Pennant races take shape after trade deadline
![Down The Stretch They Come](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6245/240103/59a500447d2cc/Down-The-Stretch-They-Come.jpg)
Since the trade deadline was moved to July 31, the surest thing seemed to be the 1998 Astros. That night, Houston—in first place with a 65-44 record—and general manager Gerry Hunsicker got Randy Johnson from the Mariners. Johnson went 10-1, 1.28 in 11 starts down the stretch, and the Astros went 37-16 after the deal. They had Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Moises Alou and Billy Wagner in their primes.
Those Astros lost to the Padres in the National League Division Series, thanks to days off between Games 1 and 2 and then Games 2 and 3. That enabled San Diego to start Kevin Brown in two of the first three games. Brown, who Bagwell says “had the best stuff of anyone I ever faced,” gave up one run in each start.
When the trade deadline passed this year, the consensus appeared to be that the Dodgers are the lock that the ’98 Astros once appeared. And they might be, presuming that Clayton Kershaw is healthy in front of Yu Darvish, Rich Hill, Alex Wood and a deep bullpen led by Kenley Jansen.
Still, stuff happens. Do we know how good Darvish really is? The Cubs and Indians were on his no-trade list, and when he eventually ended up in Los Angeles with his friend Kenta Maeda, the Dodgers hadn’t given away any of their future for a rental.
This story is from the September 01 2017 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 01 2017 edition of Baseball America.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/0Im5_7R-N1716983186325/HOW-THE-MAJORS-HAVE-CHANGED-FOR-YOUNG-PLAYERS.jpg)
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/jD4Tp2H2n1716980923576/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
![BLAST FROM THE PAST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/2_0wqYiq71716978663925/BLAST-FROM-THE-PAST.jpg)
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
![UNFINISHED BUSINESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/uKJoNEDEi1716980728602/UNFINISHED-BUSINESS.jpg)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
![MORE HARM THAN GOOD?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/yfRq22Krc1716980624708/MORE-HARM-THAN-GOOD.jpg)
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
![GEM COLLECTOR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/_hVjkXXmQ1716980363975/GEM-COLLECTOR.jpg)
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
![LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/ylCXqqS111716979989550/LIFE-AFTER-AFFILIATED-BALL.jpg)
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
![EARNING POWER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1705476/gOKVU6inr1716978952320/EARNING-POWER.jpg)
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
![NOBODY'S PERFECT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/iQO9HKEHG1711457625484/NOBODYS-PERFECT.jpg)
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
![ORGANIZATION REPORTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6245/1645297/x0Uu3Rq9E1711456602784/ORGANIZATION-REPORTS.jpg)
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.