Jim Bowden, The Examiner
2007-08-02 07:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

The trading deadline came and went with only two significant prospects being traded, both from the Atlanta Braves: catcher Jarrod Saltamacchia and shortstop Elvis Andrus going to the Texas Rangers for one of the only true impact players that was moved in All-Star Mark Teixeira. Atlanta’s John Schuerholz also picked up closer Octavio Dotel, showing the rest of baseball why he is the best general manager of our generation.

The growing trend of not trading top prospects for proven major leaguers continued. Even the big market teams continued that trend. The Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Mets, Angels and Cubs did not part with any of their top prospects, despite glaring needs.

The Red Sox found a way to get rent-a-pitcher Eric Gagne from the Rangers and the Mets gained second baseman Luis Castillo from the Twins, without parting with any of their top prospects.

Despite the dire need, not one proven successful starting pitcher of 2007 was traded.

Who would have thought the Yankees’ biggest acquisition would be Wilson Betemit? And the teams in the American League pennant race like the Tigers, Indians, Twins, Angels and Mariners would be unable to improve their teams through a trade?

The National League saw the Braves and Mets improve with their deals, while the Phillies, Dodgers and Padres made minor moves that may or may not make a difference.

Revenue sharing has changed the dynamics of small market clubs, who no longer have to move payroll at the trading deadline, which combined with rocketing free agents costs — along with the history of free agent flops — have led to making it more difficult for teams to make deals.

This reinforces that the only way to succeed in this era is to have a strong player development and scouting system. It’s the only way you’ll be able to trade for players such as Teixeira and be able to afford to participate in free agency.

In the past, we would have offered our major league players for two or more good prospects. Due to the change in the market, this year you couldn’t even get one — unless of course you gave up Teixeira.

As told to The Examiner’s John Keim.

Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden provides an exclusive column to The Examiner each week, ranging on topics from the Nats to the state of Major League Baseball.