Nationals trade prospect Matt Purke for Yankees SP Huroki Kuroda
The Nationals are a team knocking on the door this year, but they're not ready for a long playoff run yet. Adding Kuroda is a huge step for them. The veteran pitcher has defied age and sometimes logic all season long, delivering quality start after quality start and not looking back. He will take pressure off of guys like Strasburg and Zimmermann who will undoubtedly benefit from his veteran presence. Purke is a solid prospect but the Nats have plenty of young players already on their roster. This is a rental deal, so if Kuroda gives you anything more than this year it's just icing on the cake.
Mets trade 3B David Wright for Red Sox SS Jose Iglesias, 3B Will Middlebrooks, and prospect Anthony Ranaudo.
This might be the most exciting deal yet. Dealing Wright is not an easy thing to do, and I know how much he means to the organization, but enough is enough. If they don't have the guts to do a full rebuild, then I will. And besides, Wright deserves this. He's on the tail end of his prime and I don't see the Mets being competitive anytime soon. In return, they'll get a very healthy package of players back. Iglesias is perhaps the best fielding infielder in the game. He may not be the .350 hitter he's been so far this season, but if he hits .275 then I'll be happy. Middlebrooks has been shaky this season, but last year everyone was ready to call him the third baseman for the next ten years. I'm banking on him turning it around. And finally, Ranaudo is an elite pitching prospect. Three fantastic pieces for the Mets as they began their long road to the top.
Braves trade OF BJ Upton and prospect JR Graham for White Sox OF Alex Rios and 2B Gordon Beckham
Exactly the kind of deal I'm looking for as the Braves. I'm hoping shipping BJ out will give Justin Upton a wake up call. He's too talented to be underperforming as much as he is. Rios has the ability to be one of the most productive outfielders in the league and I think a fresh start will do him well. And Gordon Beckham, whom everyone had higher hopes for, has finally pieced together a stretch of productivity. He'll plug right in on the left side of the infield, but he can play any infield position which will be very valuable come playoff time. I like my OF of Upton, Rios, and Heyward now. This OF cast perhaps might have the highest ceiling of any in the game.
Dodgers trade INF Schumaker, prospect Chris Reed for Royals RP Greg Holland
Schumaker is a solid utility infielder, which is good to have on your roster but he's expendable due to the deep lineup of Los Angeles. They'll be getting Holland, who has been fantastic in the closing role so far this season for Kansas City. As with all closers, their performance can be volatile and unpredictable which is why he didn't command a higher return. Now with a bullpen of Holland, Jensen, and League, the Dodgers will make it tough for their opponents as they get into the late innings of their matchups.
Padres trade OF Quentin, SP Volquez for Angels OF Bourjos, prospects CJ Cron and Randel Gricuk
This is a simple case of one team being low in the standings and dumping some salary to another team who's giving up good prospects to be competitive this year. Quentin may be older now, but I think his bat is still underrated by most and Volquez is a good 4/5 starter. Bourjos is a speedy outfielder with a little upside who wasn't seeing much at-bats in a crowded Angels' outfield. Cron and Grichuk are two very talented prospects who will very much help the rebuild of a franchise who is building a very strong minor league system. Good deal for both teams.
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