On July 24, the Cardinals acquired Matt Holliday from the A's for prospects Brett Wallace, Shane Peterson, and Clayton Mortensen.
Holliday was one of the best all-around hitters in the National League for the last 3 or so seasons. A lot of that had to do with Coors Field. His first half for the A's was nowhere near that.
Wallace is MLB.com's #42 overall prospect in baseball. A Third Basemen, he is a "pure hitter", as he has good potential as a hitter with good average and reasonable Power
Peterson was drafted in the 2nd round of the draft by the Cardinals in '08. He hit for tremendous average in College (.390). However, this outfielder tends to rack up the Ks.
Mortensen is a starting pitcher who dominated college and the low part of the minors, but struggled through Triple A, and made his Major League debut in June. He doesn't have much upside
Winner: Cardinals
Holliday may have been disappointing in Oakland, but he's back in the National League. Not only did they not give up any of their top prospects, St Louis was able to get Oakland to contribute $1.5 million of his salary.
July 23: After losing Manny Corpas for a month and Alan Embree for the season, the Rockies were looking for relief help, and the Indians had the answer. In the closer mix before the arrival of Kerry Wood, Betancourt has been a fairly valuable asset in Cleveland's pen, setting up in '09. Only a game out of the wild card, it was a move the Rox needed to make. Coming back to Cleveland is 6 foot 7, 235 pound, former Miami Redhawk, Connor Graham. Graham is a power pitcher, who had been tearing up opposing lineups for Colorado's single A affiliate; he will move to Cleveland's AA Akron Aeros.
Winner: Indians
While it was a move the Rox had to make, the Indians did well for themselves, building up the system, seeing that they have shifted to a "sell mode".
July 22: Very rarely does a deal appear to be dead even, filling both teams' needs, however, Theo Epstein and John Mozeliak (two of the best in the game) did just that. With Jed Lowrie coming off the DL and Khalil Greene going on, Boston needed a space and St. Louis needed a shortstop. Simple as that.
Winner: Red Sox
Why? It seems like it's been years (Oh wait, it has been!) that they've been trying to dump Lugo's massively inflated 4 year, $36 million dollar contract. Lugo's defensive shortcomings were also no secret, as he frequently leads the league in the category. Chris Duncan was merely a "body" in the deal and was sent to the Sox's AAA affiliate; He has never proven to be much more than a bench player.
All in all, the Sox won this deal, but in retrospect, St. Louis certainly did not lose as they filled a vital position.
On July 22, the Red Sox acquired Adam LaRoche from the Pirates for minor leaguers Hunter Strickland and Argenis Diaz.
Adam LaRoche is noted for his pop, but is also a notorious second half monster. He's a power hitting corner infielder that the Red Sox could really use.
Diaz is a very good defender with almost no hitting ability. A Cesar Izturis type player.
Strickland is a right handed starter with a 90mph Fastball and 3 average secondary pitches.
On July 19, the Diamondbacks sent Felipe Lopez off to the Brewers for minor leaguers Cole Gillespie and Roque Mercedes.
Lopez is a middle infielder with the ability of playing virtually every position on the field. He hits for average and can turn on his wheels at any time for a speed threat. He is all around a solid player and has a perfect spot up on the top of the Brewers line up.
Gillespie is a mediocre Triple A Outfielder who is on pace for about 15 homers and 60 RBIs. Mercedes is blowing away the Florida State league with a 1.08 ERA in 29 relief appearences.
Winner: Brewers
Although the D-Backs did exactly what they wanted to do (dump salary), they didn't gain anything special back. The Brewers got a solid bat at the top of the line up.
On July 19th, the Padres sent submariner Cla Meredith to the Orioles for Oscar Salazar.
Neither of these players are big names, but this trade could soon be shown to be very useful.
Cla is a former top prospect for the Boston Red Sox. He is 2 years away from a record setting rookie season in which he blew away opposing hitters.
