Past World Series Champions The Non-Waiver Trade Deadline is a crucial part of the baseball season. It's what separates the contenders from the pretenders. If a team is able to obtain that one important need, it could possibly enable them to head straight for a WS title. Several teams made key moves as we inch closer to the Shoeless Joe playoffs. Here's a recap of the key trades that were made.
Vancouver made the most moves out of any possible contending team. The first deal they made was obtaining slugging 1B Haywood Richard from Trenton in exchange for Magglio Colome, a promising hurler who's been battling control problems for his short career. They then turned to the St. Louis Soul, and in separate deals, dealt Dennys Rando, Lawrence Monahan, Lenny Neal, and Bob Lambert, in exchange for Edgard Tarraga, Houston Barker, and Donaldo Martinez. Throw in the acquisition of Steve Wynn from the Monterrey Ping the Rookies, and they practically have a different ballclub. These are major deals for one club, and only time will tell if these moves will catapault the VooDoo into the playoffs or not.
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EDGARD TARRAGA: MAN ON THE MOVE
Those who are familiar with the Shoeless Joe are well aware of Edgard Tarraga. One of the world's most consistent hitters, he's a legit HOF candidate once his career ends. In a crazy three-day span, Tarraga saw himself switching teams TWICE. Having taken residence in St. Louis for the last three seasons, Edgard was dealt to the Vancouver VooDoo in a near-deadline move. Then, without having time to even unpack his bags, Edgard was on the move again. This time, to the Salem Lights. Salem officials have indicated that Tarraga is part of their future plans, and will be in Salem for the foreseeable future. That must be rather comforting to Edgard's ears.
The New York Nippers officially went all in, as they obtained all-star slugger Jake Brantley from the San Diego Padres, in exchange for Earl Wakeland and prospects Joaquin DeLeon and Welington Reyes. Brantley's presence in the New York lineup should catapault them into the playoffs, and with a possible deep run to boot. There are some who feel New York gave up a little too much for Brantley, but if it means a WS victory in return, then it'll be well worth it. |
GREGG DAVIS: THE BAT OKC NEEDED
We have been hearing for a while now that the Oklahoma City Redhawks were in desperate need of a big bat. They went to virtually every team in the league, and came up empty. The deadline was rapidly approaching, and they finally came in contact with a willing team. That team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings. A late deadline deal was made, and slugger Gregg Davis was on the move to Oklahoma City. In return, Cincinnati gets Jiggs Fedroff and prospect Miguel Miranda. Davis was one of the most popular all-star snubs, slamming home 33 HR by the all-star break. Will he keep up the pace in the second half of the season? We shall see.
