Mike Rizzo won again.
The Washington Nationals general manager stared down the New York Yankees' exorbitant demands for a closer and suddenly grabbed an All-Star from the Pittsburgh Pirates instead. The Nationals gave up little for a desperately needed reliever.
This is why Rizzo is the best general manager in the game.
Washington acquired closer Mark Melancon for pitcher Felipe Rivero and minor league pitcher Taylor Hearn July 31. Essentially, they're renting Melancon until the end of the season when he'll become a free agent in exchange for two players who won't be missed. And, having Melancon on the roster gives Washington an advantage when trying to re-sign him.
