Although the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline got all the attention, many of baseball's playoff hopefuls made significant roster moves last month.
Several big-name players changed addresses in August, including future Hall of Famers John Smoltz, Ivan Rodriguez and Jim Thome. We got Covers Expert Sean Murphy to identify the five most notable acquisitions and grade their impact with their new teams.
Scott Kazmir, Los Angeles Angels (A-)
The Angels addressed their biggest weakness - starting pitching – when they picked up the two-time All-Star from the salary-dumping Tampa Bay Rays. Kazmir was having the worst season of his career at the time of the move (8-7, 5.92 ERA), but the 25-year-old lefty has looked more like his former self with the Halos, allowing only two earned runs in his first two starts.
"He brings some World Series experience from the Rays' surprising run a year ago," says Murphy, "and was in desperate need of a change in scenery."
Ivan Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (A-)
Pudge returns to the organization where he won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves and an American League MVP award. He obviously isn't the same dominant force he used to be, hitting only .251 with eight homers and 34 RBI in 93 games with the Houston Astros this season. But the intangibles the veteran catcher brings will help Texas as it attempts to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Since returning to Arlington, Rodriguez is hitting .283 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 14 appearances.
"He should serve as an excellent leader for the Rangers' young catching duo in Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia," Murphy says. "Pudge remains a professional hitter and should serve the Rangers well coming off the bench in clutch situations."
Jim Thome, Los Angeles Dodgers (B+)
The Dodgers' power-starved lineup can definitely use someone with 564 career home runs. The problem is, Thome has about as much mobility as a statue, making it impossible for Joe Torre to find him a defensive position in the National League. Thome will likely only be used as a pinch hitter down the stretch, though he could be the Dodgers' designated hitter should they reach the World Series.
"Every team can use a little extra pop from the left side of the plate," Murphy adds. "Thome brings a ton of playoff experience and can only help the younger Dodger hitters."
Brad Penny, San Francisco Giants (B+)
Penny was released by the Boston Red Sox in August after going 9-8 with a 5.15 ERA in his first season in Beantown. But don't forget, the hard-throwing righty started the All-Star Game for the National League only two years ago. He's had previous success pitching in the NL West, going 39-22 for the Dodgers from 2005-07 and he's already 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in two starts for the Giants.
"The Giants rotation was top-heavy with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain," Murphy says. "Now they have four quality starters, including Barry Zito in that group."
John Smoltz, St. Louis Cardinals (B+)
Smoltz is the biggest wild card of the bunch. He looked like a batting practice pitcher in Boston earlier this year, going 2-5 with an 8.32 ERA, but is 1-1 with a 3.27 allowance in four starts as a Cardinal. He brings plenty of playoff experience to St. Louis as well, having pitched in 13 previous postseasons with the Atlanta Braves. However, Smoltz could miss his next start due to a nagging shoulder injury.
"His presence alone makes this rotation stronger once the postseason rolls around," says Murphy. "Sure, he struggled in Boston, but he's shown he still has plenty of life in his arm since joining the Cards."