Oscar is a true soldier. He can play 1st, 3rd, and short. He had considerable pop in Triple A, and had several truly clutch hits for the Orioles at points in the season.
Winner: Orioles
Meredith has a lot of upside and adds depth to a rapidly depleting Middle Relief core for the Orioles. There was no place for Salazar in the immediate future. Due to the fact that Salazar is already over 30 years old. He's not a kid anymore, and therefore is not good for the Orioles rebuilding process. The Padres gain a solid bench player with very little major league upside.
Today it was announced that David Ortiz was among the roughly 100 players who tested positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs.
I can just simply say I am not surprised. It has gotten to the point where I wouldn't be surprised of ANYONE besides Cal Ripken Jr, Derek Jeter, and people already inducted into the Hall of Fame.
To keep this short, just release the entire list. This list will finally clear the waters. If MLB was confident enough of their current testing policy, they would assume that the smarter fans would understand that 2003 was 2003 and 2009 is 2009. People CAN'T take PED's any more. They will get caught and suspended. Yes, there will no doubt be names, like David Ortiz, that will disappoint entire Fan bases to see on the list. However, this list can also end several arguments.
Rafael Palmeiro is one of those arguments. He was obviously pretty ballsy when it came to pointing his finger saying he never took PED's. He claims to this day that he had no reason to take PED's and his name would NOT be on the 2003 list. If his name isn't on the 2003 list, it would be much easier to believe his claim of not taking steroids in '05, and his reputation would be at least somewhat redeemed and put his name back in the Hall of Fame consideration.
MLB should just release the list so they can move on as an organization, and a sport.
Sup, yo... I feel an introduction is in order, however, at the same time, I'm rather tired, so all of you whom have actually stumbled onto our blog, I ask you to click on my profile, "Miamification," towards the lower right to see all that you would want to know. While you're at it, I suggest you also check my colleague, "Pink Floyd." You may also be wondering, "What's with the Electric Pink font?" Well I see it as unique and giving my posts that Miami-vibe... It contrasts nicely with the black background as well.
Now that, that is the way, I must say, football season has "begun," and it wasn't a second too soon. With several teams opening training camp today (my Redskins included!), there are a fair share of looming problems around the league, which I will discuss and order based on my own personal power rankings. Imagine Mike Silver's 32 questions combined with Jay-Z's 99 Problems:
...And voila! My column. Being that this is only training camp, I don't see how I can update this without being present at all 32 camps, so don't look for an update until a week or two into preseason. Without further ado:
32-St. Louis Rams: In '08, everyone was worried there would be no one to throw the ball. In '09, there's no one to throw OR catch.
31-Oakland Raiders: When every position on your team besides punter and corner are up in the air, there is a dire problem, that not even Michael Vick would solve.
30-Cleveland Browns: Loads of key losses + Tension in the locker room + Mangenius = AFC North Cellar... Home sweet home.
29-Denver Broncos: When you are a purely offensive team, you do not dismantle the offense by dealing the centerpiece(s (if Brandon Marshall is dealt)).
28-Detroit Lions: Kevin Smith says the Lions will make the playoffs, the O-Line begs to differ.
27-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A tight end made of glass certainly does not compensate for the uncertainty at the quarterback position.
26-Kansas City Chiefs: While vastly improved, there aren't enough play-makers to make the offense dynamic enough to contend. Matt Cassell is nothing more than a band-aid to this franchise. (Sorry, Matt!)
25-Seattle Seahawks: Houshmandzadeh is nice, but Alexander's ground game is what made the 'hawks a perennial powerhouse.
24-Buffalo Bills: Trent Edwards and either of the running backs need to truly step up for these guys to compete, otherwise, it's .500... again....
23-Dallas Cowboys: With Jessica Simpson out of the picture, I moved the 'Boys up a bit... with TO out of the picture, I moved them right back down.
