The trade deadline has come and gone, and your team either got better or didn’t do squat. There were a flurry of moves on the last day, but nothing earth shattering. The Yankees were obviously big players in the action, and the White Sox and Rays, who were in on everything, came up somewhat limp. Here are the 5 best moves…..

Oswalt to the Phillies

Yes, he got beat up in his first start, but this was a good move. The big three of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels is MUCH MUCH better than the other options. If the Phillies get to the dance these three could make a 5 and 7 game series very difficult. He isn’t Cliff Lee, but he’s much better than Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick, and Jamie Moyer.

Lance Berkman to the Yankees

The Evil Empire was back at it again. This isn’t as formidable as you think. Berkman is aging, and he’s not the player he use to be. BUT, putting a disciplined professional hitter of his caliber in the DH spot previously occupied by Marcus Thames and others is a serious upgrade. The offense is just ridiculous. Regardless of the age and numbers, Lance still demands attention and respect as a hitter.

Ted Lilly to Dodgers

The Dodgers rotation got a huge boost here. Lilly isn’t a stud, but he’s damn good. He fits in that banged up rotation like a glove. The Dodgers potentially could make a run to the playoffs, and if they do get in they have an adequate rotation now to compete. Before, you would have laughed it off. Theriot’s a damn good player too.

Dan Haren to the Angels

Haren can be a stud. He’s had an off year. If the Angels were the Angels of a couple years ago this would have been a serious threat to contend. The Angels are off this year, but if they can retool a tad having Ervin Santana, Haren, and Weaver at the top is pretty damn good. Plus, they got the guy for peanuts.

Ryan Ludwick to the Padres

The Padres are notorious for not having pop. Adrian Gonzalez finally got a little protection. There were many moves made that are just about equal to this deal, but for the NL West leading Padres, who get good pitching, adding a little pop was a necessity to stay atop the West.