Give credit to the Pirates for turning Jason Bay over for four players, three with MLB experience.

I’d like to share some bits and pieces, thoughts and musings, as the dust settles from this past week’s trading deadline frenzy.

Although the Manny Ramirez deal is arguably the biggest deal of deadline day, but I still think the most important deal took place well before the deadline. So far, CC Sabathia has been invincible in a Brewers uniform. His stats are stellar, but the most important thing he’s done is give them three complete games in five starts, resting their overtaxed bullpen. This is something that will matter more in September and October.

Scott Boras is rapidly becoming the evil genius of the player contract world. You’ve got to know he orchestrated this whole episode with Ramirez from start to ugly finish. Ramirez reported to camp promising a “new Manny,” a promise he largely delivered on. He was a model citizen, showing up on time for camp, talking to the media, and generally doing everything he should do. The only notable exception being his refusal to attend the trip to Walter Reed Hospital on the day of the Red Sox visit to the White House. The $20M primadonna didn’t have any time for the veterans who sacrificed themselves so that he could play ball. But I digress. When it came time (in Boras’ mind) to begin talk of a new contract for Ramirez, the Red Sox made it clear that they had no intention of giving him the four-year contract he covets (because Boras has convinced him he can get it). That was when Boras instructed Ramirez to begin to shoot his way out of town. It started with Ramirez citing a bad knee, and ended when he refused to play against the Yankees. It really was an expert job of manipulation by Mr. Boras.

It’s pretty ironic that Ramirez ended up playing for Joe Torre in LA. On the one side you have Ramirez, reviled in Boston for his disrespect of the game. On the other you have Torre, one of the most reverentially respected baseball men of this era. They will make quite the odd couple out there in la la land. Just wait until Ramirez quits on the Dodgers. I will make a prediction right now that Jeff Kent will haul off and punch Ramirez before September is over.

How despicable are the Marlins? They had a deal all set to acquire Manny Ramirez for free for the rest of the season, and they killed it because they demanded more money. Such a move could have wrapped up the NL East for them, and perhaps led to their third World Series appearance in their 11 year history. This is a team with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that they are poor. They have multiple revenue streams that bring in much more than the $25M or so they’re spending on player salaries. In fact, the revenue sharing money from MLB and the money they get from MLB.com more than pay their payroll costs. Add in the revenue from their stadium and the local media money for the broadcasting rights, and they are a wildly profitable organization. Yet, when they could have had a player of Ramirez’ caliber, they demanded his salary for the rest of the season get paid, and then demanded more. Where was that money going to go, besides Jeff Loria’s pocket? It certainly isn’t going to the fans that pay exorbitant prices to watch Loria dismantle the team every few years.

Who were the biggest winners this week? Well, that would have to be the Pirates. To their credit, they hung in there with the Red Sox right up to the eleventh hour, and managed to turn Jason Bay over for four players, three of which have major league experience, but are still young enough to be under their control for several years. Bay is a good player, but is he really worth the four players the Pirates ended up with? I’m sure they felt that they didn’t need to deal Bay, and would have walked if they didn’t get such ridiculous value in return. Kudos to the boys from Pittsburgh! Can you work on winning a few ballgames now?

The biggest deals of deadline week are the ones that didn’t get made. I’m talking about the Colorado Rockies deciding to hold on to Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins, Brian Fuentes, and Clint Barmes; all of whom were mentioned as being available and on the shopping lists of multiple teams. The Rox still think they can win the National League West, and frankly, they have as good a chance as anyone else. Well, not the Giants or Padres. The Dodgers were the only team that did anything to improve their chances, but I’m not convinced they’ve done enough. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rockies go off and win a bunch of ballgames over the last two months and grab themselves another post season berth.

Speaking of ballgames, let’s delve into last night’s box scores.

Let's start with the Pirates, who finally had a save chance last night, beating the Cubs 3-0; John Grabow got the call in the ninth inning, so he looks like the new closer to replace the departed Damaso Marte.

Pedro Martinez returned to the mound last night for his first start since July 12^th, and boy did he stink. He surrendered three home runs, including one to Astros starter Brandon Backe. Martinez has given up 11 home runs in 10 starts this season, and opponents are batting .296 off him. Methinks it’s time for ol’ Petey to hang ‘em up.

After a mediocre first half, Ubaldo Jimenez has turned things around in a big way. He had another stellar outing Friday night, striking out 10 Marlins hitters en route to his fourth consecutive win for the Rockies. Over his last seven outings, he is 6-1 with a 1.49 ERA, and opponents are batting just .188 against him. He has to be the reason the Rockies still think they can make the playoffs. Well, him and Matt Holliday, who is showing why he’s the top fantasy outfielder. Holliday’s batting average is up to .343 for the season. He’s stolen a career-high 15 bases, and is posting the best OBP, and OPS totals of his career as well. The biggest difference for him this season is that he has cut down on the strikeouts. His home run totals are down a bit, as he will likely hit less than 30 this season (though, you never know); but that’s probably because he is being more selective at the plate than ever before.

The Twins finally recalled Francisco Liriano from the minors, where he has been lights out over the last month or so. Considering how well they have played lately, without the benefit of one of the best power hitters, Mike Cuddyer, in the lineup; I’d be very surprised if they didn’t make the post season. If Liriano can translate his minor league success to the majors, the Twins could be a dark horse favorite to win the AL pennant.

Jason Isringhausen got his first save since May 5^th, pitching the ninth inning of Friday night’s 6-3 win over the Phillies. He pitched an inning and a third, struck out two and walked two, notching his 12^th save of the season. The job is his to lose now, so if he was left for dead on your waiver wire he is worth grabbing if you’re chasing saves.

That’s all for me today. Shake it easy.