Aug8

2012 MLB Trade Deadline Deals

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Zack Greinke might just help the Angels pass up the Rangers

Now that the MLB trading deadline has come and gone, some teams have made themselves better, and others are looking toward next year. Here’s a quick look at the major deals that went down before the deadline on July 31^st.

Zach Greinke

Buyer: Los Angeles Angels

Seller: Milwaukee Brewers

The Details: The Brewers traded away former Cy Young pitcher Greinke to the Angels for three of their top-10 prospects: Jean Segura a 2B; pitcher Johnny Hellweg, and pitcher Ariel Pena. All three are solid major league prospects. The Angels are all-in for 2012, since Greinke is a free agent at the end of the year, but they picked up a strong top of the rotation starter (9-3, 3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP in 21 starts) for their run against the Rangers.

The Rangers hope Ryan Dempster is the answer to Greinke

Ryan Dempster

Buyer: Texas Rangers

Seller: Chicago Cubs

The Details: With starting pitcher Colby Lewis on the DL for the rest of the year, the Rangers needed an answer to fend off the surging Angels, especially after they picked up Zack Greinke. They hope they got it with Dempster, a pitcher who’s only played in the NL in his career. In return, the Cubs received minor league 3B Christian Villanueva, a top-100 prospect, and righty pitcher Kyle Hendriks. Although it’s unlikely the Dempster will continue at his NL-leading 2.25 ERA pace, he could prove to be a key piece to the Rangers’ playoff hopes.

Hunter Pence

Buyer: San Francisco Giants

Seller: Philadelphia Phillies

The Details: The Phillies acknowledged their sub-par season and threw in the towel, trading RF Pence to the Giants to solve their right field issues. The Phillies received catcher Tommy Joseph, outfielder Nate Schierholtz, and pitcher Seth Rosin. Pence hit .271 with 17 HRs for the Phillies, and is signed through 2014. The Giants need the extra offense if they’re going to make a move against the Dodgers, and the Phillies also cleared some cap space.

Shane Victorino

Buyer: Los Angeles Dodgers

Seller: Philadelphia Phillies

The Details: The Phillies weren’t done on the trade front with Hunter Pence. They also sent two-time all-star CF Victorino to the Dodgers, getting reliever Josh Lindblom and minor league pitcher Ethan Martin. Victorino will be a great leadoff bat for the Dodgers, has playoff experience with the Phillies, and had a .261 AVG. with 9 HR and 24 steals for the Phillies before the trade.

Picking up Ramirez might be what the Dodgers need to win the NL West

Hanley Ramirez

Buyer: Los Angeles Dodgers

Seller: Miami Marlins

The Details: The Dodgers were the most active team at the deadline. In addition to Victorino, they also acquired 3B Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins, a team many thought would be playoff-bound but who are now shedding salary. The Dodgers also acquired lefty reliever Randy Choate, sending back starting pitcher Nate Eovaldi and minor league pitcher Scott McGough to the Marlins. Hanley, a one-time batting champion and three-time all-star, was in the fourth year of a $70 million contract, but was only batting .246. Obviously, the Dodgers are hoping a change of scenery will bring back the old Ramirez, and so far, so good.

Brandon League

Buyer: Los Angeles Dodgers

Seller: Seattle Mariners

The Details: League, a former closer for the Mariners, went to help the Dodger bullpen. Although he had struggled of late for the Mariners, he was closing for them earlier this year. In return, the Mariners received minor league OF Leon Landry and closer Logan Bawcom in the deal, both who have potential big-league ability. League, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, will be used in the bullpen initially.

After 12 years with the M’s, Ichiro is looking to win with the Yankees

Ichiro Suzuki

Buyer: New York Yankees

Seller: Seattle Mariners

The Details: With the injury to outfielder Brett Gardner, the Yankees needed outfield help, and after 12 years as a Mariner, Ichiro was ready to go to a winner. A 10-5 guy, he had control of any trades and was willing to concede a lot to play for the Yankees, moving down in the batting order and playing left field. Ichiro’s skills have declined, but many in New York felt he just needed to be back around a winning team to get energized. In return, the Mariners received minor league pitchers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar, and removed any ugly situation that might have developed with the team signing an aging veteran next season when they’re rebuilding.

Tags Brandon League Hanley Ramirez Hunter Pence Ichiro Suzuki MLB MLB Trade Deadline Ryan Dempster Shane Victorino Trading Deadline Zack Greinke

Author

Sports Junkie

The Sports Junkie (aka Cal Moore) was born in Washington state and grew up following the Seahawks and Mariners from their inception, and the Sonics (while they were here). Despite enduring many disappointing seasons watching those teams over the years, he still holds out hope for a win by a local team in a championship game. He played baseball growing up, and his first love is the MLB, but he also has a passion for football and thinks it’s the better sport to watch, especially because of fantasy football. Given an opportunity, he’s willing to discuss just about any sport, but he’s still not convinced that NASCAR really is one.