The MLB trade deadline wasn’t uneventful, but it lacked its signature dramatic flair. A handful of teams made moves to benefit their playoff picture, but not all of these will pan out in the end.
Factors have to be considered when picking up a new player. A change of scenery can have a negative, as well as a positive, impact. A new ballpark can impact their productivity, and their new teammates may not lend the same comfort as their previous home did.
Let’s take a look at which players will falter in their new homes for one reason or another.
Shane Victorino
Victorino will flop with the Dodgers for one reason: he isn’t the player he used to be. It’s that simple, but that didn’t stop Los Angeles for rolling the dice.
I can’t say I blame them for picking up “The Flyin’ Hawaiian.” They needed a leadoff hitter, and he fits the bill. At least he did in his prime, but that’s long gone.
He’s hitting .261 with nine home runs and 41 RBI this season. His on-base percentage is around .320, but that’s just about all he brings to the table. He could fill a role as a table setter, but the change of scenery won’t help him.
Victorino was revered by Philadelphia fans, and that makes a difference. Dodger fans could love him too, but it’s not the same for a player who played his primary years in front of one crowd.
I love the idea behind this acquisition, but the Dodgers won’t get the player they were hoping for.
Dempster’s value was understandable. His 2.25 ERA through 16 starts made him a very intriguing option at this year’s deadline, but his numbers will inflate in hitter-friendly Rangers Ballpark.
Texas’ acquisition of Dempster wasn’t misguided. Their minuscule lead in the AL West can be erased quickly, and contending teams can never have too many arms. Dempster will provide a veteran presence, but Ranger fans shouldn’t expect his ERA to remain the same.
Dempster faces larger expectations in Texas. That, plus the change in venues, will increase his ERA. He doesn’t have dominant stuff, and he won’t get away with the same pitches in the hitter-heavy American League.
This pickup looks good on paper, but Texas will be disappointed sooner rather than later.
Brad Lincoln
Lincoln isn’t a noteworthy name. You may have already forgotten about this deal.
Either way, this is worth paying attention too. Toronto gave up on once-prized outfielder Travis Snider in exchange for starter-turned-reliever Lincoln. In 28 games this year (five starts) Lincoln is 4-2 with a 2.73 ERA. He’s got 60 strikeouts in 59.1 innings, and he’s actually done a very solid job in his new role.
That was in the NL Central. Toronto plays in the AL East. It’s a completely different world, and it’s littered with hungry power hitters. It will take Lincoln awhile to adjust, and by then it will be too late.
He’s probably going to work as a setup man, or potentially as a closer down the line. He hasn’t proven himself in either role, and this rigorous division isn’t the place to do that.
This was a bit of a head-scratcher for me. Snider has been disappointing, but relievers like Lincoln are a dime a dozen.
Toronto may not regret losing Snider, but they will wonder why they ever asked for Lincoln.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com