Major League Baseball Trade Analysis – Part 1
The mid season trade deadline saw many prominent names being traded for some top-quality prospects. The Boston Red Sox came to the limelight when they indulged in a three-way deal including Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners. The Texas Rangers got
their hands on Mike Adams from San Diego Padres and now find themselves at par in strength with Boston and the New York Yankees.
Ubaldo Jimenez had been in the headlines for being the most prominent starting pitcher in the trade market with all big teams showing an interest in him. He was finally landed by the Cleveland Indians from the Colorado Rockies against four prospects.
Following is an in-depth analysis of the trade transactions and their possible effects on the teams.
Boston Red Sox improved the depth in their pitching staff when they landed Erik Bedard from the Seattle Mariners in a move which saw Trayvon Robinson move from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Mariners via Red Sox.
The Red Sox are now in a phase where they are hard pressed by the New York Yankees for the second place in the Majors and are themselves just 1.5 games behind League leaders Philadelphia Phillies. Bedard’s entree at this crucial phase may hamper Boston’s
cause as he is known for his impatience and sudden lack of precision. This season has been pretty ordinary for him with a 4-7 win-loss record and 87 strike-outs in 16 starts.
However, his talent cannot be undermined as his seven years in the professional arena have been scintillating. He has 888 career strike-outs at an ERA of 3.69 and an impressive win-loss record of 55-48. If he does pitch to his reputation, he will be an instant
hit with the Red Sox fans.
San Diego Padres have been amongst the least performing teams in Major League Baseball this season and they suffered another blow when their key outfielder Ryan Ludwick was transferred to the Pittsburgh Pirates against a player who is yet to be named. Ludwick
has been an average batter with the Padres but his career has been a notch more than that.
It was a good move by the Pirates who have shown serious intent of making a strong outfit for the next season. This is a good lead and other teams who do not have a chance this season should be following the Pirates.
Texas Rangers have emerged strongly after the mid season break and are now just eight games behind leaders Philadelphia Phillies in the Majors. They are going strong in the American League West division and are a strong contender for the playoffs this season.
The Rangers added strength to their bull-pen when they landed Mike Adams from the struggling San Diego Padres against Robin Erlin and Joe Wieland. Adams has come as a blessing for the Rangers who desperately required an effective relief pitcher and Adams
has proved over his career that he is one of the best in the business.
An ERA of 1.13 this season and a career ERA of 2.11 highlight Adams’ importance at the mound. Along with the art of halting runs, Adams has the skill of striking-out batters at will. He has 295 strike-outs in 270 career games which are more than decent as
a relief pitcher. He has saved 23 games this season already and his 23rd save yielded his 100th career save.
Continued in Part 2
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