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 29, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Aramis Ramirez (17) in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Minnesota Twins 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Aramis Ramirez (17) in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Minnesota Twins 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

4: Pittsburgh Pirates

ACQUIRED: RHP Joakim Soria (from Tigers), 3B Aramis Ramirez (from Brewers), LHP J.A. Happ (from Mariners), OF Mike Morse (from Dodgers via Marlins), RHP Joe Blanton (from Royals)

TRADED: SS JaCoby Jones (to Tigers), OF Jose Tabata (to Dodgers), RHP Adrian Sampson (to Mariners), LHP Clayton Richard (to Cubs), RHP Yhonatan Barrios (to Brewers), LHP Jayson Aquino (to Indians)

What I love about the Pittsburgh Pirates is that they were one of the few teams coming into the deadline with little to have to accomplish. The team had holes, but they were manageable and ultimately could have been circumvented if need be. However, Neal Huntington and crew found a great way to address some of those shortcomings by getting creative.

First and foremost, they addressed their biggest issue; third base. The injuries to Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison were unfortunate and needing to be fixed. Adding former Buc Aramis Ramirez into the mix was a stroke of genius, giving them a competent bat and glove for the remainder of the season. The addition of Joakim Soria additionally gives the team a double-headed monster with Mark Melancon at the back-end of the bullpen.

However, the addition of J.A. Happ may prove to be a sneaky-good pull for the Pirates. Just after the deadline, Pittsburgh learned they could be without A.J. Burnett for the remainder of the season. Having Happ as depth proved to be a stroke of genius, even if he’s nowhere near the caliber of Burnett.

The Pirates may not catch the Cardinals in the division, but they are set up to be a very dangerous club in the playoffs.

Next: 3: Houston Astros

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