Thanks For The Memories, Josh Hader

 Now that the dust has settled following a flurry of trades, let's bid adieu to ace (sometimes) reliever Josh Hader and thank him for his service to the Milwaukee Brewers.

It was a big, BIG trade, sending Hader to the San Diego Padres for four players -- including LHP pitcher Taylor Rodgers, who was second in the NL in saves behind Hader and who, like Hader, had stumbled recently. Perhaps the change of scenery will do both good. Let's not forget that this gives Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell even more flexibility, since RHP Devin Williams will surely see more action as the closer.

But more reasons for making this trade. Simple economics.

Hader was making $11 million this season as one of the best closers in baseball. Eligible for arbitration, he would probably have gotten in the $16 million range. Plus Milwaukee only had him under contract until the end of the 2023 season. Odds of him staying with a small market like Milwaukee? Not all that good.

So it makes sense to pull the trigger on a trade now and get something for him.

The Padres would seem to be pushing all their chips to the middle of the table this season, having also acquired young superstar Juan Soto (along with Josh Bell) from the Washington Nationals. Plus don't forget San Diego has Fernando Tatis coming back from an injury.

Talk about loaded!

They may not catch the Los Angeles Dodgers for the regular season, but will definitely be a factor for the post-season.

And speaking of those Los Angeles Dodgers, RIP announcer Vin Scully, who passed at age 94. Scully was an icon, calling Dodger games for generations -- all the way back to the team's days as the Brooklyn Dodgers!

His death comes on the heels of another sports icon, Bill Russell. Though not a Boston Celtics fan, I can still appreciate Russell's NBA career and 11 championships.

More than his success in sports, you have to admire his efforts regarding social justice, taking a stand for equality when most fans just wanted athletes to shut up and play ball. The iconic photo of him with Jim Brown, Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (at that time know as Lew Alcindor) still amazes.