Welcome to the Trade Talks section of our BenchWarmers site.  
Below, you will find info on all the latest Big-Time trades.  

We'll breakdown the deal with an in depth look at who went where
and we'll follow it up with our take on who won (with a few +++)
and who lost (with some ---)

For individual player info, click on the "CBSSportsline.com" logo
above for a full player list
Madison Mallards Get:

2B- Robinson Cano
RP- Fransisco Rodriguez
SP- Jered Weaver
*****

Degeneration X Gets:

1B- Mark Texeira
2B- Kaz Matsui
SP- Dan Haren
*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Mallards receive three young studs in Cano who could vault to the top of the 2B rankings
with continued growth.  He began hitting left handers last year and this could be the year he
tops 20 HR's.  F-Rod is F-Rod, it doesn't get any better than a 26 year old closer who strikes out
a ton and has no arm problems and did I mentioned he's in a contract year?  After a great 1st
year and the usual sophomore slump, Weaver is ready to break out in his 3rd year.  In a
dynasty league, these are the type of trades one needs to make - 3 players under the age of 26
with still more potential.


DX receives Haren who's ready for a bump in strikeouts after a move to the NL.  After his move
to Atlanta, Texeria was an RBI machine, averaging almost an RBI per game, can he go back to
his 2005 form and hit 40 HR's and 140 RBI's?  I think he can, especially in a contract year.  After
these two middle-aged studs, things get a little rocky with Kaz Matsui.  He's starting the year on
the DL and hasn't topped 460 AB's in a season, so expect a few more DL stints.  He can steal
bases but that's about all he does and he's not getting any better at 32 years old.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Mallards: ++ (Cano could top the 2B charts by years end)
>>>DX: - (Texeria is nice but his value isn't what Cano's is)
Bad News Braves Get:

SS- Derek Jeter
OF- Corey Hart
SP- Rick Porcello
SP- James Shields

*****

Apple Latchins Get:

SS- Jose Reyes
OF- Shane Victorino
SP- Jon Garland
SP- Shane Slowey

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Braves got a great deal both this year and in the future for Reyes.  Hart is ready to become an
annual 30/30 threat with 100 RBI's and 100 Runs to go along witih it.  You can't get more
consistent than Jeter and with a new coach, I see a bump in stats.  Porcello is a stud in the
making with staff ace possibilities.  He's the best high school pitcher since Beckett and can make
an impact as soon as late next year at the ripe age of 20!  Shields struckout 184 batters and
walked only 36 last year!  That's what you want in a pitcher: a strikeout AND a control artist.  
Expect a boost in numbers with a better offense this year and an even better offense next year.

Apple got Reyes and that's about it.  He's a top 10 pick with the potential for more once he finds
his power and can get 20 HR's with the usual 9 million SB's.  Him and Wright will be battling for
NL MVP honors over the next few years.  Garland is a sleeper this year but someone you really
can't trust.  Slowey has some potential but he's a groundball inducer (aka no K's) and plays for
the lowly Twins so there's not much to like.  Victorino is another bright spot in the already loaded
Phillies lineup.  He takes over centerfield duties and if he can stay healthy he has the potential
to get 15-20 HR's with a sweet 40-50 SB's at the magical age of 27.



**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (Jeter is as solid as they come, and some other nice pieces come over in this one)
>>>Apple: - (Reyes is nice but did they get enough?)
Finally!!! Gets:

3B- Scott Rolen
SP- Chris R Young
*****

Indians Get:

3B- Garrett Atkins
OF- Mark Teahen
SP- Brian Bannister

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

I'm not sure what the Indians were thinking here but Finally!!! got away with highway robbery on
this one.  Mags is hitting in a potent lineup in front of Miggy, he's going to continue to receive a
ton of great pitches to hit and I may see a drop in average but the RBI's will be there.  Chris R.
Young is one of the best young arms in the NL and although he's yet to stay healthy due to fluke
injuries (no arm troubles) he has the potential to be a top 5 pitcher if he can put it all together
this year and even if he doesn't he'll still give you a great year thanks to his K's.  Rolen hasn't
been the same the past few years but a change in scenery ALWAYS helps (same goes for the
guy he was traded for - Glaus).

