NEWSLETTER
Much like the baseball season that preceded it, and the -athon that surrounded it, this year’s Trade Deadline was very different from what we’re used to. The volume was still solidly up there, but it seemed to be consolidated among only a handful of teams that were willing to make moves. We didn’t expect blockbusters this year, and we knew big contracts wouldn’t be moved. But on the whole, it was still a pretty darn interesting few days.
For the Cubs, they had two clear needs, and they doubled up on both of them, adding two righty bats in Jose Martinez and Cameron Maybin, and adding two lefty relievers in Andrew Chafin and Josh Osich. More on each of those guys in the coming days.
On the whole, I’m pleased with what the Cubs did. Realistically, they weren’t going to add significant salary – they told us as much – and there really weren’t going to be many impact players traded this year. So the Cubs got some complementary guys to help cover over glaring holes. That’s what you do, and now the Cubs have a little extra roster protection for the final month of the season. Do I wish they’d added a more impactful lefty to the bullpen? Yup. I do. But this was better than nothing.
The Reds were the only other NL Central team to make additive moves today, bringing on outfielder Brian Goodwin and reliever Archie Bradley. Those are pretty solid additions, so good on them (though I’ll note that Bradley hasn’t been as good as you may remember from his peak).
As for what the last two days have been about on our side of things, I want to thank you all again so much for supporting Make-A-Wish Illinois and their mission to support children and families who really need it. Your generosity has seen nearly $9,000 go to an incredible organization, and also led to me eating 17 hot dogs – and nothing but hot dogs – over the past two days. Yes, I feel sick. Yes, my stomach hurts. No, I won’t eat a hot dog again for a year. I hope it was mildly enjoyable theater for you. The whole thing is in this thread here on Twitter:
Good morning on day two of the #BNDogathon. I feel gross. But for a good cause! pic.twitter.com/NgtJYehDRa
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 31, 2020
