Well, the trade deadline has sorta passed, with not a lot of big things happening. The biggest move was actually yesterday, with Abreu heading to the Yankees, which you can discuss in the comments, if you’d like. As for today, though, the biggest move is the one being reported by CBS Sportsline, Greg Maddux heading to the Dodgers.
So the day’s big trade involves a sub-.500 pitcher with a 4.69 ERA. It just pisses me off, because the Dodgers got both of the guys I was hoping the Padres would go after… Greg Maddux and Wilson Betemit. All the Padres did was pick up Todd Walker, a .277 hitter with 6 HRs who hasn’t played 3rd base regularly in 10 years. I dunno if they plan on using him there (though I’d think that was the plan, as Josh Barfield is entrenched at 2nd base), but 3rd base was the big hole they wanted to fill. And the Dodgers also picked up Julio Lugo, because, I dunno, they’re the Dodgers, and they can.
Elsewhere, the Mets moved to pick up a couple of pitchers, acquiring Pirates Oliver Perez (who used to be good) and Roberto Hernandez in exchange for Xavier Nady. The Reds picked up Rheal Cormier from the Phillies, and Kyle Lohse of the Reds. The Rangers acquired Matt Stairs. And the Tigers traded for Sean Casey. Discuss.
hkuszak Says:
July 31st, 2006 at 6:43 pm
As a Cubs fan, I’m kinda sorry to see Maddux go - he’s been a guy that the Cubs can rally aournd in the clubhouse and a mentor for the younger guys on the team. That said, his $9 million contract for this year has now been unloaded and can make some room for some actual pitching prospects. Hopefully along the lines of what happened with all the rookies in the AL this year.
And Todd Walker - good luck with that. Good riddance.
Mark Says:
July 31st, 2006 at 9:58 pm
Well, I’d be in favor of the Cubs trading off the whole damn team, as it was trash to begin with (Maddux should never have come back), as it is the result of GM Jim Hendry’s complete inability to judge baseball players and construct a team. I seriously do not know why that man keeps his job. (And please don’t jump on the “Blame Dusty” bandwagon. Could you make a winner from star players sitting on the DL?)
What I’d more like to talk about is the Indians trading away Broussard and Belliard. This is the Indians giving up on the season, which they should, but my thought is that they should have moved Sabathia and maybe that God-awful bullpen instead (though who would take them remains questionable, admittedly). It just seems to me that you could always pick the Twins’, Angels’, or Braves’ farm system for some good young pitching. The combination that was the Indians’ lineup was not something that came along every day though, and I don’t think that the Indians got solid players in return. Would it have been so hard to shop beyond-his-prime Sabathia to a desperate contender, especially considering his performance this year?
And don’t worry about the Dodgers. No way they make it to the Series anyway.
chris Says:
August 1st, 2006 at 12:42 am
As a Phils fan, I’m pissed to see Abreu dealt, and especially for the junk we got back. If any of them other than Matt Smith sniff the majors, I’ll be surprised.
Roger Says:
August 1st, 2006 at 1:13 am
People people please. This was a very very anticipated trade deadline and we’re sitting here talking about Maddux. I mean, he was great. WAS! The biggest name that was traded was Carlos Lee. Gimme a break. I mean sure he’s great. But I think everyone wanted to see how the Tejada and Soriano saga was gonna play out. I woulda loved to see Soriano go to the A’s and see how Billy Beane would have played that one out. Tejada to the Angels sure. But lets be real for a second. The 40+ Maddux is the top story?
boo boo Says:
August 2nd, 2006 at 6:46 pm
I’d say Perez is now in position to contend for the Cy Young.