Three of the top 14 picks in the draft get dealt less than five full weeks into the season. And not just that. They get traded WITHIN the division. And none of them are keepers. I can't say I've ever seen anything like it. And to boot, it's a three-team deal! We haven't been this excited over a three-way since, well... OK we won't go there.
"I'm shocked we pulled it off so easily," Shea said.
Yes, Shea, all parties involved were. Andy, Chris and Shea completed the first-ever successful three-team deal. To recap:
Andy receives: Hanley Ramirez and Maicer Izturis
Chris receives: Mark Teixeira and Pedro Alvarez
Shea receives: Justin Verlander, Starlin Castro, and Martin Prado
Andy gives: Mark Teixeira, Starlin Castro, and Martin Prado
Chris gives: Justin Verlander and Maicer Izturis
Shea gives: Hanley Ramirez and Pedro Alvarez
Broken down in other terms:
Andy: Teixeira, Castro, and Prado for Ramirez and Izturis
Chris: Verlander and Izturis for Teixeira and Alvarez
Shea: Ramirez and Alvarez for Verlander, Castro, and Prado
From all reports, this is how we believe the trade went down: Chris expressed interest to Andy in a trade for Mark Teixeira, and when Andy balked at Justin Verlander as the centerpiece in return, the idea of getting another team involved was mentioned. Rosters were explored, and Andy decided he would be OK with trading Teixeira to arguably his biggest rival if he'd be getting Hanley Ramirez back. Enter Shea.
Chris said he "enjoyed negotiating with both managers and then selling the idea of a three way trade to the league."
But let's take a closer look at this deal. Alvarez's stats not included because he was cut immediately.
So Shea, one would think, improves this year by getting (for all intents and purposes) three guys for the second pick in the draft. And, let's remember, Shea auto-drafted, so he had a lot of holes heading into the season. He had the luxury of moving Ramirez because he has several keeper options, including Verlander now.
"I needed more balance and a top-tier pitcher besides The King [Felix Hernandez]," Shea said.
Chris, meanwhile, gives up Verlander and all-around utility player Izturis in return for Teixeira. Alvarez was cut immediately, so you can tell Chris had no plans in making him a reason to or not to do this trade. It was all about Teixeira and adding a power bat. Looking at it from the draft day, he gave up the 14th pick and another player (a pickup who had a hot start) for the 8th pick in the draft. Will he survive the sacrifice of a top pitcher?
"Wanted to shake things up," Chris said. "Sought a keeper-caliber hitter to replace Adrian [Gonzalez] after this year and am a big fan of Teixeira."
And Andy gives up Teixeira, Castro and Prado for Ramirez and Izturis. Did he give up too much? If we cancel out Castro and Izturis, based on the above stats, it's Teixeira and Prado for Ramirez. If Ramirez finds his swing, one would think it'll be a fine deal for Andy. If not... we bring to light the question of just how valuable Ramirez is or will be. Because Andy made this trade with two hitter keepers locked up in multi-year deals. So, either he plans on making another move or cutting one in the offseason to sign Ramirez. It will be interesting to see what he does.
"I'd say it's pretty clear I'm not done changing my roster this season," Andy said.
No matter what happens, this is one of the league's biggest stories in its 5-season history. The after-effects of this might not be decided now, or anytime soon, as this clearly seems like it will have an impact for years to come.
But we sure are enjoying breaking it down and reacting to such a monster deal. Let's see some more three-ways deals!
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