MLB Trade Deadline Passes

As a Twins fan, it's sad to see that Doug Mientkiewicz was let go (to the Cubs), but in exchange for a minor league pitcher? Kris Benson was a pitching prospect to come over from the Pirates, but instead, ended up playing for the New York Mets.

Usually, the Twins are very good in trying to hook something up for a little "oomph" for a run to the playoffs. Last year, it paid off in dealing Bobby Kielty to Toronto for Shannon Stewart. But this year, I'm up in the air about this decision. Hopefully the front office, GM Terry Ryan has seen something in this minor leaguer who can become a valuable asset to an already tough pitching rotation. Mientkiewicz really didn't have the bat in the lineup like he did a couple of years ago, but his glove was solid. The Twins really haven't had a bat at first base since Kent Hrbek. Now, with Dougie gone, Justin Morneau can fill in and with his bat and his ability to hit the long ball, hopefully shades of Kent Hrbek can return.

Joining Doug at the Cubbies is Nomar Garciaparra. I would hate to be a BoSox fan right now. Nomar has been rumored in the past couple of years to be dealt. My opinion: the Cubs have a better chance at making the World Series this year than the Red Sox do. Nomar deserves to play for a contender (even though the Red Sox are) but with the Red Sox and Yankees in the same division, it's not going to happen soon for the Red Sox.

Randy Johnson stays in Arizona. No biggie. That reminds me -- I was playing Arizona in my MVP Baseball 2004 Dynasty this past weekend. The second game of the series featured Rick Helling vs. Johnson. My player, "Tony," went 0-fer. I wanted to clock a homer so bad off Johnson. The Twins got the win and the save from J.C. Romero, extending my winning streak to 10 games.