Indians receive Atkins who after a rocky 1st half last year put up 20 HR's after the all-star break
and with the potential for the Rockies to make a 2nd run at the World Series, I could see him
putting up career numbers with a great batting average.  Bannister doesn't strike anyone out
because he walks them most of the time and he plays for the Royals.  Last year was luck.  Same
goes for Teahen.  '06 was a fluke, the real Teahen is what everyone saw in '07: a ground-ball
hitter who can steal a few bases.  Also, the Royals signed Jose Guillen this offseason which fills
up their OF and they have Billy Butler at DH so what's Teahen going to play anyway?

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Finally: +++ (The Rock was thinkin...Cha-Ching!)
>>>Indians: ---- (We're not sure what The Indians were thinkin)
Madison Mallards Get:

SP - C.C. Sabathia

*****

Manatee CC Lancers Get:

2B Robinson Cano

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

C.C. is a bit risky this year after pitching 262 innings last year including the playoffs, along with his
300 pound frame but the guy can still flat out pitch.  He's also in a contract year and keeps his
walks waaaaay down.

As I mentioned previously (1st trade of the year), Cano should put it all together this year and
post a career year with the potent Yankee lineup, the best part is that this would be the 1st of
many career year's as he has the potential to be one of the best at 2B over the next decade.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Mallards: - (This was tough to grade but with C.C.'s potential for injury........)
>>>Lancers: + (..............and Cano's immense upside, I gave the + to Manatee.)
03-26-08
03-26-08
03-26-08
03-26-08
Bad News Braves Get:

SP - Erik Bedard
*****

Manatee CC Lancers Get:

OF- Cameron Maybin
OF- Delmon Young

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

In a dynasty league, this trade is pretty even.  By the time Maybin and Young fulfill their potential,
Bedard will be on his last arm and they may even out-produce him, but that's still a few years
away.  Manatee may reap the rewards once Bedard is out of commission as these 2 young
outfielders are yearly 30/30 candidates in their primes, but then again so was Corey Patterson
and we all know what happened there.  It's great for the Braves for the next 3-4 years, after that, it
switches over to Manatee.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (even in a dynasty league, you have to think about winning this year not in the
year 2139)
>>>Manatee: + (got a lot younger and we will all be saying how the hell did Manatee end up with
that OF in a few years)
04-02-08
Si Mets Get:

2B- Robinson Cano
RP- Brandon Morrow
*****

Manatee CC Lancers Get:

2B- Kelly Johnson
OF- Jay Bruce
SP- Jair Jurrjens

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

In this one we see Mets scoring the best player in the trade in Robinson Cano. Cano is already a
borderline top 5 second baseman with the potential to be the third best second baseman in the
league, behind Utley and Phillips of course. The only knock on Cano is he doesn’t steal any
bases, but he has good power and plays in a loaded lineup. He has started extremely slow this
season, but he will be fine. Morrow is a decent young pitcher who this reviewer doesn’t really see
doing much in the majors.

Lancers score one of the most elite prospects in the game in Jay Bruce. It is only a matter of time
before he gets a shot in the majors, and with all his potential he could be a real stud very soon.
Jurrjens is a respectable young pitcher pitching for a good Braves team. He has the potential to
win 12-15 games this year. Johnson is a solid replacement for Cano at second base. He should
perform well in that lineup.



**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Mets: + (potential elite player? Check)
>>>Lancers: + (top prospect? Check)
04-22-08
Si Mets Get:

SP- Erik Bedard
*****

Manatee CC Lancers Get:

1B- Paul Konerko
2B- Aaron Hill

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Mets receive the best player in the deal in Erik Bedard. Bedard is a top 10 fantasy pitcher
when healthy. He is a strikeout machine pitching for a good team in a good pitchers park. He has
had some health issues this year and started slow, but the injury appears to be a minor one and
he should be back soon.

