traded to

Texas Rangers
1B Mike Olt
P Justin Grimm
P C.J. Edwards
1 or 2 players to be named later

This was the deal that kicked off the race to the deadline as Matt Garza was dealt to Texas.  He is in the final year of his current contract and it appears likely that the Rangers will only be using him in their push to clinch a playoff spot this year and not for the future.  Chicago was able to get a good prospect in Mike Olt from the Rangers.  Chicago is set with Anthony Rizzo at first base, but Olt has played third base in the minors so that is his potential landing spot unless he settles for a corner outfield spot.  Justin Grimm is a decent pitcher, but might be better suited in a relief role rather than a starter.  The other players Chicago received are low end prospects with no high expectations.

July 23

Milwaukee Brewers
P Francisco Rodriguez

traded to

Baltimore Orioles
3B Nick Delmonico

In a rare one for one trade at this time of year, the Brewers got what they desperately needed in a future power bat at either third or first base.  For Delmonico it will most likely be third since his fielding prowess is more experienced there.  He likely won’t see the majors until 2015 at the soonest, but he has promise.  Baltimore gets some extra help for their over worked bullpen.  Francisco ‘K-Rod’ Rodriguez won’t see much action as a closer, but he will absolutely be a big help in crucial situations in the ultra competitive AL East.  Losing Delmonico isn’t a huge blow as the Orioles have Manny Machado holding down the fort at third.

July 26

Chicago Cubs
OF Alfonso Soriano

traded to

New York Yankees
P Corey Black
cash

In a classic case of a ‘salary dump’ the Cubs found a suitor for Soriano in the Yankees.  They’ll get to have him for the rest of this season and next.  Chicago will be paying most of Soriano’s salary in the process so it’s a win-win for the suddenly penny pinching Yankees.  If you remember Soriano was once a mainstay at second base for New York before he was dealt for Alex Rodriguez. Since then he has remained a productive player for the most part, but no where near where he could have been had he not been traded to Texas.

July 29

Los Angeles Angels
P Scott Downs

traded to

Atlanta Braves
P Cory Rasmus

This isn’t looked at as the most glamorous trade, but an effective one for Atlanta.  They definitely could use another arm to shore up an already elite bullpen and Downs, being in the final year of his deal will get a chance to prove he’s worth another lengthy extension with his play in a pennant race.  The Angels didn’t get a big return, but they hope Rasmus, who has a decent repertoire can give them a glimpse during a stint in the bullpen down the stretch.

July 30

Los Angeles Angels
3B Alberto Callaspo

traded to

Oakland Athletics
2B Grant Green

You don’t see most teams trade within their own division, but the Angels made an exception.  Callaspo was a productive player.  His numbers didn’t translate as an everyday third basemen, but he remained a productive player.  Oakland had a depth problem on the infield should one of their regular starters go down to an injury and they went searching for help.  The Angels see Grant Green as an everyday second basemen, but the problem is they already have one in Howie Kendrick.  It sets up the idea that the Angels with this cost cutting move of trading Callaspo (under contract through 2014) might try to trade Kendrick after this season.

July 30

Detroit Tigers
OF Avisail Garcia (White Sox)
P Brayan Villarreal (Red Sox)

Boston Red Sox
SS Jose Iglesias (Tigers)
P J.B. Wendelken (White Sox)
P Francelis Montas (White Sox)
INF Cleuluis Rondon (White Sox)

Chicago White Sox
P Jake Peavy (Red Sox)

The most talked about trade of the deadline happened just before deadline day.  Some say the White Sox didn’t get enough for Jake Peavy and others will say that the Tigers shouldn’t have gotten involved.  Well, the way it all boils down to is that all teams involved did what they had to.  Sure, Chicago didn’t get enough on paper, but if one of those two pitchers turns into a decent reliever or even the next White Sox closer (which they need one) to go along with the sure hitting of Avisail Garcia.  That would be a good return.  Peavy isn’t just a rental.  He’ll be around next year as well. If Boston makes the postseason this year he will be a very good number two or three starter for them.  And putting him with a healthy Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz for a full season will only help the Red Sox stay in contention next year.  Detroit did give up a potentially great hitter in Garcia, but they received an excellent defensive shortstop in Iglesias.  His bat has been good this year, but he will need some fine tuning.  As of now everyone has a chance to say they won this trade.

July 31

Arizona Diamondbacks
P Ian Kennedy

traded to

San Diego Padres
P Joe Thatcher
P Matt Stites
Competitive Balance pick

Another trade involving division rivals, but this one seems to be more about the future rather than the present.  Kennedy has had a dismal season compared to his last two in Arizona.  They felt he wouldn’t be worth a hefty raise in arbitration so they took the chance to deal him.  The Padres are willing to take a chance with their pitcher friendly ballpark to help Kennedy along.  San Diego didn’t give up a lot to get a potential top of the rotation starter either so to them it’s little risk.  The Diamondbacks are still in a postseason race and they have enough young arms to offset Kennedy’s departure and Thatcher will be a big help to their dreadful bullpen.  Matt Stites has potential and could see action as early as next year.

July 31

Houston Astros
P Bud Norris

traded to

Baltimore Orioles
OF L.J. Hoes
P Josh Hader
Competitive Balance pick

It’s a sad state when the biggest prize of the deadline is the Houston Astros number one starting pitcher.  But he hasn’t had a terrible season considering he has been playing for perhaps the worst team in baseball this year.  The Orioles certainly could use some help for their rotation with the way the Tampa Bay Rays have been playing and the recent addition of Jake Peavy to the Red Sox.  The Astros did come away with a good hitter in Hoes who was hitting .304 this year at AAA Norfolk for the Orioles.  Hader has good stuff for a left-hander and could rise through the Astros farm system in a hurry if he continues to improve on his potential. Houston received max value for a player that is at best a number three starter for a contender.