Teams currently making a push for the playoffs are trying to deal for players to help them out to make a push towards the playoffs. A lot of players who are more likely to be traded are players with one year left on their contracts. When you deal for players with multiple years on their contract I view this as a win because not only did you improve for this year, but you also improved for next year.
Last Thursday the Pirates started the trading party as they acquired Aramis Ramirez from the Brewers for Yhonathan Barrios. The Astros then traded Daniel Mengden and Jacob Nottingham to the A's for Scott Kazmir.
Last Friday the Angels acquired Conor Gillaspie from the White Sox for cash considerations, the Mets traded John Grant and Rob Whalen to the Braves for Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson, and the Cardinals traded Kyle Barraclough to the Marlins for Steve Cishek.
Last Saturday was quiet, but Sunday made headlines as the Royals acquired Johnny Cueto from the Reds for Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb, and Cody Reed.
On Monday the Angels acquired Shane Victorino from the Red Sox for Josh Rutledge and cash considerations, and the Mets traded Casey Meisner to the A's for Tyler Clippard.
Tuesday was a very busy day. The Blue Jays got things started by trading Jose Reyes, Jeff Hoffman, Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco to the Rockies for Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins, the Royals acquired Ben Zorbist from the Astros for Aaron Brooks and Sean Manaea, the Nationals acquired Jonathan Papelbon and got cash considerations from the Phillies for Nick Pivetta, the Angels got David DeJesus from the Rays for Eduar Lopez, and the Angels also got David Murphy from the Indians for Eric Stamets.
On Wednesday the Pirates acquired Joe Blanton from the Royals for cash considerations. The Rangers acquired Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman, got cash considerations from the Phillies for Matt Harrison, Jorge Altaro, Nick Williams, Jake Thompson, Alec Asher, and Jerad Eickhorr.
The Pirates needed a bat and they got one in Aramis Ramirez. The Pirates also added depth in pitching in Joe Blanton. I like what the Blue Jays and Rockies did. The Blue Jays got a bat in their lineup in Tulo and a very good reliever in LaTroy Hawkins. As for the Rockies, they now add top tier prospects in terms of pitching in Jeff Hoffman Miguel Castro, and Jesus Tinoco, and they also got one of the best lead off hitters in Jose Reyes. I'd put him at leadoff and Blackman in the 2 hole.
I love the Royals moves so far. They needed someone who can fill in the left field position in Ben Zorbis and they also got what they needed in Johnny Cueto. Cueto eats up a lot of innings and the Royals needed an inning eater.
Entering the week I thought the Nationals had a really good closer, they added another closer in Johnathan Papelbon which is a nice thing to have.
The Mets added depth to a lineup that needs help in Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson and the Mets also added depth in their bullpen in Tyler Clippard.
I cannot say that I liked all of the moves that the Angels made, but I did like the fact that they added outfield depth. They added Victorino, David DeJesus, and David Murphy, all who can hit which was what the Angels needed.
I liked what the Astros did by adding depth in their rotation in Scott Kazmir. Now, you are not only in it to win the division but you just added depth in your starting rotation. If I'm Houston I know I'm not the problem in the AL West.
The Rangers entered last night only 4 games out of the playoffs. They went on and added Cole Hamels. Say things doesn't work out to their best this year they can look for next year. Darvish and Hamels would be a nice 1-2 punch in that rotation.
The Phillies are ready for the future. The Phillies got Nick Piretta who has a 92MPH sinker, not bad, and I also like Jorge Alfaro and Matt Harrison. Harrison will be a good fit in the Phillies rotation and I like Jorge Alfaro's bat.
If you look at what the Reds did in the Cueto deal you'll notice one name, Brandon Finnegan. He pitched for the Royals last year in the world series and he's having a good year so for in the minors.
It's been a good week full of trades so far and there will be more trades before Friday's deadline. I'll have the complete recap from today and tomorrow tomorrow night.
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