Hanley to Dodgers and Wandy to Pirates

The deadline approaches and a couple of teams have made some moves. One of them is the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are actually in the mix in the NL Central as they are currently just 2.5 games back of the Reds. They have a good team but they wanted a bit more so they went out and got Wandy Rodriguez of the Astros in a trade in exchange for three minor league players. This already adds on to their pitching of James McDonald and AJ Burnett.

Meanwhile the Dodgers are in the same boat as the Pirates: contenders but currently 2.5 games back but in the NL West. Their offense has taken a hit this year and while getting Matt Kemp back from the DL helps, the team wanted a bit more in their lineup. Hanley Ramirez is the help they are getting. They get Hanley from the Marlins along with reliever Randy Choate in exchange for pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and a minor league player. Though not the best avg., Hanley does bring some power and speed to the team.

These two moves are nice and show their respective fan bases that each side is trying to win now but they might not be the best moves available. The better move for the Pirates might've been going after Ryan Dempster of the Cubs or even Zack Greinke of the Brewers. I don't exactly have anyone off the top of my head for the Dodgers but I would've thought there would be someone they could get that would be better than... actually, now that I think about it, Hanley Ramirez is alright for them. No need to get any better.

Though fine moves, they may get a bit overshadowed by the fact that the Phillies and Cole Hamels have a new deal together. 6 year, $140 million extension gives that team some security. Pity it won't mean anything for this season.

2012 MLB Season So Far: BLOODY PIRATES!!!

The first half of the season is over with the arrival of the All Star Break (a break that I am hating more and more with each passing year) and some of the 1st place teams that are currently there are interesting to analyze. Probably the most intriguing of all of them are the Pittsburgh Pirates who just win 2 of 3 from the Giants and are in front of the NL Central by one game. James McDonald and a NY stress free AJ Burnett are pitching well and Andrew McCutchen is on the way to becoming an MVP winner. Pittsburgh seems really excited about them and I have to admit that they look good. They might need a bit more to hold off the Reds and the Cardinals but they look like they can actually pull it off. Despite my recent hate for them, I have some faith in the Pirates this year.

As for the rest of the standings, the Yankees seem like the most comfortable team in baseball with a 7 game lead in the AL East entering the break. Damn Yanks might have aging vets but they are using them well like Andruw Jones who just had a big weekend against the Red Sox with 4 Homers over 3 games. Meanwhile, the Sox are 9.5 back and are tied for last in the division. Lester and Beckett have to get better but that team has to also stay healthy. Despite what has happened so far, they still have a shot but have to start the second half strong.

A couple other surprise teams that are grabbing attention are the Nationals and the Dodgers. The Nats seem like a stronger ball club going forward and seem to be ready for October this year. Meanwhile the Dodgers need more offense if they want to stay in front in the NL West. Hope the Giants get it first. Then the White Sox have control over the AL Central and the no surprise that the Rangers have a tight grasp over the AL West yet again.

The break is here and I have nothing to watch for the next few days. Pity that there is no "actual" baseball on.