The state of the trade market

Props to the Royals for landing Zobrist after Cueto. Chips all in baby. I like the A's prospect return too. Two smart organizations doing what they need to do

I've been hoping they'd land Zobrist. Perfect fill-in for Alex Gordon until he returns, then can spell Rios in RF and Infante at second, among others. Manaea is the key for the A's, as Brooks hasn't shown a lot. The former should be around for quite awhile.

Zobrist good fit to off set heavy LH lineup vs lefties, Zobrist is very good vs lefties and with what Houston has at 1-2 in rotation helps as well. Feel somewhat this hurt vs SF in WS last year, though Bumgarner was lights out. Rios being healthy will help as well vs lefties.

The Washington Nationals bolstered their bullpen today by acquiring closer Jonathan Papelbon for AA Rhp Nick Pivetta. Papelbon immediately becomes the Nationals new closer with current closer moving to setup/8th inning duties. Storen had been doing an excellent job for the Nats, but Papelbon has even been better this year and should continue as the Nats' closer next season. And the two of them should provide a lethal 1-2, while freeing Nats fans from anxieties about Storen melting down in the playoffs again.

This should be just the first step in an anticipated Phillies exodus, with Hamels expected to be traded by Friday evening. Pivetta is a nice pickup for the Phillies. He's a big right-hander whose fastball sits in the low 90's, with an improving curveball, who did very well in HiA this year. With Aaron Nola having been promoted to the big club, Pivetta arguably becomes their best Rh pitching prospect. That could change, however, with the impending Cole Hamels trade.

Drew Storen cannot be very happy with the Nats getting Papelbon, with the exception of more experience as a closer, Storen this season has better numbers across the board, better splits and better strikeout rate. Gotta feel like a demotion for him. Both pitchers have some serious split differences, both are great vs righties with OPS <.500 buy versus lefties >.700. Have to wair and see if that has an impact going forward. Papelbon wad a 4L in 2014, very interesting.

I should have posted here. This just in.
Mets' Jenrry Mejia suspended 162 games for positive PED test.

I wonder if the Mets knew and that is why they made the trade for Clippard.

Oh, lord. Two more pink bars from my terribly coherent stalker, Lakeviewdave. Davey, impotently ranting and raving about me is no way to spend your life. They have something in this world called wives; I greatly recommend them. Of course, instead, you can follow me around and spew more pretty pink bars. For your sake, I suggest the former...

I wonder if the Mets knew and that is why they made the trade for Clippard.

I imagine the Mets had some idea, and I wouldn't be surprised if that was a factor.

Back to the Hot Stove. The Angels continue to add mid-level outfielders to their team, hoping a patchwork around Trout will be as effective as acquiring a more substantial player. One wonders if Dipoto wouldn't have been more ambitious. Anyway, they acquired Of David DeJesus from the Rays for Rhp prospect Edgar Lopez and Of David Murphy from the Cleveland Indians for SS prospect Eric Stamets. The Angels plan to platoon Murphy against right handers with Victorino in Right Field. They plan to use the OB whiz DeJesus as a backup at all positions. So, these aren't bold moves, but they make the Angels stronger for the pennant race. Murphy, in particular, can do slugging damage when he is on a hot streak.

As for the other teams, Stamets is an excellent defensive Ss with great speed and a questionable bat, who could be a John McDonald type for the Indians. Lopez is a raw young right-hander with mediocre developing command, who can dial it up to 96, so he's not a bad get for the Rays in exchange for a part-time, aging player.

Angels made a good move to get Murphy. Not the flashiest name around, but this is a player that Scioscia wanted. And make no mistake about it, with DiPoto gone Scioscia is the GM now. Stoneman is just his mouthpiece.

Oh, lord. Two more pink bars from my terribly coherent stalker, Lakeviewdave. Davey, impotently ranting and raving about me is no way to spend your life. They have something in this world called wives; I greatly recommend them. Of course, instead, you can follow me around and spew more pretty pink bars. For your sake, I suggest the former...

L.douchy - you should learn how to read before shooting your mouth off. If I need any advice I'll ask for it, otherwise shut your pie hole once and for all. My post had nothing to do about you, TRY READING BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

As for your pretty pink bars, its all a smoke screen, we all know that you read the posts anyways, you have even admitted as such, so no need to feed us more of your crap.

Oh, lord. Two more pink bars from my terribly coherent stalker, Lakeviewdave. Davey, impotently ranting and raving about me is no way to spend your life. They have something in this world called wives; I greatly recommend them. Of course, instead, you can follow me around and spew more pretty pink bars. For your sake, I suggest the former...

L.douchy - you should learn how to read before shooting your mouth off. If I need any advice I'll ask for it, otherwise shut your pie hole once and for all. My post had nothing to do about you, TRY READING BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

As for your pretty pink bars, its all a smoke screen, we all know that you read the posts anyways, you have even admitted as such, so no need to feed us more of your crap.

Bingo!