In a sense there are many losers in this year's trade deadline, with most contending teams and would-be sellers standing pat. Nonetheless, among the most talked about teams here are the winners and losers.
Winners:
Atlanta Braves - The bockbuster acquisition of Mark Teixeira gives them the slugging first baseman they haven't had since they traded Adam LaRoche during the last offseason. Re-signing Teixeira to a long term contract is a priority but the Braves have plenty of time to make that happen. Acquiring Octavio Dotel for disappointing pitcher Kyle Davies was a steal.
Boston Red Sox - The addition of Eric Gagne to the best bullpen in the league (2.74 ERA) will have its biggest impact come playoff time when opposing batters have to face Gagne, Hideki Okajima, and Jonathan Papelbon consecutively.
New York Mets - Picking up Luis Castillo fills the hole at second base left by injured regular Jose Valentin.
Losers:
Los Angeles Angels - Once again General Manager Bill Stoneman does nothing to improve the team, especially on offense. It's a wonder teams still pitch to Vladimir Guerrero.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Bullpen arms Eric Gagne, Octavio Dotel, Al Reyes, Dan Wheeler were available, but they opted for embattled Yankees reliever Scott Proctor.
San Diego Padres - The Padres bolstered their bench but are still lacking a feared hitter in the lineup.
Kansas City Royals - Dotel was on the trading block for weeks and all they can get is Kyle Davies?
The jury is still out:
Texas Rangers - Jarrod Saltalamacchia may or may not be a future All-Star catcher, but by all accounts should become a solid major league player. Trading Gagne for a few mediocre prospects, however, appears to be a bonehead move.