MLB teams and GMs were busy right to the last minute of the 4pm EST cutoff today trying to get deals done before the deadline. The biggest of those deals just barely beat the buzzer. The Cubs and Rangers agreed to a trade to send stud pitcher Ryan Dempster to Texas right at 4pm. But there were also other all stars on the move today. The biggest trades are listed below.
Cubs send lefty pitcher Paul Maholm to Atlanta
Cubs GM Theo Epstein dumped several Cubs contracts Tuesday, starting with Maholm. Maholm, a lefty, has been very solid for the Cubs this season, posting a 9-6 record with a 3.74 ERA. Atlanta was set on acquiring one of two Cubs pitchers - either Maholm or Dempster. When Dempster fell through, the Braves moved on to Maholm. Maholm could either be Atlanta's 5th starter or come out of the pen. In return, Atlanta sent highly regarded pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino to Chicago. The Cubs also sent utility outfielder Reed Johnson to the Braves.
Phillies send Shane Victorino to Dodgers
Philadelphia started the overhaul of their outfield Tuesday by sending two time all star and three time gold glove winner Shane "The Flyin Hawaiin" Victorino to LA. Like the Phillies, Victorino has struggled this year, only hitting at a .261 mark. In LA, the Dodgers want Victorino to hit leadoff and get on base for the middle of the lineup. When in the field, Victorino will most likely stay in his preferred center field position. Matt Kemp, the Dodgers stud outfielder, said he was willing to move to left. The addition of Victorino was one of three major deals by the Dodgers. They currently sit in 2nd in the NL West, only percentage points behind rival San Francisco.
Brandon League heads south from Seattle to Dodger town
The Dodgers last of three major moves was the addition of reliever Brandon League. The hard throwing righty came into the year as Seattle's closer, but struggled in that role. After being moved to the 8th inning, League posted solid numbers. He brings a 3.7 ERA and $5 million salary to LA.
Giants answer Dodgers by acquiring Phillies right fielder Hunter Pence
In one of the biggest moves of the day, the Giants acquired two time all star Hunter Pence from the Phillies. Pence will provide much needed right handed power to the Giants lineup. With 17 home runs, Pence will be the biggest threat to go deep the Giants have. Pence's $10.4 million dollar salary is a lot to take on for San Francisco, but Giants fans and front office personnel both thought the move was necessary. With Pence, the Giants lineup becomes good enough to make a run at another World Series. Mainly, the Giants needed to add a bat to answer the array of Dodgers acquisitions. The trade for Pence did just that. The Giants sent right fielder Nate Shierholtz and minor league prospect Tommy Joseph, a catcher, to Philly.
Marlins continue to unload, send 1st baseman Gaby Sanchez to Pittsburgh
Sanchez has been struggling for the struggling Marlines and the Fish are looking to start over. Pittsburgh hopes Sanchez can return to his 2010-2011 form when he was a consistent power hitter for Miami. Sanchez will come off the bench and make spot starts for the Bucs.
Pirates add another bat, get Travis Snider from Toronto
Two teams competing for the postseason swapped pitcher for hitter. Snider, a hard hitting lefty, was sent to Pittsburgh to bolster the bench. In return, the Pirates sent reliever Brad Lincold to Toronto. Lincoln leads all relievers with a .50 ERA this year.
Cubs deal catcher Geovany Soto to Rangers
This deal was thought to be done Monday night but didn't get finalized until Tuesday. Soto, a former rookie of the year in Chicago, will be heading to Texas to be a backup catcher and spot starter. Soto has struggled in Chicago this year, only batting .199.
Bo Sox add lefty reliever Craig Breslow from Arizona
In a move to fortify the bullpen, the Sox got Breslow and dealt Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik to Arizona. Breslow brings a 2.70 ERA and sterling K to BB ratio to Boston. The addition of Breslow could help lefty Franklin Morales return to the starting rotation. Breslow is not considered a lefty specialist, and possess nearly identical numbers when facing batters from either side of the plate.
Last but not least, Ryan Dempster is sent from Chicago to Texas
The biggest deal of the day came right down to the wire. In a deal that wasn't finalized until 3:59pm, the Cubs and Rangers agreed to a deal that sends Dempster and his 2.25 ERA to Texas. The Rangers will add Dempster to an already solid rotation. In return, the Rangers sent two highly thought of prospects to Chicago.