The Braves fill two major needs at first and second place with this deal. Konerko is pretty much a
lock for 30 home runs and 100 rbi’s. Hill is an up and coming second baseman with 20/20
potential. He could be a top 10 second baseman as soon as this year.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Mets: even (Bedard may never pitch 200 innings which would keep him from the elite)
>>>Lancers: + (filled two big holes on their roster with solid players)
04-22-08
Beloit Snappers Get:

RP- Matt Capps
OF- Jason Heyward
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

OF- Matt Kemp
OF- Drew Stubbs

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Snappers score a nice closer in Capps. Capps has the closer job on lockdown in Pittsburgh,
but Pittsburgh doesn’t win a ton of games which will likely keep Capps saves numbers relatively
low. Heyward is a great prospect, but he’s very young and a good 2-3 years from the majors.

The Braves score our favorite player in this deal in Kemp. Kemp put up very nice numbers and a
high batting average splitting time last season. He will split time again this year, but he looks to be
seeing more at bats with Pierre falling out of favor in LA. Kemp has a ton of talent and potential
and could be a top 30 outfielder within the next 2 years. Stubbs is a middle of the road prospect
who looks like a fill-in in the deal.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Snappers: even (Capps has less value in Pittsburgh and Heyward is a ways off)
>>>Braves: + (fills a big hole in their outfield with Kemp)
04-22-08
Manatee CC Lancers Get:

3B- Alex Gordon
C- Matt Wieters
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

3B- Evan Longoria
2B- Rickie Weeks

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

It’s tough to say who the best player is in this deal, but we’ll give the nod to Gordon…for now.
Gordon is starting the year much stronger than last, and he appears to be fulfilling his top
prospect billing that had everyone drooling last year. He has massive power potential, and steals
bases too! The only problem…he plays in that place called Kansas City. The Royals…yay. The
Lancers also snag a nice prospect in Wieters. Wieters should move quickly through the Orioles
system with college experience under his belt, and the Orioles need for talented players.

The Braves get 2 major league ready players which they need since their team is not scoring very
many points. Longoria is now in the majors, and with a nice large contract under his belt he won’t
be leaving anytime soon. Longoria is THE top prospect in all of baseball. He is very similar to Alex
Gordon, but with less speed. This reviewer sees him hitting for a higher average than Gordon
though over his career. He also plays in a nice offense in Tampa Bay. Weeks is an enigma. What
will he do? He has 30/30 potential, but he always seems to find a way to get injured or
underperform. He’s healthy so far, and despite the low batting average the rest of his stats look
nice. The Brewers have a nice offense, too.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Lancers: + (Gordon is experienced and starting to show it)
>>>Braves: + (Adding more pieces to their missing offense)
04-22-08
Beloit Snappers Get:

OF- Magglio Ordonez
*****

Finally!!! Gets:

SP- Ervin Santana

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

No, no, no, no. This reviewer usually trades MVP’s who had 28 home runs, 139 rbi’s, 117 runs
scored, and a .363 average for pitchers whose career road ERA is 7.14!!!!! 7.14 might be Finally’
s IQ after this trade. We hope he was drunk when he made this trade.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Snappers: +++ (where is this reviewer’s MVP outfielder for free???)
>>>Drunkies: --- (no, no, no….no…..still no…..nope….no….you get the point)
04-22-08
Finally!!! Gets:

2B- Rickie Weeks
OF- Felix Pie
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

OF- Carlos Gomez
OF Andre Ethier

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

We like this trade for both teams. Finally gets a guy in Weeks who immediately upgrades them at
second base. Pie has a lot of talent. If he discovers it is the question. But read above for our
thoughts on Weeks.

