The major league trade season officially began within an hour of the end of the All Star Game. The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired Francisco Rodriguez (KRod) and cash from the New York Mets for 2 players to be named later

This provides the Brewers a proven closer as they make a push to win the NL Central this season. It is likely also a sign that the Brewers are going for broke this season, knowing that they are unlikely to re-sign Prince Fielder at the end of the season.

It will be interesting to see how other teams, including the Pirates, respond in reshaping their rosters for the second half of the season. I don't recall a significant move so close to the end of the All Star Game in the past. It may be a signal that teams will not wait until July 31st to make their moves.