Maybe it was the Olympics. Maybe it was because the 2-Wild Card format means more teams are “in it”, but this seemed a rather underwhelming trade deadline. While it wasn’t quite as boring as what Glen Perkins was saying it was, it was hardly a call back to some of the great Trade Deadlines of lore. So, let’s take a look at some of the trades that went down today (after the jump):

Dempster to the Rangers

Dempster was a deal that was basically guaranteed to happen. The only question was whether he’d head to the Dodgers or somewhere else. Near the deadline, it came out that he’d waived his no-trade rights to allow the Cubs to possibly trade him to the Yankees or Rangers. And so it was, just like every other year lately, the Rangers grabbed a great pitcher at the trade deadline. They really want that World Series win, and sent a sleeper-prospect at third named Christian Villanueva as well as a RHP in the form of Kyle Hendricks.

It wasn’t expected. Dempster, most everyone had thought, was going to Los Angeles to join the Dodgers. In fact, many reports said that he would waive his no-trade only for the Dodgers. Obviously, those were premature, so, with Neftali Feliz hurt and Roy Oswalt struggling (in fact, he is being demoted to the bullpen), Dempster will help both fill the void and provide the Rangers with another good arm down the stretch. Perhaps most importantly, though, Dempster, said to be one of the best “clubhouse” guys in the bigs, could provide a much needed jolt for a team that has been in something of a funk of late as the Angels and Athletics have risen up.

The Phillies fire-sale

Victorino went to the Dodgers for Josh Lindblom and minor leaguer Ethan Martin. Not wanting to let the Dodgers ever do anything without having some sort of comeback, the Giants then acquired fellow Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence for Nate Schierholtz and two prospects. And thus, the Phillies declared an end to any increasingly-delusional hopes of a playoff berth. It also further showcases how, this year at least, the West has become the premiere part of the MLB landscape, as it is infused with new owners and higher expectations.

The Phillies, meanwhile, wilted this year, as the pitching either got hurt, underachieved or had no run support. The Phillies are not aging well, but if they are lucky, perhaps the prospects they have received from the Giants and Dodgers could one day help lead them back to their recent glories.

Broxton to the Reds

The Royals sent Jonathan Broxton to the Reds for prospects. This trade didn’t get much attention compared to some of the others, but it could prove to be one of the most important ones. This is because Broxton adds even more depth to an already deep bullpen (perhaps you are acquainted with Aroldis Chapman?), and down the stretch and into October, that is often what can make the difference.