Braves get 2 more outfielders to give them about 35 outfielders now. Surely 5 of those guys will
perform well, right? Gomez has HUGE speed potential. Jose Reyes himself said Gomez is faster
than he is. Gomez is very young so there will be some bumps along the way, however. Ethier
rounds out the Braves’ Dodgers outfielders. (They now have Pierre, Jones, Ethier, AND Kemp). If
the Dodgers ever settle on 3 the Braves will be well off.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Finally!!!: + (We still have 30/30 dreams for Weeks......but still NO on the Mags deal!)
>>>Braves: + (2 nice young outfielders. Now if only Ethier wouldn’t split time)
04-22-08
Louies Legends Get:

1B- Justin Morneau
*****

Buccos Get:

SP- Clayton Kershaw

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Kershaw is sweet, don’t get us wrong, but giving up Morneau at this point for him might have been
a little too much. Top 10 first baseman aren’t exactly just lying around waiting to be picked up, and
at Kershaw’s young age there will be quite a few growing pains most likely. Kershaw has amazing
potential, but for this season and the next Legends probably got the better end of this deal.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Legends: + (Morneau helps a lot this year)
>>>Buccos: Even (Kershaw is up, but he’ll have his struggles)
NEW
06-10-08
Apple Latchins Get:

SP- John Danks
3B- Chipper Jones
*****

DaDogz Get:

3B- Aramis Ramirez

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Originally we didn’t like this offer for Apples because we had no faith in Danks and Chipper’s
injury history bothered us, but so far Apples is winning easily in this trade (but we still like Aramis
more long term). Chipper has been hitting out of his mind so far, and is one of the highest scoring
players in the league. Danks has actually pitched respectably and is earning his spot in Apples
rotation. Aramis is a top 10 third baseman, and is a very solid option, and doesn’t have the injury
history of Chipper.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Apples: + (Chipper is outplaying Ramirez and Danks has been decent......)
>>>Dogz: Even (......for this season)
NEW
06-10-08

SP- Jair Jurrjens
SP- John Lackey
RP- Fautino de los Santos
RP- Santiago Castilla
*****

Buccos Get:

SP- Justin Verlander
SP- Ian Snell
SP- Trevor Cahill

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

We originally thought Buccos got the best pitcher in the deal with Verlander, but it’s looking like
Lackey is actually the best pitcher to come out of this all pitcher deal. Lackey has been nothing
short of an ace since coming off the DL. Jurrjens is a very nice young pitcher who could be the
Braves number one starter for years to come. He is also only 10 bucks. Casilla was having a great
year in the bullpen until an injury sidelined him, which is where he still is, and de los Santos has
been on the 7 day DL in the minors for 2 months now and is reaching droppable status. Verlander
could very well regain his form any day, but even if he does, the Tigers still haven’t given him any
run support this season. Snell has been terrible, and can’t seem to figure things out. Cahill
though, has been a pleasant surprise in high class A, where he is dominating. It remains to be
seen if he can pitch at the same level at a higher class.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (Casilla and de los Santos have been disappointing, but Lackey and Jurrjens give
this rotation a lot of hope.)

>>>Buccos: Even (still waiting on Verlander to snap out of it, and Snell really needs to pick it up.
Cahill looks sweet for down the road)
NEW
06-10-08
Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Nick Adenhart
OF- Kosuke Fukudome
OF- Grady Sizemore
C- Chris Snyder
1B- Mark Texeira
1B- Joey Votto
*****

Degeneration X Gets:

SP- Matt Cain
3B- Chris Davis
OF- Carlos Gomez
2B- Ian Kinsler
1B- James Loney
C- Russell Martin

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

This is the biggest trade Benchwarmers has seen.....like, by FAR...... and in a shocking turn of
events, Bad News Braves were involved! The Braves snag a top first baseman in Teixeira, an up
and coming first baseman in Votto, a top outfielder in Sizemore, a solid outfielder in Fukudome, a
decent catcher in Snyder, and a decent prospect in Adenhart. Tex and Sizemore were clearly the
prize catches of this trade.

DX makes out well as well nabbing top catcher Russell Martin, a top 5 second baseman in Kinsler,
a good first baseman in Loney, a good pitcher in Cain, a nice young outfielder in Gomez, and a
good prospect in Davis. The only problem with Cain is he plays for the Giants who give him no run
support. Davis is a very nice prospect but is blocked at first base right now. Loney could be a
borderline top 10 first baseman in his prime, and Kinsler and Martin are both excellent choices at
their positions.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: ++ (This deal is too big to tell who wins now, but we really like Tex and Sizemore)
>>>DX: ++ (we also really like Kinsler and Martin)
NEW
06-10-08
Bad News Braves Get:

