Pence deal helps Phillies' Series chances 

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired right fielder Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros for four minor league players. The Phillies had one glaring need at the trade deadline, and this trade filled it with a right-handed bat for their lineup’s five hole, while also giving them a good defensive right fielder. Pence is a two-time All-Star who was one of the most popular Astros players in the clubhouse and with the fans. He is only 28 years old, and the Phillies now have control of him for two more full seasons beyond 2011.

In making the trade, the Astros acquired the Phillies’ best pitching prospect, 21-year-old right-hander Jarred Cosart, and their best position player prospect, first baseman/left fielder Jonathan Singleton. However, neither player has played a full season against competition better than Class A, so they both have a long path to the major leagues -- 2014 is the most optimistic timetable for their arrivals. On the surface, most people will evaluate this deal as positive for the Astros, based on long-term projections and visions of the type of players Cosart and Singleton can become. However, Cosart has a history of health issues, and there are questions about whether Singleton will have much game power and will be able to hit good major league pitching.

The Astros didn’t get enough for the best player on their team, as this deal has a lot of risk for them. In a deal such as this, it would have been better to acquire at least one major league player or top prospects who were closer to the major leagues.

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