The trades: The Phillies acquire RHP David Robertson from the Cubs for RHP Ben Brown, and OF Brandon Marsh from the Angels for C Logan O'Hoppe.
With two trades that were reported within the span of a few minutes, the wild-card contending Phillies addressed a pair of roster holes. While the motivations for the Phillies are clear, what about the other teams in this pair of deals?
These are classic Dave Dombrowski deals. Keep your eye on the opportunity at hand and let the future sort itself out later. The Phillies entered deadline day with a one-game edge over the Cardinals for the sixth and last playoff spot in the National League. They stood 29th in overall outfield bWAR, and despite solid overall bullpen production, they've had to spread around the save opportunities.
These deals improve the Phillies' roster and perhaps help create some separation from the Cardinals, though Philly doesn't benefit from St. Louis' NL Central-heavy remaining schedule.
Robertson not only deepens the Philadelphia bullpen, but he brings it into focus. Now Rob Thomson can line up Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, Jose Alvarado and the vicious Seranthony Dominguez in front of Robertson. And he can stop using Jeurys Familia in high- and medium-leverage spots.