1B- Justin Morneau
RP- Pat Neshek
*****

Louies Legends Get:

1B- Paul Konerko
SP- Cliff Lee
OF- Andrew McCutchen

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Legends give up a really good, young first baseman but get decent return for him. Konerko
has been struggling mightily, but history says he’ll be OK at the end of the season. Lee had a
record start to the season, but has cooled off since then. He is still pitching pretty well though.
McCutchen is a great prospect, and would likely be the first replacement if an injury hits the
Pirates. The Braves snag a top 10 first baseman, and make a big upgrade from Konerko. They
could afford to lose McCutchen from their minor league system, and they probably sold high on
Lee.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (Morneau is a great option at first base and a big upgrade)
>>>Legends: even (Konerko needs to wake up, whereas Lee has started to wake up)
NEW
06-10-08
Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Daisuke Matsuzaka
SP- Edinson Volquez
3B/OF- Ryan Braun
2B- Dustin Pedroia
OF- Carlos Gomez
*****

Finally!!! Gets:

SP- Adam Wainwright
SP- James Shields
SP- John Maine
3B- Evan Longoria
OF- Austin Jackson

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Wow. Another gigantic trade involving the Braves. They have an astronomically high turnover rate
on players. Will they have any originals left by the end of the year? They do get a lot of talent in
this one though. Volquez has been the best pitcher in the league so far, hands down. Matsuzaka
was dominating the American League until he ran into the injury bug recently. He is expected back
within 2 weeks, though. Braun is a beast who has 3b eligibility this year, and is one of the best
sluggers in the game. Pedroia is a respectable second baseman, who doesn’t do anything great,
but won’t hurt you at anything either. Gonzalez is a nice prospect who should be called up soon.

How can Finally afford to give up 2 pitchers like Volquez and DiceK? Well, they get 3 very good
pitchers themselves in return. Wainwright is the Cardinals ace, is young, and has a lot of
potential. Same goes for James Shields with the Rays. Maine isn’t quite as young, and he’s got
this Johan guy ahead of him, but he is a very solid pitcher who will help Finally’s rotation a lot.
Volquez and DiceK are both a little better than any of these 3, but 2 great pitchers for 3 very good
pitchers isn’t a downgrade in our opinion. They also acquire a future all star third baseman in
Longoria. Longoria needs to adjust to hitting in the majors and cut down on the K’s, but his
potential is extremely high. Jackson is a great prospect and is having a very nice season in
double A.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: ++ (we give them the slight nod; they upgraded quite a bit on the batting side, while
not downgrading on the pitching side)
>>>Finally!!!: + (this grade will go up once Longoria comes into his own, but that won’t happen
this season)
NEW
06-10-08
Buccos Get:

OF- Jeremy Hermidia
*****

Finally!!! Gets:

3B- Casey Blake
OF- Travis Snider

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Hmm. Finally didn’t lose too much in Hermida, but they are contending this year so we’re not sure
why they would give him up for a part timer and a minor leaguer. Snider is a very nice prospect
but he’s pretty young, and likely won’t help for 2 years. Blake is better suited to AL only leagues.


**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (don’t lose much and Hermida has nice potential)
>>>Finally!!!: - (Casey Blake? Really?)
NEW
06-10-08
Buccos Gets:

RP- Rafael Betancourt
OF- Matt Kemp
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

OF- Carlos Quentin

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Quentin has been destroying the ball this season and seems to finally be living up to his potential
as a once top prospect. He has easily been the White Sox best hitter, and one of the best hitters
in the game. Kemp is younger and has a lot of potential, not necessarily in the power department,
but he has a nice mix of some power and speed, and could be a 20-20 guy easily. Betancourt was
coming off an amazing season, and was closing games for a while, but he clearly has some issues
he needs to work out, as this season sees his ERA at more than 3 times what it was last year.

