Yanks Address Two Needs and Other Notable Deals

The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off a blockbuster deal this weekend which helped the Bronx Bombers address two important needs. The Yanks acquired OF Xavier Nady and RP Damaso Marte for Ross Ohlendorf and 3 minor leaguers. Xavier Nady will fill the left field void left by Hideki Matsui's injury and allow Johnny Damon to DH. The trade also gives the Yankees a .330 hitter in Nady who has 13 homeruns. He has been batting 6th thus far for NY. The Yankees needed a solid lefty in the pen and got it in Damaso Marte. Marte had been recently closing for the Pirates and could be an eighth inning guy for NY on most nights. The Pirates did not give these guys up cheap however. NY had to part with Ross Ohlendorf who is a future star and 3 other prospects. Nonetheless, NY once again made themselves contenders in a crowded AL East.
The Dodgers also pulled off a deal in which they received OF Casey Blake. Blake will help one of the MLB's worst offenses and ! hopefully bring some more punch to the Dodgers lineup. This deal gives LA a better chance to jump Arizona and win the NL West crown. The Diamonbacks also pulled off a trade though. Arizona acquired Nationals' closer Jon Rauch to help in the 7th and 8th innings leading to closer Brandon Lyon. Both LA and Arizona need a bit more help if they plan on going deep into October.
Two other notable deals occurred thus far. One involved Houston acquiring SP Randy Wolf. This was an interesting move because the Astros are not considered contenders, but Houston always seems to add at the trade deadline to help make their team better for the next season. The other deal had the Cleveland Indians acquiring young starter Anthony Reyes from St. Louis. This was also surprising because Reyes helped the Cards win a World Series two seasons ago.
The trade deadline is Thursday and I will have full coverage for you.