2011 MLB Trade Deadline Trivia Quiz

Answer: Michael Bourn

The Braves sent prospects Jordan Schafer, Juan Abreu, Paul Clemens and Brett Oberholtzer to the Astros, who were in a rebuilding season, in return for Bourn. Houston also sent cash considerations to Atlanta. The Braves made the move to improve the team's speed and especially defensively in center field. The trade gave them a true lead-off man in Bourn and a chance for a playoff run.

Answer: Edwin Jackson

The White Sox acquired prospects Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart from the Blue Jays in exchange for Jackson. The White Sox had no need for Jackson seeing as they had a six man rotation with him there, so they traded him away for MLB ready talent. The Blue Jays did not intend to keep Jackson though; they used him as the centerpiece of a trade later that day with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Answer: Colby Rasmus

The Blue Jays sent newly acquired Edwin Jackson, Octavio Dotel, Marc Rzepczynski, Corey Patterson and three players to be named for Colby Rasmus, Trevor Miller, PJ Walters and Brian Tallet. The former Cardinals center fielder had not been producing and had been having spurs with manager Tony la Rusa for the two years prior to the trade. Coupled with the stellar play of his backup Jon Jay, the Cardinals figured they could get some value in return for Rasmus.

Answer: Hunter Pence

The Astros acquired Jonathan Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Josh Zeid and a player to be named later. The Phillies bolstered their lineup with this trade. Although their line-up was considered by most observers to be the best in baseball before the deadline, they had problems finding a consistent right handed batter.

The Astros continued to look to rebuild, sending away two of their highest regarded players for young upcoming players.

Answer: Ubaldo Jimenez

The Indians weakened their minor league system by trading prospects Alex White, Joseph Gardner, Matt McBride and a player to be named later for Ubaldo. For some reason that has stirred most MLB analysts, the Rockies wanted to trade Ubaldo, who still had years left on his contract and was still a very capable pitcher.

The Indians got the ace they needed to make a playoff run though and the Rockies received young talent to build a team around, so both teams went home happy.

Answer: San Fransisco Giants

The defending World Series Champions made a move to try and keep up with the Phillies and the Braves. The Giants, who were having a down year offensively going into the trade deadline, made a deal for one of the only bats left on the market. The Mets in return got Zach Wheeler.

Answer: Derek Lee and Ryan Ludwick

The Pirates sent first base prospect Aaron Baker to Baltimore for first basemen Derek Lee, they needed a veteran bat to help them try and stay in the race in the National League Central. The Pirates also traded a player to be named or cash considerations for Ryan Ludwick, another veteran bat to go into the outfield.

Answer: Rafeal Furcal

The Dodgers sent Rafeal Furcal plus cash consideration to the Cardinals for outfield prospect Alex Castellanos. The Cardinals had been getting production from the many middle infielders they had played throughout the season, but none had been a stud defender; and that is why the Cardinals went out and got him. He was also serving as their lead off man.

Answer: Brad Ziegler

Arizona sent prospects Brandon Allen and Jordan Norberto to the A's for the starter. The Diamondbacks made the deal to bolster their pitching staff for a run in October. They were not able to land any of the big name pitchers, but they were able to get help in the form of Ziegler and they also acquired Jason Marquis from the Washington Nationals.

Answer: Wil Nieves

The Braves sent cash to the Brewers for their catcher. The Brewers went on to use that money to help cover the expenses of Fransisco Rodriguez, who they acquired from the Mets. The Braves acquired Nieves to fill in for Brian McCann while he is on the DL.