22-Jacksonville Jaguars: David Garrard was the leader of the fearsome '07 Jags; this year, he's the reason I have them locked in at 22. Michael Vick moves them up 10 spots.
21-Cincinnati Bengals: IF Palmer can come back and IF Coles can come back and IF OchoCinco can come back, these just might be your AFC North Champions.
20-New York Jets: These guys show almost every indication of being this year's Ravens of '08. The absence of Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed is why they won't be.
19-San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback problems seem to be a common theme, and it continues here, however if Hill or Smith can step up, the Niners WILL be your NFC West champions.
18-Tennessee Titans: The AFC South centers can let out a sigh of relief (As the NFC East's gag) now that Haynesworth has moved on. Without such a disruptive force on the line, the defensive production will dramatically fall. The Kerry Collins-Nate Washington connection won't be enough to overtake Houston or Indianapolis.
17-New York Giants: With Burress last year, the G-Men were 9-1, without, they were 4-3 (They lost Toomer too, don't forget). The latter record closely resembles what to expect this year. None of the wide receivers left on the roster would be starting for any other team in the NFL.
16-San Diego Chargers: A lock for the AFC West again, but how far they make it into the playoffs relies on the running game.
15-Miami Dolphins: Despite the league catching onto the wildcat, this is still the most underrated team in the NFL, but without a deep threat (that Ted Ginn Jr. is supposed to be), opposing defenses can know what to expect.
14-Baltimore Ravens: Last year's cinderella story won't be able to repeat without a #1 wide receiver for the sophomore qb. Whether or not they address that remains to be seen... The loss of the defensive coordinator hurts too.
13-Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler has got to be thrilled to have a running game and a hall of famer left tackle... but devastated to have no receivers.
12-Indianapolis Colts: The loss of Marvin Harrison is the best thing that could've happened to Indy. Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark is one of the best corps in the game, as is the man under center. They have done it without a running game before, but Houston is looming.
11-Houston Texans: Matt Schaub is a pro-bowl caliber player when healthy; he just never is. If he can be, the Texans have an outstanding running game, receivers, and defense that will carry them to the AFC South crown.
10-Washington Redskins: The boys from Ol' DC had all the makings of a playoff team in '08... until week 9. Durability concerns along the line, running game and receivers hinder the potential, but for the first time in his career, Jason Campbell has been in the same system in back to back years: but will there be an offense around him to function properly?
9-Carolina Panthers: With a halfway decent QB, this team would have superbowl written all over it. Too bad they have Jake Delhomme.
8-Arizona Cardinals: The same questions from last year's training camp are here today: how much longer can Kurt Warner keep going? Will Anquan Boldin be around? What's with the running game? There's too much talent not to like though.
7-Green Bay Packers: If Grant can rebound, you may be looking at your NFC champions, but the defensive line is still a little shaky, despite the addition of BJ Raji.
6-Philadelphia Eagles: The birds could be moved to the top or bottom, because their season rides entirely on chance. An injury to either Westbrook or McNabb decimates any and all hope they may have.
5-Minnesota Vikings: Sage Rosenfels very closely resembles Favre, the best running back in today's game is still there, and the purple people-eater is still largely in tact (pending Williams-Wall suspensions). The Vikings figure to continue their trend in '09 of being a powerhouse of late.
4-Pittsburgh Steelers: They didn't do much to upgrade their weakest point (O-Line), so Big Ben figures to be on his back a lot again in '09. The loss of one of his best options (Nate Washington) down the stretch doesn't help.
3-New Orleans Saints: It's hard to find flaws in these final 3 teams, but if New Orleans has one, it's their 7th worst defense in PPG (being trumped by the Seahawks, Raiders and 49'ers)
2-Atlanta Falcons: Again, with the defense, but Atlanta has almost better everything than the Saints do. Matt Ryan's ceiling is higher than the Georgia Dome with the pieces he has around him.
1-New England Patriots: I defy you to find a flaw. Superman in a wheelchair is ages better than Matt Cassel. They added a great runner in Fred Taylor, who should just push this team over the top.
