The trade deadline came and went. Some big names were dealt while others need not change their address labels for their mail. A few thoughts on some of the bigger names that were dealt are below.
Mike Adams, Rangers: I keep saying it – there isn't a better right-handed reliever in baseball (1.12 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 5.44 K.BB).
Erik Bedard, Red Sox: As injury prone as any player in the game, Bedard is nearly always successful when on the hill. Just 4-7 his record figures to do a 180 with the Red Sox offense behind him. He had better pitch well though, and stay healthy, as Clay Buchholz (back) is likely done for the year.
Carlos Beltran, Giants: He has only two hits in 17 at-bats with the Giants but he figures to settle right in and be the best run producer on the club.
Michael Bourn, Braves: You know you suck, and yes I'm talking to you Astros, when you deal the best base stealer in the league (39 thefts), a guy who is hitting .303 and one who is also under contract for 2012 (arbitration eligible). His value goes up with a better lineup around him.
Doug Fister, Tigers: This guys a solid big leaguer. He has a strong 1.17 WHIP, while his ERA is also good at 3.33. You can't blame him for his 3-12 record since the Mariners offense is just pathetic, but Fister offers little to excite in the fantasy game. He goes out and give you six innings, he's actually done it 14-straight starts though only nine of those outings fall into the “quality start†category. His value goes up slightly with the deal since he might actually pick up a few wins.
Rafael Furcal, Cardinals: How in the world is Furcal hitting .196? Pathetic. He has hit better since the All-Star break at .217, but that's like saying your traded in your Yugo for a Festiva. He's still got talent and if he hits at the top of the order he has a bushel of bats behind him to knock him in.
Edwin Jackson, Cardinals: I gave my thoughts on Jackson last week in Deals a Startin. I'll add this. I was in St. Louis when Jackson made his first start, and listening to the media and fans you'd have thought they added Bob Gibson to the staff. Jackson has a good arm, and when locked in he can be a solid option, but it seems like expectations are way out of whack with this guy.
Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians: From June 1-July 19th he allowed three of fewer runs in 10-straight starts. Unfortunately he's allowed nine runs over his last two outings. His velocity is still down three mph, and moving to the AL isn't going to help his outlook.
Derrek Lee, Pirates: Lee will replace Lyle Overbay at first, and he has been hot of late hitting .298 with a .906 OPS and 13 RBI over his last 15 games.
Ryan Ludwick, Pirates: Leaving Petco should be a big boost to his offense, but it's not like he has been killing it all year on the road (.258/.300/.389).
Hunter Pence, Phillies: He's having a fine year but his OBP isn't great at .355, his SLG of .468 is only 39th amongst players with 400 plate appearances, and his BABIP is high at .365. Still, can't fault the Phillies at all with this add though it does tank the value of Domonic Brown who was sent to Triple-A.
Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays: I gave my thoughts on Colby last week in Deals a Startin. Let's say that I like the game, question the head, and wonder if he will ever reach the level that his talent dictates he should. Still, he just might get there in Canada where no one even knows they play baseball.
By Ray Flowers