As we near the deadline teams are always trying to improve, they don’t really care if you are awake to see what they did. Here is a recap of what happened last night.
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You might have known about this one because it was announced during the Cubs/Pirates game, but the Pirates acquired Wandy Rodriguez and cash money for Triple-A All-Star Rudy Owens and Colton Cain, both left-handers, and outfielder Robbie Grossman. Wandy Rodriguez just loves him some Central Division.
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Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed on a monster extension to the tune of 6 years worth a little more than $140MM, it is the second largest contract ever for a pitcher behind C.C. Sabathia. Some thought that the Cubs were going to be a player for Hamels in free agency in the off-season, it doesn’t matter now. What does matter is that Hamels is now off the market, which should elevate the price of Matt Garza assuming he’s healthy.
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A huge name was traded. Hanley Ramirez was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Nathan Eovaldi, and minor league pitcher Scott McGough. As Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said “We had to do something,” well, mission accomplished. This could have ramifications in regards to a potential Dempster deal to the Dodgers as Eovaldi might have been part of a package to get Dempster now that Zach Lee is off the table. I wonder if the Dodgers had to ask Dempster if it was okay to acquire Hanley.
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A huge name was injured. Apparently Felix Hernandez was tired of the New York Yankees taking all their talent, or he had no command whatsoever. He hit Derek Jeter, new Yankee Ichiro, and the third player was the most damaging, Alex Rodriguez. King Felix drilled A-Rod with a high and tight fastball in the left hand (Video), that usually is not a good spot to get hit and it wasn’t. The pitch broked A-Rod’s left hand, odds are he will be shelved for 6-8 weeks but it depends on the severity of the fracture.
Here’s to another busy day, and night, thanks for reading.
– George
Born on Third 