Big acquisitions for naught

The league went into crisis mode about two months ago when three trades involving playoff-potential teams were made involving non-playoff teams.

Verbal barbs were flying, arguments were starting, and hell was breaking loose. It will lead to offseason discussion about how to handle keeper trades in the future.

Howeva! (in our best Stephen A. Smith voice), I will be quick to point out that the three teams who made the trades (Andy, Chris, Ken) are out. Three flame-outs. Three busted trades. So, maybe the midseason crucifixion of trading was overblown.


A refresher: Ken sent Beltran to Mike for Abreu; Andy sent Lincecum, Quentin and Scott to Mike for Lester, Morales and Markakis; Chris sent Rodriguez to Shea for Kershaw, Guerrero and Tejada.

I spoke to all three managers who made the trades. Chris regretted it, Andy was on the fence and Ken did not. Chris did not make the playoffs, and Andy and Ken lost in the first round.

"Nah, I don't because I needed (Abreu) to make it into the playoffs," Ken said. "I didn't want to keep Beltran because I didn't want two Met keepers. But now I have a tough choice to make about keepers."

"Yes, (Rodriguez) will be missed in the lineup next year," Chris said. "However, this clears up room for younger stars to come in and show what they have to offer."

"I'm not sure," Andy said. "I dont think i woulda made the playoffs without it, but now I'm picking up pitchers just to try and give myself options for next year. It's pretty bad."

So, as you can see, three different viewpoints, but the one thing in common: all three managers are very concerned about their keeper situation for next year.

"The part that gets me the most and I absolutely hate," Chris said, "is that A-Rod is a Yankee. So I want him to do well next year, but i want Shea's team to fail miserably and all his keepers to get hurt for long durations."