So far Major League Baseball has not yielded many major league trades. Despite that, let’s take a brief look at yesterday’s and speculate about a winner and loser for each… which is tough because in some cases they don’t look all that great for either team:

Trade
Cincinnati Reds acquire: Jorge Cantu (AAA - 1B/ 2B/ 3B), Shaun Cumberland (AA - OF)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays acquire : Calvin Medlock (AAA - RH RP), Brian Shackelford (AAA - LH RP)

My take: Tampa desperately needs bullpen help in 2008/ 2009 if they want to take a shot at the AL Wildcard while they still have their current nucleus intact. Also, it had become pretty obvious that neither Cantu or Cumberland were going to crack the Tampa lineup without the help of injuries, arrests, or alien abduction. Cumberland needs more work at AA and AAA, and Cantu is a terrible fielder. If nothing else, this trade helps as an insurance plan on Edwin Encarnacion - not exactly tearing it up - and Joey Votto who might need time to adjust to MLB pitching or a right-handed platoon mate.

Winner: I think that Cantu and Cumberland have the best upsides and Tampa really could have held out for more value this year or in the off season; Reds win this round.

Trade
Tampa Bay Devil Rays acquire: Dan Wheeler (MLB - RH RP)
Houston Astros acquire: Ty Wigginton (MLB - 1B, 2B, 3B)

My take: Good trade for the Astros who definitely had excess bullpen help and need answers for the holes that will certainly be vacated by Morgan Ensberg (craptastic play and more recently designated for assignment) and Craig Biggio (retirement). Wigginton could potentially fill in at either slot at least for a season. Wheeler is a quality reliever who’s stock is down right now and has the potential to close. The Rays closer (Al Reyes) is a free agent after this year so Tampa essentially got themselves a good candidate for their 2008 closer job.

Winner: It’s got to be Tampa. Tampa has a ton of talent coming up at all the positions Wigginton plays with the exception of 1B and desperately need good bullpen help. Wheeler comes in to be the closer to beat in ‘08.

Trade
Tampa Bay Devil Rays acquire: Grant Balfour (MLB/ AAA - RH RP)
Milwaukee Brewers acquire: Seth McClung (AAA - RH RP)

My take: Again, the Devil Rays make a move to help their bullpen… and help it now. Balfour is obviously the safer option between the two for 2007-2008, but beyond that McClung has the better promise… and Balfour’s injury history is troublesome.

Winner: Brew crew all the way. Balfour was more than expendable after the Linebrink trade and McClung helps to replenish the AAA bullpen and with some work could be in the pen in the later half of 2008.