MLB Trade Deadline Winners/Losers

It has been a few days since the trade deadline has passed, and even though trades can and will be made in August(they must go through waivers), it is more difficult to do. So now that the trades have sunk in a little, I am ready to give my grades to 5 winners and 5 losers.

Lets start with the winners:

1. The Philadelphia Phillies: They added the top starting pitcher that got traded in Cliff Lee, and did not give up the entire farm to do so. That, along with the signing of Pedro Martinez, allows Philly to set up their rotation and bullpen however they like and to each individual match up.

2. The Boston Red Sox: They obtained a pure hitter in Victor Martinez that can play multiple positions. With Mike Lowell in and out of the lineup, Martinez can play first base, move Youklis to third, and give Lowell a day off. Also he can catch, and help keep Varitek sharp.

3. The St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals did most of their damage before the deadline, but nonetheless made an impact. Getting Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa made this one of the better lineups in the National League.

4. The Texas Rangers: As much as I wanted the team to get Roy Halladay, I am glad that they did not give into the demands of Toronto. Their plan is to make their move in 2010 and they stuck to it.

5. The Detroit Tigers: Playing in a weak division, they added Jarrod Washburn to form a great trio for a playoff series. Putting Washburn in between Verlander and Edwin Jackson makes them very dangerous in a 5 game series.

Now for the teams that did not fair so good.

1. The New York Mets: They did nothing. They have an aging roster and holes to fill, and they did nothing. It is almost as if they are already looking for next year.

2. The Toronto Blue Jays: They were asking for a king's ransom to get Roy Halladay, and I understand that you tell your fans you kept a great pitcher, but then you trade Scott Rolen. It makes no sense. And if you trade Halladay in the offseason, you won't get near as much in return.

3. The Washington Nationals: Anther team that had players that could be moved and chose not to. They need to clear payroll to sign Steven Strasburg, and asked for way to much in return for players like Josh Willingham and John Lannan.

4. The Pittsburgh Pirates: Pittsburgh better be happy that they have the Steelers in the same city, because this team has become the Montreal Expos of the 2000's. Anyone who has any talent is traded before they become too expensive. It is almost like they are a farm team for the entire major leagues. It is very sad for this once proud franchise.

5. The Tampa Bay Rays: If you are going to keep up with the Yankees and Red Sox, you have to be ready to make a move. They talked of trading Scott Kazmir to the Rangers for a prospect, and then flipping the prospect to Cleveland for Cliff Lee. Doesn't make a lot of sense. This team has to cut payroll, so look for Kazmir and possibly Carl Crawford traded this offseason.

There were other teams that made some solid additions(Minnesota,LA Dodgers) and some other teams that you aren't sure what they were thinking ( Seattle, Oakland). But as always, it was fun to watch, and the races down the stretch should be fun.

Like always, if you agree, great. If not, that's ok too. Send an email to jpconner9@yahoo.com

Talk to you later.
John Conner