MLB Trade Deadline: Biggest Winners & Losers

[mickey]

JJ

It may be too early to truly judge which teams made out with the best deals before the MLB’s trade deadline this season, but I’ll give it a try anyway.

Biggest Winners

St. Louis Cardinals - While their trades weren’t what I would call “deadline” deals, the Cardinals still improved more than any other team in baseball over the last month. They added two legitimate bats to their lineup in Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa, who are both off to red hot starts for St. Louis. Lost in those two bigger deals is the acquisition of Julio Lugo, who fills a big defensive hole for the Cardinals at shortstop, as well as adds some speed to the lineup to go with their new-found power. The MLB odds to win the NL Pennant have the Cardinals at +500, a number that should only improve if the Cardinals’ new faces continue to produce close to what they already have.

Philadelphia Phillies – The defending champs added one of the best left-handed starters in the league in Cliff Lee, plus grabbed Ben Francisco from the Indians, giving a much-needed upgrade to their outfield bench. The Phillies are 2nd only to the Dodgers in terms of their odds to win the NL Pennant this year and are currently listed at +220 odds to make the World Series.

Biggest Losers

Chicago White Sox - I understand that the Sox needed another pitcher if they were going to be considered serious contenders, however, I think they gave up too much for Peavy (who is still on the disabled list, by the way). The Padres got Clayton Richard, who is young and has already shown he can be successful at the major league level, as well as pitchers Aaron Poreda, Adam Russel, and Dexter Carter, all of which were top prospects in the White Sox organization. The trade didn’t boost the White Sox odds to win the American League Pennant this year as they are currently listed at +600 odds.

Cleveland Indians - Let me preface this by saying I think the Indians did what they had to do and got themselves a lot of top prospects, but as far as what they gave up this season, they really took a blow. They gave up their best starter, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, Cliff Lee. The got rid of Ben Francisco, Ryan Garko, and one of their best hitters in Victor Martinez. I totally understand the moves, they needed to get rid of some salary and add some young players, I just think they went a little far with the firesale. The Indians don’t really have a lot to play for this season (they are already 11 games out of first in the AL Central), but they have virtually ensured they won’t be good for at least another couple of seasons. I honestly hope they prove me wrong, but I’m not seeing it.

[westcoastO]

chicago cubs - losers

[Bisket]

westcoast might be sharpest poster on the site

[50cent]

whitesox winners i think myself........

[Romanowski]

Originally Posted by 50cent

gl ...

lol

[Romanowski]

I hear people saying the indians got "great" prospects for Lee

however on Scouts inc it says otherwise.

Phillies gave up prospects that are projected to be average to below average major leaguers

for a Cy Young winner