You have no idea how happy I am that I didn't have a blog when I called Vick going to the Vikings.
The biggest question in football (as long as Favre is "staying" retired), is where Michael Vick will end up.
This is obviously much more than just a call of who needs him the most. Although most core fans of teams don't care about his past (after he has served 2 years), all it takes is one person in the owners family who is an ignorant, close-minded pet sympathizer in the owner's family for it to be null.
Now who are the teams that could use him? Obviously the teams who run the wildcat would love to have him around, but would it be smarter to let him play in another league for a year and prove his skill? Or maybe be turned into a Wide Reciever? Here is my view:
I don't know what everyone is talking about when they suggest he changes positions. Vick was a perfectly viable QB. Much better than half of the league. Now, granted, he is 2 years taken away from the game, and it's easier to learn how to run again than learn the timing of a good throw to a receiver, but he'd be a perfect back up QB on a team who either runs the Wildcat, or has a pass heavy offensive scheme so he can run wild as the WR pull off the defenders from the middle of the field.
The teams I have heard in the mix are:
Ravens
Patriots
49ers
Redskins
Buccaneers
Vikings
Ravens
When the Ravens run the Wildcat formation, they have former Heisman Troy Smith as a scrambler to run an option or something like that (he can even run a pass to Flacco as we saw last year). I would obviously much prefer seeing Vick as the 2nd string back and cut John Beck. I'm sure Cam Cameron would love baffling offenses with Vick under center and have Flacco and Smith lined up at Reciever and run some sort of trickery, but I doubt that's going to happen. They are trying to make a name for Flacco as the face of the franchise. With a signing of Vick, there will be no eyes on Flacco. Could that be a good thing? I don't know, but the Ravens are the only team to publicly admit they have thought of Vick, but if anything, it would probably be a project turning him into a WR. I doubt signing someone who hasn't played WR since he was a Freshman in High School will alleviate the problems of a missing Derek Mason.
Patriots
Probably the most logical option for Vick, the Patriots are a tightly-wound bunch of pricks led by the tightest-wound prick in football: Bill Belichick. However, Vick may need someone tightly wound to keep him in shape. I don't however, see him getting on the field much. The Patriots are an old-fashioned powerhouse of an offense who don't have specific plays for specific QBs. Unless Brady gets hurt again, it will be all Brady, all the time. Just like old times. Not an ideal place for Vick for playing time.
49ers
With Shawn Hill and Alex Smith competing for a starting roll on the 'Niners, there is no room for Michael Vick. Obviously the person who loses that battle will become the 2nd string QB.
Redskins
The team has been trying to pawn off Jason Campbell all season. Jim Zorn is in a very precarious position as a coach right now and maybe a signing like this could possibly distract some people from his problems. However, the only scenario of this working out for Vick and the team is that he ends up beating everyone's expectations, he's the old Mike Vick by Week 8, and he takes over for Campbell full time after the BYE. That is in a perfect world, but of course, Dan Snyder is the biggest blind optimist in the world who will gamble anything on his team, so they probably make the most sense.
Buccaneers
A similar situation to the Redskins. They have no QBs and with Jon "QB Hater" Gruden gone as the coach, I guess he has a shot, but again, that's only if he is back to form. Because if he isn't he'd just be a mediocre QB among mediocre QBs.
Vikings
Fresh out of the Brett Favre sweepstakes, some would think that Vick would be the star QB that could get them over the edge. However, you can only assume he will be identical to Tavaris Jackson AT BEST. Maybe a little faster. So I doubt they'd go after him.
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In the end, no one knows how good Vick is. Because of the media nightmare, everyone is scared to even bring him in for a tryout or a chance or anything. And unfortunately, his performance is the only thing that we can judge him upon. At this point, I would imagine he is a deer in headlights. He is probably very humbled and does not want to seem picky coming back to the NFL. If only one team makes an offer, he can't hold out for another team to offer something. He will have to accept it, or go play in another league.
