NO HITTING

Well, the NY Yankees are still hanging on by a thread as they continue to attempt to qualify for this year's playoffs.  Several of their recent acquisitions, including Brandon McCarthy, Chase Headley, and Martín Prado have contributed towards a few wins.  Additionally, yesterday's acquisition of Josh Outman (from the Indians) should further help them finally utilize a true lefty specialist to get out the tough lefty hitters.

Again, as any Yankees' fan can tell you, their lack of hitting has been the main culprit this year.  In almost all cases, whenever they're down by more than one run in the late innings, they fail to surpass and take the lead.  The supreme NYY teams of the past rarely had any issues overcoming small deficits (and sometimes large deficits) – especially any of their championship teams.  That is why I personally don't have much confidence that they will ultimately get to the World Series, although their pitching (minus 80% of their original starting rotation) has excelled magnificently.

Currently, they are 3 games back in the wildcard race and 7 games behind the Orioles in the AL East race.  They can still make it to the playoffs because other competitors (such as the Tigers) have shown inconsistencies towards winning games; but, again, I don't think the Yankees are currently strong enough to make it all the way – especially with more well-rounded teams (such as the Angels) in the American League.  Of course, I hope I'm wrong! 

RE"CAP" - A DOZEN SETS OF TRADES FOR 30 TEAMS

Wow, this was definitely one of the most active non-waiver trade deadlines ever! Yesterday, many top-tier players were traded. Below are the 12 sets of trades that ultimately involved 37 players!!!

Each of these involved the extremely active failing and falling Red Sox:

Jon Lester & Jonny Gomes to the Athletics (from the Red Sox)

Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox (from the Athletics)

John Lackey & Corey Littrell to the Cardinals (from the Red Sox)

Allen Craig and Joe Kelly to the Boston Red Sox (from the St. Louis Cardinals)

Andrew Miller to the Orioles (from the Red Sox)

Eduardo Rodriguez to the Red Sox (from the Orioles)

Stephen Drew to the Yankees (from the Red Sox)

Kelly Johnson to the Red Sox (from the Yankees)

Another notable Yankees' trade that occurred yesterday:

Martín Prado to the Yankees (from the Diamondbacks)

Peter O'Brien to the Diamondbacks (from the Yankees)

Earlier this month, the NYY showed their unhesitant willingness to add salaries to have also obtained Brandon McCarthy & Chase Headley.

These transactions were conducted via a 3-way trade:

David Price to the Tigers (from Tampa Bay Rays)

Drew Smyly, Nick Franklin, and Willy Adames to the Tampa Bay Rays (from the Detroit Tigers)

Austin Jackson to the Seattle Mariners (from the Tigers)

Here are the last sets of trades completed yesterday:

Emilio Bonifacio & James Russell to the Braves (from the Cubs)

Victor Caratini to the Cubs (from the Braves)

Chris Denorfia to the Mariners (from the Padres)

Stephen Kohlscheen & Abraham Almonte (from the Mariners)

Gerrardo Parra to the Brewers (from the Diamondbacks)

Mitch Haniger & Anthony Banda to the Diamondbacks (from the Brewers)

Asdrubal Cabrera to the Nationals (from the Indians)

Zach Walters & cash to the Indians (from the Nationals)

Tommy Millone to the Twins (from the Athletics)

Sam Fuld to the Athletics (from the Twins)

Jarred Cosart, Enrique Hernandez, & Austin Wates to the Marlins (from the Astros)

Jake Marisnick, Colin Moran, Francis Martes, & a draft pick to the Astros (from the Marlins)

Summary of Trades

To me, unfortunately yesterday’s biggest winner was clearly the Red Sox! Their current team’s record translates into a poor season at this point. That will more than likely prevent them from attempting to repeat a World Series win or even make it to the playoffs. That being said, they successfully enhanced their future team with some key players by trading away upcoming free agent (Lester) and one-year-to-go free agent (John Lackey). They also lessened their payroll.

I believe the Tigers made themselves one of the best starting rotations by adding David Price after recently acquiring Max Scherzer a few weeks ago. That results in one of the most formidable 1-2-3 starting pitchers in the game; however, they've also subtracted a decent hitter (Austin Jackson) and pitcher (Smyly). Overall, they've improved and should be equipped enough to make a challenging playoff run.

In my opinion, the biggest loser based on yesterday's transactions is the Rays. It’s very doubtful that they couldn't get more talent for David Price. They only acquired a decent major league starter (Smyly), a below-average major league infielder (Nick Franklin), and a somewhat promising minor league starter (Adames)!

Several teams also lost yesterday by not making any trades to improve their team – whether for a playoff run or for the future. That list includes the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. The latter should have done exactly what the Red Sox did. As for the Mets, they still have time to trade their 41 year-old starter, Bartolo Colon; but, their recent hesitation could potentially cost them the attainment of higher-level players. Apparently, they did not want to enticingly pay one dime towards reducing the burden of a trading partner’s responsibility towards taking on the ridiculous contract the Mets solely created.

The Yankees' Trade Effects & Remaining Run:

In regards to "my" Yankees, they definitely improved with their acquisition of a versatile player in Martín Prado. The Stephen Drew acquirement will be interesting. At first glimpse, Drew looks like he is weaker than now-released Brian Roberts, but if Drew hits more similarly to his prior years instead of his current 2014 shortened season, he could become a major value for them before the end of the year. If that happens, then the Yankees and Drew may decide to retain their relationship for years to come with a new contract.

Additionally, while the Yankees have now made 4 deals over the past few weeks (including their other two acquisitions of Brandon McCarthy and Chase Headley), I feel they have incrementally improved themselves.  The problem is that they have not attained any major pitchers nor hitters to immensely help them move up in the standings and gear towards a major playoff run. Of course, a few key players can still be obtained (players that can pass through waivers), but that's a gamble that, even if it happens, may be too late! I'm at least hoping they win the upcoming bid for Cuban defector (mainly an outfielder), Rusney Castillo. He's an impact 27 year-old player who offers speed and power.

The Yankees have a lot of their season riding on the result of Tanaka's possible return. If the injection he received 3 weeks ago works, they will undoubtedly have a better chance than the alternate condition - requiring the ever-popular Tommy John Surgery. Even if Tanaka returns this year, the NYY still have to find a way to hit in the clutch! These upcoming weeks will be very telling for the Yankees and many other teams.