Upgrade/Downgrade: Trade Deadline Edition
A full week has passed since the trade deadline, and now that I’ve had a bit of distance, I can be fair and balanced in giving my thoughts on the transactions. Awww, hell- who am I kidding? I’m still biased as before… I just finally have a chance to sit down and sort through it. So let’s play Upgrade/Downgrade: Trade Deadline Edition!
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Kyle Lohse: UPGRADE
I may have been more than a little wary about Kyle joining the rotation in Philly- and his first outing I witnessed last week at Wrigley didn’t inspire much confidence. But he looked pretty good last night when I saw him at CBP– and, really, our pitching can use any help it can get. |
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Kason Gabbard / Eric Gagne: DOWNGRADE As much fun as some crazy-ass Gagne can be, I’m very disappointed to see Kason leave. We already have the best set-up man in the business with Oki, and considering Schill’s last outing, it would have been nice to keep around a solid starter to close out the season. |
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Jarrod Saltalamacchia: UPGRADE
Finally, the two-way (1B/C) cutie is out of the hateful blue and red of the Braves and into the much less objectionable blue and red of the Rangers. And when he catches Kason? That’s officially now must-watch TV. Next thing you know, I’ll actually start to care about the Rangers- and that will be unacceptable. |
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Rob Mackowiak: DOWNGRADE
Why do all of the Chicago boys (of North and South side varieties) end up in San Diego? I don’t like the Padres… but now that they have Maddux, Mikey B & Robby – plus Germano, Young and PeavyPeavyPeavy? I kind of sort of like them. Only a little bit. This is a horrific development, and I blame the Rob trade. |
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Scott Proctor: UPGRADE
Thank you, baseball gods- for moving my secret shame crush from the hated Yankee pinstripes into the classic Dodger blue. He’s not enough to make me like the Dodgers, but now I can finally give into my crush without feeling dirty and evil. |
Admit it; taking him out of the pinstripes take some of the luster away doesn’t it? You miss the forbiddingness of it.
OK, you may have something there… as much as I hate to admit it. And I’m ashamed.