Phillies trade deadline moves garner harsh review from MLB insider

One thing is clear about this Philadelphia Phillies season: Either they win a World Series or it's a bust.

The Phillies have had Major League Baseball's record for over a month and still retain it after their three-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees. But the month of July has been a rough one so far, and the Phillies have now dropped five straight series.

Given the heightened expectations, it was critical for general manager Dave Dombrowski to nail this trade deadline. Ahead of the Tuesday deadline, Dombrowski secured former Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estévez and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Hays.

While the moves seemed to address the Phillies' primary needs--a leverage reliever and righty outfield bat--not all have had rave reviews thus far for Dombrowski's performance.

MLB insider Andy McCullough of The Athletic listed the Phillies as "snoozers" in a review of various teams' trade deadline moves.

"Dombrowski used this deadline to improve the bullpen and the outfield. He paid a hefty price for Carlos Estévez and made a nifty swap with Baltimore for Austin Hays. Given the opportunity in front of the Phillies this year, he could have done more," McCullough said.

The biggest holdup for McCullough seems to be the haul Philadelphia paid for Estévez, who is a free agent after this season. In minor league pitchers George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri, Dombrowski gave up serious pitching talent to restock the Angels' pipeline.

"It's sort of the price of acquisitions at this time," Dombrowski said of the move.

Regardless of whether Klassen and Aldegheri turn out to be stars with the Angels, it will be worth the price if Estévez helps deliver a ring to Philadelphia this season. And this season may well be his only chance to do so as a member of the Phillies.

Meanwhile, the Phillies gave up reliever Seranthony Dominguez and backup outfielder Cristian Pache to acquire Hays, who has four hits and a home run in three games with Philadelphia.

Ultimately, trade deadlines are graded years after they pass. It's only one negative review, but what matters now is how the new acquisitions impact the playoff push for a team with a championship on the brain.

More MLB: Cardinals listed as surprise trade deadline winners; where do they rank?