Yes, the most exciting time of the season for me, someone who enjoys seeing players in new uniforms, concluded last night with the end of trade deadline season. So many great players changed hands, so many teams made great moves. I have a lot to say about a ton of the moves made this deadline, and tonight I'm planning on doing my usual Top 10 deadline deals post.
But first, I'd like to present some of the deals that didn't make the cut, in loose descending order from deals that were interesting but didn't change much in my eyes to deals that just missed the countdown.
Why it works: Bolstering a bullpen that's been a bit light so far this year, and giving them a future piece like Pop who's only been in the league a year or so, as well as a trusted bullpen arm in Bass.
Why it didn't make the top 10: Moving two relievers doesn't really do much to make the Blue Jays a contender, all things considered.
Why it works: Gives the Sox a nice mid-lineup bat to help with a potential stretch run
Why it didn't make the Top 10: This is a rare unloading move from a sell-mode team that actually might benefit the seller more than the buyer. Tommy Pham's a handful. Best of luck, Boston.
Why it works: a good future relief piece. Reminds me a lot of the Clay Holmes deal from last year.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Nobody knows who Effross is.
-Tyler Naquin and Philip Diehl to the Mets, prospects to the Reds
-Robbie Grossman to the Braves, prospects to the Tigers
-David Robertson to the Phillies, prospect to the Cubs
-Mychal Givens to the Mets, prospect to the Cubs
Why it works: Bolsters the Mets bullpen even more, and Givens has been on a tear the last few seasons
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Maybe the most useful piece the Mets got this deadline, but not exactly a major move.
Why it works: I think Tyler Naquin, a lot like Mark Canha and Starling Marte, will really work in the Mets outfield.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Seems more like a supplementary move than anything. Also, Diehl's numbers haven't been too great so far this year.
-Chris Martin to the Dodgers, prospect to the Cubs
Why it works: Martin is one of the most underrated relievers of the last few years, and he could be a reliable guy as the Dodgers go towards another title.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: The Dodgers didn't need to make a lot of upgrades this deadline, and Martin being their biggest pro-move says a lot in itself.
-Dan Vogelbach to the Mets, a reliever to the Pirates
Why this works: ...He's gonna hit a lot of home runs in Queens, guys
Why it didn't make the Top 10: When I heard that the Mets were looking for a DH, I figured they'd try to get Nelson Cruz, Josh Bell or J.D. Martinez. All they could muster was Vogey. I'm sure he'll be great, but...considering that Vogey is also their highest profile pickup, the Mets disappointed a lot of people with this one.
Why it works: Outfield depth, and a steady backup as Duvall's out for a bit. He's still an excellent contact hitter.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Compared to a lot of what the Braves did last year, lacks the random ballsiness.
Why it works: Bullpen support for a team in constant need of some. D-Rob could close games, too.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: David Robertson coming to Philly after some impressive comeback years? I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending.
Why it works: I think this is pretty similar to the Adam Frazier deal from last year, an offensive upgrade for the stretch.
Why it didn't make the top 10: Take Brandon Drury out of Cincinnati and the capital letters turn lowercase really quickly.
Why it works: Outfield stability, a controllable young guy who the fans'll love. Hard not to love this pickup if you're a Phillies fan.
Why it didn't make the top 10: The Phillies made a move that makes this one feel insignificant by comparison.
Why it works: Gives the Jays more versatility and experience
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Because I don't understand it and I don't even think the Jays do. What good does Merrifield do? The lineup's already pretty set.
Why it works: Shores up the Cards' rotation, makes the pitching even stronger than it was
Why it didn't make the Top 10: Quintana, like Drury, looks a lot smaller on a good team. Also, better pitchers came off the board this deadline.
Why it works: This was basically #11. It gives the Twins the much-needed closer they've sought after the now-maligned Rogers deal, and it allows Lopez to reap the benefits of his relief abilities in a larger market.
Why it didn't make the Top 10: The Twins had a move that impressed me a bit more.
Tonight, you'll see which ones made the Top 10.
Contreras and Happ not going anywhere at the deadline surprised probably everyone. And the Sox not making any moves after the Twins made a bunch upset everyone even more.
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