Grading Every Major League Team's Work at the Deadline

NL East

Braves: A-. Stole Michael Bourn from Houston for a hodgepodge of nothing.

Phillies: A-. After acquiring Hunter Pence from their minor league affiliate, err, the Astros, Philly has re-established themselves as the favorites to win the pennant.

Mets: B+. Got a great return for Carlos Beltran (Zack Wheeler) and dealt KRod, ridding themselves of the possibility of having to pay him $17m+ next year. Could have traded more players (Izzy, Hairston, Byrdak) for the future.

Nationals: B. Ridded themselves of Jason Marquis. That's enough for me.

Marlins: C. They acquired Mike Cameron for very little but did nothing else.


NL Central

Cardinals: B-. If I were a St. Louis fan, I would be angry at dealing Colby Rasmus, but at least they got talent in return.

Brewers: B-. Acquiring KRod solidifies their 'pen.

Pirates: C. Finally contenders, they acquired Ryan Ludwick and Derrek Lee. Buzz. Kill.

Reds: C-. By doing nothing, they have waived the white flag on the season.

Astros: D. What exactly is the plan here?

Cubs: F. They clearly are not winning anything this year yet decided not to trade any of their short-term assets (Carlos Pena and Kerry Wood to name two).


NL West

Rockies: A-. Received a great haul (as they should have) for Ubaldo Jimenez.

D'backs: B+. Got bullpen help (Brad Zeigler) which is what they needed. No complaints here.

Giants: B. Any time you can acquire your number three hitter for a prospect in High-A, you can't argue.

Padres: C. Why not deal Heath Bell for a prospect?

Dodgers: C-. Ho hum.


AL East

Blue Jays: A. Traded a bunch of relievers for their center fielder of the future, Colby Rasmus. Nicely done.

Orioles: B. Received prospect for some veterans. Wise thing to do when you are out of contention.

Red Sox: B-. They didn't need much, but the gamble on Erik Bedard seems like a good one at the moment since it cost them only a fringe prospect.

Rays & Yankees: F. They did absolutely nothing. Very confusing.


AL Central

Indians: B+. I applaud them for acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez, the best player dealt at this year's deadline. He's under team control for another three years. Yes, it cost them two very good prospects but Jimenez is a sure thing. Something to smile about in one of the most depressed sports cities in America. Grade would probably be higher if they didn't waste their time acquiring Kosuke Fukodome.


The prize of Trade Deadline 2011

Tigers: C-. Doug Fister and David Pauley? Really? At least they tried.

White Sox: D. they did not make themselves better this year (traded Edwin Jackson) or next. I guess they saved a little cash though.

Royals & Twins: F. Both teams sat on their hands.


AL West

Rangers: A-. Turned one of the game' shakiest bullpen into one of the best with Koji Uehara and Mike Adams.

Mariners: B-. Got some nice value for Bedard, Pauley, and Fister.

A's: C+. Decent job turning a reliever into a potential first basman of the future (Brandon Allen), but when does Billy Beane's seat officially become "hot"? Before or after the release of "Moneyball"?

Angels: F. Snoozefest.