Twenty-four hours ago, Carlos Gomez was supposed to be returning to the New York Mets. But after Wilmer Flores shed some tears and the Milwaukee Brewers evidently refused to shed some dollars the deal was off.
Tonight, Gomez is a member of the Houston Astros along with starting pitcher Mike Fiers. The Brewers get minor league outfielders Brett Phillips & Domingo Santana and minor league pitchers Josh Hader and Adrian Houser.
Gomez will like going to Houston even better than New York. Last night, the Astros climbed back into first place in the AL West.
Earlier today, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins completed a 13-player deal. The Dodgers get starting pitchers Mat Latos and Alex Wood from the Marlins and Braves, respectively while adding Braves relievers Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan as well as the injured Bronson Arroyo and top prospect Jose Peraza. The Dodgers also got Mike Morse from the Marlins, but then promptly designated him for assignment. The Dodgers gave the Braves reliever Paco Rodriguez, minor league pitcher Zachary Bird and Cuban infield prospect Hector Olivera. Only four months ago, the Dodgers agreed to a $62 million contract for Olivera. Do the Braves have the centerpiece of their future or are they getting a bill of goods? As for the Marlins, the Dodgers give them three minor league pitchers – Kevin Guzman, Jeff Brigham and Victor Araujo. The Dodgers have strengthen their pitching, but will it be enough to hold off the Giants who are currently only a half game back in the NL West?
After trading David Price to Toronto, the Tigers traded closer Joaqim Soria to the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league shortstop JaCoby Jones. Soria has 23 saves for the Tigers, but will most likely be a set up man for Mark Melancon. The Pirates aren’t going to give Melancon the Drew Storen treatment.
The New York Yankees wanted David Price, but are settling for Dustin Ackley. The Yankees obtained Ackley from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Ramon Flores and minor league pitcher Jose Ramirez. At one time, Ackley was the top prospect in the Mariners organization, but has never realized his potential. Ackley hit .215 in 85 games with Seattle this season. After starting out as a second baseman, Ackley was moved to the outfield. My guess is that Ackley will be given a utility role. Frankly, I think the Yankees gave up too much for Ackley. Flores got a couple of cups of coffee with the Yankees this season and I was impressed with his defense and speed. The Yankees don’t think he’ll hit, but he didn’t get enough at bats. Flores spent too much time on the Bronx to Scranton-Wilkes Barre shuttle to give him a proper chance. Unless the Yankees have something up their sleeve they will have wasted their efforts during the trade deadline.
