Here is an UPDATED Trade Deadline edition of our NL East Report…
Philadelphia Phillies
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro does it again with another huge trade deadline acquisition – he traded for Cliff Lee in 2009 and Roy Oswalt in 2010. This year Amaro adds All-Star right fielder Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros. The NL East-leading Phillies got Pence PLUS cash from Houston for three minor leaguers and a player to be named, but get this, they didn’t give up their top prospects Domonic Brown or Vance Worley. Genius. Pence, 28, was bating .309 with 11 homers and 62 RBIs and is fast emerging as one of the leagues top outfielders. Additionally, Pence will be under Phillies control thru 2013 or longer if they extend him which seems to be likely. “It’ all about winning”, Amaro said. He is trying to make it back to the World Series for the third time in four years. The Phillies remain active in talks for Padres relievers Mike Adams and Heath Bell according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
Atlanta Braves
** UPDATED **
The Braves acquired outfielder Michael Bourn and cash from the Astros for four minor leaguers including OF Jordan Schafer, but avoided giving up top prospects Mike Minor and Julio Teheran in the deal.
The Braves were the other team pursuing Astros All-Star Hunter Pence, but were outbid by rival Philadelphia on Friday night. The Braves are in discussions with the Chicago White Sox about outfielder Carlos Quentin, whose 20 homers and 62 RBIs would be team-highs for Atlanta. But the Sox are in a tight race in the American League Central and could decide to hang on to Quentin. The Braves are almost certain to land an outfielder before the deadline, reports Ken Rosenthal. Michael Bourn (Astros) and B.J. Upton (Rays) are the two on their radar. They’ll need to do something as Nate McLouth went on the DL with an abdominal injury last night, and catcher Brian McCann is already on the shelf for 3-4 weeks.
Washington Nationals
** UPDATED **
The Nationals traded veteran right-hander Jason Marquis to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for shortstop prospect Zach Walters.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post was told by a source who has spoken with the Nationals that a swap involving Drew Storen and Twins’ center fielder Denard Span isn’t happening. Jason Marquis is scheduled to start for the Nationals on Saturday night despite rumors that he could be traded by Sunday’s Trade Deadline. The Indians have joined the Tigers in the pursuit of Marquis according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden. The Nationals are among teams interested in Michael Bourn says Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Florida Marlins
MLBTR says they’ve heard that the Marlins are likely to keep closer Leo Nunez despite his expected $6.5MM salary in 2012. MLB.com’s Brewers GM Doug Melvin cited the Marlins as an example of a non-contender that is holding on to its players this summer.
New York Mets
Sandy Alderson made clear that the Mets will not be trading any more players nor adding players. If the current team has aspirations to win that Wild card, they’re on their own.
