As the trade deadline approaches, it is obvious that the 2011 off-season movements have propelled some teams into the hunt for the playoffs. These teams made moves to all but ensure them as buyers within the next couple weeks.
10. Miami Marlins added Carlos Zambrano (SP) and Mark Buehrle (SP) to the rotation
The Marlins looked to bolster their team past the Phillies for the National League East title. They surpassed the Phillies, however, they still sit in fourth place at 33-34. The good news is that Zambrano and Buehrle were 2 solid additions to the rotation. The Marlins acquired Zambrano by releasing Chris Volstad, who now plays for triple-A after going 0-6 with a 7.06 ERA. Meanwhile, Zambrano has found new life in those atrocious orange and blue uniforms (4-5, 3.92 ERA, 1.27 WHIP). The other addition was free agent Mark Buehrle, who has had a solid season as well (5-8, 3.82 ERA, 1.14WHIP). Miami now has one of the stronger rotations this year as Zambrano and Buehrle have become assets to the team. If only the Marlins could add a bat or two before the deadline they could make a push for the playoffs in the second half.
9. Seattle Mariners traded (SP) Michael Pineda for (C) Jesus Montero from the NY Yankees
Montero has been of much value to the Mariners, who have begun to develop their young talent. Although the team paid a hefty price for Montero, he has become stalwart in the organization and will be for years to come as he has fulfilled the catcher position. Pineda struggling with the New York Yankees is just another upside to the deal. Perhaps, Seattle knew something the Yankees didn’t; now Pineda is likely done for the season, while Montero continues to shine.
Matt Latos (ESPN)
8. Cincinnati Reds acquired (SP) Mat Latos from San Diego Padres for (C) Yasmani Grandal, (IF) Yonder Alonso and (SP) Edison Volquez
Even though Latos has struggled (5-2, 5.20 ERA, 1.41 WHIP), he is only 25-years-old and the future ace of baseball, which is why this blockbuster move makes the top-10 list. The players given-up to attain Latos were not yet ready to help the club win; Edison Volquez is 3-7 on the year, while Alonso has struggled at the plate, and Grandal is in triple-A. The Reds now have a win mentality after picking-up Latos. Given time to get comfortable, Latos will ultimately have the best second half of any N.L. pitcher.
7. Detroit Tigers signed free agent (1B) Prince Fielder
Signing one of the top first basemen in baseball, when an all-star already covers the position (Cabrera), may have seemed like a questionable move. Even though Cabrera has played third, he has yet to prove himself as a great fielder. However, Detroit’s move has panned-out considering the team has 2 players that will likely hit .300 with 35 to 40 homeruns. Fielder has 27 homeruns and Cabrera has 28, and both are in the prime of their careers. The Tigers’ move is only ranked as seventh on this list because the rest of the team lacks productivity, which keeps them behind in the playoff race.
6. Baltimore Orioles trading (SP) Jeremy Guthrie to Colorado Rockies for (SP) Jason Hammel and (RP) Matt Lindstrom
Surprisingly, Baltimore has stayed in the division race and sits 2 games out of first place. The improvement in bullpen pitching and the rotation has been the contributing factor for their superiority. Lindstrom has been a solid set-up man for the birds, while Jason Hammel has pitched like a possessed man (7-2, 2.87 ERA, 1.16 WHIP). In his previous 5 seasons, Hammel’s career ERA was 4.99 and he was nothing more than the average pitcher. However, he has become a top-end pitcher this season, and if his performance continues, he may qualify for his first-ever All Star game. On the other hand, Guthrie has been awful (7.06 ERA), making this a great move for the O’s.
5. Texas Rangers signed free agent (SP) Yu Darvish
Darvish has been the perfect fill-in after the loss of Ace C.J. Wilson, and he has solidified the Rangers’ rotation. On pace for a 200-strikeout season with 9 wins, Darvish was definitely money well spent. The Rangers will be in contention for a third World Series trip as Darvish may be the key to getting a ring this year.
4. Los Angeles Angels signed free agent (1B) Albert Pujols
When Pujols decided to go to L.A. instead of St. Louis, it was a major surprise. Of course, the reason behind his move was much more obvious after the terms of his 254-million-dollar contract was released. Pujols may have been overpaid, as there is no guarantee that 5 years down the road he’ll continue to be one of the best hitters in the league. And at the end of his 10 year deal, Pujols will unlikely be the quality player he is now. However, when the Angels signed Pujols, they had arguably gotten the best hitter in baseball, which coincides with L.A.’s offensive ability.
3. Baltimore Orioles extending (CF) Adam Jones to a long-term deal
The Orioles have unexpectedly become contenders this season, mainly due to Adam Jones. Buck Showalter changed the culture of the Orioles, but only did so as Jones stepped-up and became the leader of this Baltimore team; the level of growth and maturity Jones has experienced since Showalter’s tenure is amazing. Jones has gone from a gum-chewing show-off, getting regularly picked-off at first base, to hustling after every ground ball and leading the team in all offensive categories. He has become one of the best outfielders in the game and has been the key to this surprising turnaround.
2. Chicago White Sox moving (SP) Chris Sale from the bullpen to the rotation
Chris Sale has been one of the best, if not the greatest starter in the A.L. this season, and is bound to make the All Star team. Since joining the rotation, Sale has gone 8-2 with a 2.24 ERA and a .096 WHIP. Being only 23-years-old, Sale is just beginning his career, and if his performance continues at the same level for the rest of the season, it would be hard to deny him of the CY Young Award.
1. Washington Nationals acquired (SP) Gio Gonzalez from the Oakland Athletics for (SP) Brad Peacock, (C) Derrick Norris, (SP) A.J. Cole, and (RP) Tom Milone
Gio Gonzalez (Mike Ehrmann-Getty Images)
The Nats gave up 3 premium prospects and a solid pitcher (Malone) in order to obtain Gonzalez. However, Gonzalez has been a much needed addition to the team and is a key to their surprising rise in the N.L. East; he is the only pitcher in the Nationals’ rotation who has crossed the 200 inning mark. The move helps in the playoff race as well; assuming the team makes the playoffs, there is no way Steven Strasburg won’t be shut down for the season if they stick to his innings limit. Gonzalez will also be the sole leader of the pitching staff, making a push in the post season, and making this the best off-season transaction in baseball.
