Analyzing the Deadline Deals: 2005 -- The Hardball Times

Analyzing the Deadline Deals: 2005
by Aaron Gleeman
August 01, 2005

This year's deadline trading frenzy never quite materialized, as the rumors surrounding Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez, Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano, and Marlins starter A.J. Burnett proved to be just that -- rumors. As a fan, it was frustrating to read the seemingly endless number of words devoted to what might take place, only to see almost none of it actually happen. As Twins television play-by-play man Dick Bremer said while yesterday's deadline came and went (and the many Twins-related rumors went up in smoke), "Remind me not to read the newspaper next year."

There weren't nearly as many big trades involving as many big names as last year, when shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, shortstop Orlando Cabrera, firstbaseman Doug Mientkiewicz, starting pitcher Victor Zambrano, pitching prospect Scott Kazmir, starter Kris Benson, catching prospect Justin Huber, starter Brad Penny, firstbaseman Hee Seop Choi, catcher Paul Lo Duca, and relief pitcher Guillermo Mota all changed teams at the last minute. And all those trades came after earlier deals involving starter Freddy Garcia, center fielder Carlos Beltran, closer Octavio Dotel, and outfield prospect Jeremy Reed. Still, there's plenty to talk about ...

To Padres: To Rangers:
Chan Ho Park Phil Nevin