The magnificent seven deadline deals

It was a very active final day to a very active trade season. A look at the seven most interesting trades of the last week or so:

Zach Greinke to the Angels: The Angels gave themselves the best rotation in the game as they try to catch the Rangers in the AL West. They'll almost certainly be in the playoffs regardless as a wild card, and with Jered Weaver, Greinke, C.J. Wilson and Dan Haren, that's an amazing group.

Ryan Dempster to the Rangers: It was reported that Dempster was headed to the Braves a week ago, but that never came about, and the Rangers came in at the last moment and grabbed the Cubs ace, responding to the Angels' move. Grienke has the better pedigree and is throwing well, but Dempster was probably the best pitcher in the game in July. The Rangers won't be getting Neftali Feliz back, either - he needs Tommy John surgery.

Jonathan Broxton to the Reds: Cincinnati is building for the postseason, and if you look at the teams that were the most successful, it's typically the team with the deepest bullpen that can match up with the opponents in the late innings. If that plays out again, look out for the Reds, who now have another closer as a setup guy.

Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers: They didn't give up much for a player once considered the next big star in the majors. Will Don Mattingly be able to light a fire under him?

Gaby Sanchez and Travis Snider to the Pirates: The Pirates are new to being a buyer at the deadline and had mixed reviews. (Who would have thought the Phillies would be sellers and the Pirates buyers at the deadline?) Sanchez was had in the Marlins' fire sale (he had fallen out of favor there) and he could fit well as a platoon first baseman. But they gave up Brad Lincoln to the Blue Jays for Snider, adding pop to the offense but weakening a part of the team that is very important in the stretch run.

Ichiro Suzuki to the Yankees: Who won't be looking forward to seeing Ichiro, even in decline, in the playoffs?

Hunter Pence to the Giants: Pence moves at the deadline for the second straight year, this time to the Giants. It shows the Phillies are ready for a total rebuild, and the Giants are serious about upgrading their offense.