Trading Places

With the MLB trade deadline today there have been many transfers, and even more rumors of big names switching to contenders. One of the biggest moves of the weekend was New York Yankees acquisition of former Phillies slugger Bobby Abreu. The Yanks will hope Abreu's added pop in RF will be able to propel them past the Red Sox atop the AL East. The Mets were also busy this weekend dealing OF Xavier Nady for Roberto Hernandez and starter Oliver Perez out of the Pirates staff. The Tigers added 1B Sean Casey from the Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Brian Rogers. The Reds were able to Kyle Lohse from the Twins for minor leaguer Zach Ward in hopes of shoring up its rotation for their playoff push. The Cardinals were able to acquire a strong 2B in Ronnie Belliard from the Indians for reliever Hector Luna. The Rangers and Brewers were able to figure out a 6-player deal that saw Carlos Lee go to Arlington and Kevin Mench wind up in Milwaukee. The big names that were still unmoved included Miguel Tejada, Barry Zito, Alfonso Soriano, and Greg Maddux. It looks as if these veterans will remain with their current clubs unless a last minute deal is announced.