Fansided

Power Ranking each MLB team in aftermath of Trade Deadline

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 30, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8: Washington Nationals

ACQUIRED: RHP Jonathan Papelbon (from Phillies)

TRADED: RHP Cody Pivetta (to Phillies)

I have this vision that Drew Storen curled up into a little ball somewhere in D.C. and cried away his sorrows as the Nationals once again replace him at closer at the deadline. Certainly he blew two saves in the playoffs in recent seasons and that likely led to the Nats bringing in first Rafael Soriano and now Jonathan Papelbon to take his job.

Adding Papelbon (2-1, 18 saves, 1.55 ERA) to replace Storen (1-0, 29 saves, 1.64 ERA) seems like a sideways move that builds up a strong point that really needed no improvement. Instead, the Nats could have been better served by adding a much-needed bat to a line-up that is basically carried by Bryce Harper. Gomez would have been a great addition, as would have Adam Lind or Mike Napoli.

Washington still has time to add that bat during the waiver period in August. Napoli himself will likely still be moved then and the team would be smart to look into him. However, the addition of Papelbon, especially from a clubhouse perspective, is just a poor choice from a front office that is generally pretty savvy.

Next: 7: San Francisco Giants

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