Pittsburgh Pirates trade deadline roundup

Jul 24, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun celebrates with Carlos Gomez (27) after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the entire trade deadline buildup, I was surprised at how quiet the Chicago Cubs were. Were they truly looking to next year to truly contend? Did they suddenly believe that they didn’t have the holes that they do?  In either event, the Cubs were content to lay low for most of the buildup before finally striking a deal for Dan Haren, the much-maligned pitcher who famously threatened to retire rather than play for the Miami Marlins. Despite the pre-season drama, Haren has had a very good year, with a 3.42 ERA with the fish.

The Milwaukee Brewers saw the writing on the wall and began their rebuild. After a famously-aborted trade with the Milwaukee Brewers that would have netted them Zack Wheeler for their best offensive player in Carlos Gomez, the Brewers instead opted to send Gomez out to the Houston Astros, throwing in capable mid-rotation starter Mike Fiers in the deal. They weren’t done, as later in the day they sent outfielder Gerardo Parra to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for – you guessed it – a pitching prospect. This in addition to jettisoning Ramirez as we all know.

With these moves and serious questions on their pitching staff, the Brewers do not figure to present a challenge to the Pirates, Cardinals, and Cubs any time soon.

Now we’ll take a look at what the Cardinals and Reds pulled off this year.

Next: Red Birds and Red Legs