At this point, I believe that no matter how much football fans want to see him play, the best thing for him is to pull a Ricky Williams, and use another league as a tryout, and FORCE teams to sign him next season.
Today the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Jack Wilson to the Mariners, and Freddie Sanchez to the Giants.
If you haven't been following the Pirates transactions in the last 5 years (and I honestly don't expect you to have), the Pirates have traded away an entire line-up.
Let's see if you would like to have this line-up on YOUR team:
CF - Nyjer Morgan (traded to Nationals) & Nate McClouth (traded to Braves)
2B - Freddie Sanchez (traded to Giants)
RF - Xavier Nady (traded to Yankees)
3B - Aramis Ramirez (traded to Cubs)
LF - Jason Bay (traded to Red Sox)
1B - Adam LaRoche (traded to Red Sox)
SS - Jack Wilson (traded to Mariners)
C - Jason Kendall (traded to A's)
P - Ian Snell (traded to Mariners)
Now, this isn't a case of random bad luck, people. Every single one of those players are performing exactly what they were expected to perform. Even Jason Bay, who is having an MVP-caliber season, could have been predicted to become a star (I even thought that the Red Sox won that trade the instant I heard it. Bay > Ramirez).
I often think that the Orioles' Peter Angelos is the worst owner in sports. But, he is gonna have to take 2nd place to the Pirates' Robert Nutting.
There isn't much to get excited in Birdland recently. The Orioles have only won twice since the All-Star break. Although 7 of the last 9 losses have been within 2 runs, that doesn't seem to soften the blow at all. Only the most optimistic Orioles fans have been able to watch these games with the "I see the improvement mentality."
Today, however, is a huge day for the Orioles franchise. Chris Tillman, arugably the Orioles' biggest pitching prospect is making his debut.
Rich Hill did a really good job selling his sore arm to the management, and probably saved his major league status in the process. He was placed on the 15-day DL with Alfredo Simon being moved over to the 60 Day DL (a justifiable move) to make room on the 40 man roster.
Like another highly anticipated debut a few months ago, its a rainy day in Baltimore, that we can only hope will be uplifted by a quality start of the Orioles' top minor league prospect.
An interesting question is who is next in line? Brian Matusz will likely be held off until next season (although if the Orioles are not competitive at the end of the season, they may have to in order to draw seats), Troy Patton doesn't look ready, and Brandon Snyder fighting the Mendoza line, it doesn't look as if the Orioles have another top prospect in line to come up later this serious. Jake Arrieta maybe, but it looks like Chris Waters will be the next starter to be called up. Hopefully, that will be within the next week, because the Jason Berken experiment has to be almost over.
Granted. All this talk of Mark Buerhle has arose simply because of his Perfect Game, but it has certainly opened my eyes.
Mark Buerhle is the stereotypical workhorse pitcher. AND he's left handed. Going into the end of his 9th season in the majors, he has averaged about 15 wins a season, and is well on pace for another. at the moment, he is at 133 wins for his career.
You may be asking yourself at this point "what's your freaking point?"
My point is, when Randy Johnson got his 300th win earlier this season, the vast majority of the sporting world declared him as the last 300 game winner ever. EVER.
Who knew that the next 300 game winner could come within the next 10 years? Mark Buerhle could be that man, people.
Think about it: he is a left-handed finesse pitcher. If he can stay in the game for a Jamie Moyer type career (and he is a Jamie Moyer type pitcher), he could be very close to 300 by that time.
I would be one to argue that Buerhle has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the major leagues over the last 10 years. I am saying that Buerhle isn't the type of pitcher to lose a vast amount of velocity or anything over the years because he's only a low-90s pitcher.
Someone with the consistency, the finesse, and the left-handedness of Buerhle should automatically put into consideration for a long career, and a chance at the 300 mark.
He is certainly the most likely case I can find in MLB today.
