The 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown (Full Version)

The MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown is how I got started writing on the Internet, 10 years ago. Like Peter Gammons, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Last year was the first that I did not publish a Trade Deadline Breakdown since I began in 1999. Being the baseball nerd I am, I could not allow another July 31 to pass without providing the most complete, concise and convenient recap of the notable deadline deals you don’t have to pay money for (though you are welcome to do so). This year was the biggest deadline I have ever covered. Three sure-fire future hall of famers were dealt, along with two of the game’s best ptichers, perennial all-stars at first base and in the outfield, and of course, dozens of notable prospects. Who made the right moves and who set their team back a few seasons? Let’s get to the Breakdown (trades ordered in importance).

[MLB TRADE DEADLINE] Rumored 3-way deal sends Manny to L.A., Bay to Boston. Griffey confirmed to ChiSox.

The full version of the 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown is coming soon. Early Editions are available at the Acropolis homepage.

Last-minute deals and rumors:

- The Red Sox, who failed to work out a deal with the Marlins earlier today, have sent Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to SI.com. Further speculation is that a three-way deal sent Jason Bay from Pittsburgh to L.A., and then immediately over to Boston for Man-Ram, this reported by ESPN.com. The Pirates, presumably, loaded up on prospects. MLB.com reports to the contrary, that the trade died right at the deadline. It is confirmed that Bay did not wind up in Tampa with the Rays, as was rumored earlier.

- Ken Griffey Jr. was dealt by the Reds to the White Sox. Griffey to the Sox has been rumored just about every season since 2003, but no such talk was reported this year. A surprise move, but as a lifelong Junior fan, one I have been waiting on far too long. I now want a Cubs/White Sox World Series.

- Some notable names that appear to be staying put: Oakland’s Huston Street and Justin Duchscherer, San Diego’s Greg Maddux, and Colorado’s Brian Fuentes (as a fantasy owner of Manny Corpas, this comes as very disappointing news).

More to come.

The 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown (Early Edition II)

The Full Edition of the 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown is complete! View it here.

We are less than four days away from the 2008 MLB trade deadline, but the deals keep coming, as this year’s deadline continues to live up to the hype as the most active in recent years. Let’s get you to the latest deals.

For the previous Acropolis 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown Early Edition, click here.

Yankees Get:
OF- Xavier Nady
LHP- Damaso Marte

Pirates Get:
RHP- Jeff Karstens
RHP- Daniel McCutchen
RHP- Ross Ohlendorf
OF- Jose Tabata

The Yankees have been red-hot as of late, and have played themselves back into the AL East race. Coming into the deadline, GM Brian Cashman had two goals: get a solid right-handed bat and a left-handed reliever. He accomplishes both in one deal. Nady is having a career year (.330, 13 HR, 57 RBI), and provides far more reliability than recently signed righty Richie Sexson. Marte is one of the league’s best southpaw relievers. Filling in for injured Pirates closer Matt Capps, Marte notched 4 saves while allowing just three hits over the two-week span. He won’t close in New York, but he will be the number two guy in the pen behind Mariano Rivera. Marte is likely a rental, unless the Yanks choose to pick up his $6 million option at season’s end. Nady’s contract runs through 2009.

The 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown (Early Edition)

The Full Edition of the 2008 MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown is complete! View it here.

 

The MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown is how I got started writing on the Internet, 10 years ago. Like Peter Gammons, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Last year was the first that I did not publish a Trade Deadline Breakdown since I began in 1999. Being the baseball nerd I am, I could not allow another July 31 to pass without providing the most complete, concise and convenient recap of the notable deadline deals you don’t have to pay money for (though you are welcome to do so). The Acropolis blog allows me to break the detailed report into smaller, easier to read sections. With big trades taking place weeks before the trade deadline, it was time to get started on the 2008 edition.

 

Brett Favre and Barry Bonds have a few things in common…

1) They are among the best players ever to play their respective sports.

2) They can’t get a job.

It’s that time of year again. Brett Favre has retired and now, according to vast media speculation, he wants to return to the Green Bay Packers. However, this time, again according to vast media speculation, the Packers aren’t listening. They apparently want to move on into the Aaron Rodgers era and let their Hall of Fame QB spend the winter in south Mississippi.

Here’s what I’ve gathered as actual fact. Favre sent a text message to Packers general manager Ted Thompson. We don’t know what the message said, but Thompson is on vacation and will not address it until he gets back. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King reported that Favre’s agent has contacted the Packers, but has received no response.

What I’m getting at is that this seems to be more rumor-driven that fact-driven. In any case, let’s play with the rumor of Favre desiring a comeback and the Packers desiring that he just go away. If this is true, the Green Bay Packers are throwing away a chance at a Super Bowl this season.