July 31 |
Players to Cubs
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Players to Red Sox
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Players to Expos
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Players to Twins
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LHP Justin Jones
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The Deal: The Cubs needed an offensive upgrade and the most obvious position was shortstop. The Red Sox wanted better defensive play in the infield and had an unhappy Garciaparra on their hands. Match made in heaven? Not quite, as the two clubs needed to get the Expos and Twins involved to make the deal work. The Cubs get the best player in the deal, Garciaparra, who should give the Cubs lineup a boost. The Sox net two Gold Glove-caliber infielders in Cabrera and Mientkiewicz, who along with second baseman Pokey Reese could form the best defensive infield in the AL. The Expos, who couldn't reach a contract extension with Cabrera, net a shortstop for now in Gonzalez and two quality prospects for tomorrow. The Twins get a left-handed pitching prospect, and clear the way for Lew Ford and Justin Morneau to get at-bats every day. A win-win-win-win deal? It could very well be. But there is risk for the Sox, who may find that they miss Garciaparra's bat more than the improved defense helps, and Cabrera is a free agent at season's end. Likewise for the Cubs and Garciaparra, who also is a free agent at the end of the season. So if it doesn't come together in Wrigleyville this year, the Cubbies will find themselves without a shortstop and minus three quality prospects come winter. Worth a shot on both accounts? The answer: Yes.
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July 31 |
Players to Dodgers
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Players to Diamondbacks
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The Deal: The Dodgers not only brought in an athletic veteran with postseason experience by snatching Steve Finley from Arizona, but they also kept division rival San Diego from acquiring him. It's a strong deadline grab for the first-place Dodgers, even though now either Finley or Milton Bradley will be shifted to left. Arizona, meanwhile, got a decent stockpile of young players, including All-Star Futures Game participants in LHP Bill Murphy and C Koyie Hill. The Dodgers were hoping for the Rockies' Charles Johnson to fill the void left by the trade of Paul Lo Duca, but Johnson nixed a trade. Brent Mayne backing up David Ross is a significant downgrade from both.
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News
After all the rumors and speculation, Randy Johnson isn't going anywhere. But Steve Finley and Brent Mayne were dealt to Los Angeles for prospects. 
Deadline wrapup show:
With the Kansas City Royals turning toward youth, Stairs may be available if he can clear waivers.
The only left-hander in the Yankees' bullpen, Heredia has been consistently ineffective this season and may be put on waivers.
Mesa should be on the wish lists of contenders looking for bullpen help, but the Pirates will be reluctant to part with him.
