It sure feels like Christmas in July around the Trade Deadline. Many teams couldn’t wait until the day of the Deadline to open their presents, ripping off the wrapping paper the night before. With all the craziness and wheeling and dealing continuing past 1 AM Eastern last night, a morning recap will be nice to have, if only for sanity’s sake.
Chicago Cubs RHP Paul Maholm and OF Reed Johnson to the Atlanta Braves for Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman.
As an Atlanta Braves fan, I like the trade but don’t love it. The addition of a “hot” pitcher is a good idea for a starting rotation that is anything but healthy, and consistent Reed Johnson is going to do a very good job as a fourth outfielder type while also providing the club with a legitimate right handed option Off The Bench (see what I did there?). From a Cubs standpoint, you have to love what Theo and Jed are starting to put together. Arodys Vizcaino has a chance to be an absolute star in this league, but health concerns have kept him from developing fully. At the least, expect Vizcaino to be a powerful, top notch set up man who could realistically be a closer if remains healthy. At most, he’s a No. 2 starter with some inconsistency. The Tommy John surgery did not scare off Epstein and it shouldn’t scare off Cubbie Nation.
Seattle Mariner closer Brandon League to the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor leaguers Leon Landry, OF and Logan Bawcom, RHP.
The Dodgers get an experienced reliever and a guy that can help solidify a bullpen that already ranked fourth in the Majors in ERA. I expect Kenley Jansen to remain the closer, but throw in League and the recently acquired Randy Choate, and this is a very, very good bullpen. As for the two minor leaguers, anything of value that the Mariners got in return for a closer who’s contract is abotu to expire has to be considered a “win.” However, neither prospect was listed among Keith Law’s preseason top 10 within the Dodgers’ system, but in high A-ball this year Landry has really blossomed. He’s hit .328 with a .559 slugging to go with 20 steals. He may be a bit old to be considered a big time prospect at 22, but in looking a video, this amateur talent evaluator likes what he sees. As for Logan Bawcom, at least one guy thought he could be the Dodger’s closer of the future, and his minor league numbers this year (2.60 ERA, 9.35 K/9) back up that assertion. I like the trade more from a Mariners perspective; the Dodgers seem to be making moves mostly because Magic Johnson wants them to.
Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Travis Snider from the Toronto Blue Jays for Brad Lincoln.
The Blue Jays are trying anything to continue to field a competitive pitching staff. They’ve got three guys in the bullpen on the DL along with two studs form the roattion. All told, the boys in Toronto currently list 10 guys on the DL. Rickie Romero continues to be awful, and the Jays are really reaching now. That said, according to a friend of mine who thinks he knows alot about the game, Travis Snider is going to be a star in this league. He’s got the tools and has shown major potential when given an opportunity (usually on a part time basis) to perform in the Majors. Lincoln also could be very good: 4-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 59 1/3 innings already this year. I like the trade for both teams, but a lot more for the Pirates who may have gotten a good outfielder for a bullpen arm (a commodity that’s easy to come by).
Seattle Mariners acquire Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Marcus Thames for Steve Delabar.
Pretty much everything that I wrote about the Travis Snider trade applies here, except with slightly less talent inovlved. The Mariners get a power outifeld bat that should help them field a major league caliber lineup. And the Blue Jays overpay for a reliever that I’m not sure is all that great. Delabar is 2-1 with a 4.17 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings this season, but he does have a great story. Drafted in 2003 , he dropped out of baseball for a few years because of arm problems, coached high school, then like Dennis Quade in The Rookie, made a comeback in 2011. The Mariners win this trade, but that I’ve managed to write 121 words about it already surprises me.
Last night’s whirlwind was great, and I’m excited for the trades that happen today. It is Christmas in July after all. MLB.com will be refreshed often.
-Sean Morash
