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AL East Weekly No. 3

Date: August 1, 2021

By: Michael Stamm

New York Yankees' Anthony Rizzo is congratulated by teammates in the dugout during a MLB game.

USA TODAY

July may be behind us, but it certainly didn't leave quietly. Olympics are brewing stories every day, the NBA is starting another crazy offseason, and the NFL is starting their season back up with training camp. Oh, and the MLB left us with one of the craziest trade deadlines in recent memory. Teams are getting more muscular, and former championship teams are breaking up. 

Like I talked about in last week's article, the AL East was in for a big trade deadline and boy did they not disappoint. So, enough yapping, let's get into this crazy past week.

New York Yankees acquire OF Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers 

Former Texas Ranger Joey Gallo takes a swing at the plate during a MLB game.

Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

I must start with my hometown team. With the Yankees' moves, you would think they were a championship contender, but not in third place of their division. New York still believes it can win it all this year, and these moves by Brian Cashman proved it.

Let's start with the first significant move, acquiring Gallo from the Rangers in exchange for four prospects. Okay, so the Yankees gave up a lot for Gallo, but none of these players seem to have much significant league potential thanks to their loaded farm system.

There are pros and cons to this deal. Looking first negatively, Gallo has struck out 125 times in 95 games, something the Yankees have already struggled with this year. Also, Gallo is only slashing .233 this season. But here's the thing, none of these things matter. Gallo has also hit 25 home runs and 75 walks this season. So while he might strike out frequently, he does get on base very often. 

Gallo will also bring more than just a bit to New York. He leads all MLB outfielders in runs saved. Pair that with Aaron Judge and either Giancarlo Stanton or Brett Gardner, and that's a hard outfield to run on. The Rangers are paying Gallo's contract to put the cherry on top for the rest of the season. 

Gallo is a star player that can add a bat and an outfield arm to the squad. I love the deal, but the shipment of four prospects (two ranked in the Yankees’ top 10) makes it hard to give it an A.

Grade: B+

Toronto Blue Jays acquire P Jose Berrios from Minnesota Twins 

Former Minnesota Twins' Jose Berrios smiles while walking off the mound during a MLB game.

Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

The Blue Jays, just like the Yankees, seem to believe they are still in contention for the AL East or one of the two wild-card spots, even with them sitting in fourth place. The Jays surrendered two of the top 70 prospects in baseball to grab Berrios for not just this season but next year too. 

It's a steep price to pay, but still, Berrios has had the best season of his career for the Twins. It also fixes a significant need for Toronto, as the team is stacked with batters but can't seem to find the strike zone very often. This move, along with grabbing Brad Hand and Joakim Soria, could very possibly push this team over the hump if not this year, then certainly in 2022. 

However, it is hard to deny that the Blue Jays paid a very steep price to Minnesota, especially if they fall short of the playoffs. While this move is about next year, I am not sure if losing two top prospects is a great move for a team looking to build around its stars. 

Grade: B

Yankees acquire 1B Anthony Rizzo from Chicago Cubs 

Former Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo smiles during a MLB game.

Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

The Yankee's second big splash this trade deadline is a more questionable one than the Gallo trade, but it also proves the Yankees believe they are still championship contenders in 2021. New York sent RHP Alexander Vizcaino and OF Kevin Alcantara to Chicago to receive the four-time gold glove recipient. 

On paper, it makes sense. However, the Yankees have struggled at first base this year. Luke Voit has not been able to stay healthy this season, and DJ LeMahieu has not been as productive as he was in previous seasons. These struggles make Rizzo an automatic upgrade, hitting a solid .248 this year and allowing LeMahieu to slide back to second base. 

Still, the trade raises practicality questions for me. Rizzo could very possibly not resign with New York, leaving the Yankees with a hole at first base and a loss of quality prospects. However, at this point of the season, I believe we have seen the true Yankees. A team that is talented but needs work and needs to be rebuilt. Cashman still thinks this team can win now, and if the Yankees don't win or even make the playoffs, this trade could hurt them in the long run. 

Grade: B-

Boston Red Sox acquire LF Kyle Schwarber from Washington Nationals 

Former Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber takes a swing during a MLB game.

G Fiume/Getty Images

The Red Sox are a team no one expected to be at the top of AL East by the trade deadline, but here we are. Boston is leading Tampa Bay by a narrow margin, and Alex Cora's team needed one more player to push this team as a championship contender. They got that player. The Sox grabbed Schwarber and only had to give up RHP Aldo Ramirez.  

While most Red Sox fans were hoping for a first baseman to complete the roster, I believe Schwarber does the trick just fine. The important thing here is Schwarber's bat which was on fire before he got injured. Boston's lineup has been one player short all season, and they have filled that hole with Schwarber. Also, Cora has moved his defenders around throughout the season, so I'm not worried about his fit on defense.

For a team looking to push itself back into the World Series, a player like Schwarber, who will come back and automatically add pop to this lineup, is a fantastic grab by Boston. 

Grade: A- 

9th Inning

The Toronto Blue Jays' home stadium is shown from a behind home plate view.

Mark Blinch/Getty Images

In heartwarming news, the Toronto Blue Jays have finally been welcomed back to Canada and can play again at the Rogers Centre. After stops in Florida and Buffalo, seeing Toronto play back home in Toronto makes you feel that maybe, just maybe, things are getting better. I like to say, "positive vibes only," and seeing the Blue Jays walk back into their stadium made it seem worth it. That's wholesome enough for the week. Peace.

Michael Stamm can be reached at michael.stamm@student.shu.edu.

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