**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Buccos: even (Kemp has a lot of potential but needs to strikeout less; Betancourt?)
>>>Braves: + (Quentin has been great)
NEW
06-10-08

SP- Brandon Backe
OF- Caoey C. Hart
2B- Aaron Hill
1B- Mark Texeira
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

OF- Carl Crawford
OF- Steve Pearce
RP- J.J. Putz

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Braves get the nod for best player in the deal with Crawford, although Big Tex isn’t far
behind. Crawford is a top outfielder who helps the Braves outfield quite a bit. Pearce is a decent
prospect, but is blocked in the Pirates system currently. Putz is a top closer, but hasn’t had many
opportunities this year so far. The Indians, along with Teixeira, acquire a really nice young
outfielder in Hart, and a potential top 10 second baseman in Hill, although he’s cooled off since
his nice start.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Indians: + (Tex and Hart are both on a roll, and Hill isn’t too shabby)
>>>Braves: even (Crawford is sweet, but Putz has been suspiciously absent so far)
NEW
06-10-08

SP- Darrell Rasner
RP- J.J. Putz
OF- Andre Ethier
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Jeremy Bonderman
SP- Roy Oswalt
SP- Chris Tillman

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The biggest name in this trade is Putz. He led all relief pitchers in points, and after a rough start
and an injury, he is starting to settle down and reclaim his spot among the top relievers. Rasner
and Ethier are OK, but both are just fill ins at this point until teammates come back from injuries.
Braves get Bonderman who has since ended up with a blood clot in his leg and is out for the
season. Tillman is a nice prospect who is pitching very well in double A. Oswalt is the lone hope
for this season for the Braves. A former ace, he has disappeared so far this season, but given his
track record there is hope he will get back to business very soon.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Legends: even (hasn’t been too impressive and the other 2 are just fill ins)
>>>Braves: - (Bonderman out, Tillman in the minors, Oswalt struggling, hmm)
06-10-08
Buccos Get:

3B/OF- Ryan Braun
*****


SP- Joba Chamberlain
OF- Colby Rasmus
C- Matt Wieters

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Braves fortified their minor league system with this deal. Joba was arguably the best pitching
prospect in the game coming into the season, and he is now starting for the Yankees. Rasmus is
one of the best outfield prospects in the game, and is starting to heat up after early season
struggles at triple A. Wieters is dominating high class A, and gives the Braves a long term answer
at catcher. Buccos get a stud in Ryan Braun, and although he loses 3b eligibility after this season
he will still be one of the best young players in the game.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Buccos: + (Braun is sweet; if only he could cut down on the K’s)
>>>Braves: ++ (3 top prospects gives them a lot to smile about for the future)
NEW
06-10-08
Indians Get:

RP- Kerry Wood
OF- Juan Pierre
OF- Grady Sizemore
1B- Joey Votto
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Carlos Zambrano
1B- Mark Texaria
C- Corey C. Hart

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Another big deal. Kerry Wood has saved seemingly every game for the Indians since coming
over. Sizemore is a stud and one of the best outfielders in the game. Votto is cheap, and could be
a top 10 first baseman in his prime. Pierre is an underappreciated outfielder who will score Indians
a lot of points. The Braves get one of the best first baseman in the game and a stud in Teixeira, a
great young outfielder in Hart who has heated up as of late, and an ace in Zambrano.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Indians: + (Sizemore is sweet, but the other 3 all carry some question marks)
>>>Braves: +++ (Get 2 studs in Tex and Zambrano, and a good young outfielder in Hart)
NEW
06-10-08

SP- Rick Porcello
SP- Jarrod Parker
OF- Carlos Gonzalez
*****

Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Erik Bedard

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

The Braves acquire a needed arm in Bedard, but he’s been maddeningly inconsistent so far this
season. He has looked a little better as of late, but he needs to start pitching better to keep his
ace status. The Mets acquire 3 very nice young players. Gonzalez was called up shortly after this
trade and is starting now for the A’s. Parker and Porcello are great young arms but they are very
young and at least 2 years away from making an impact.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>MeTs: even (even for now but give these 3 youngsters some time and who knows)
>>>Braves: + (this could be 2 or 3 +’s if Bedard finds himself)
NEW
06-10-08
Apple Latchins Get:

OF- Milton Bradley
*****

Si MeTs Get:

SP- John Smoltz

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

A deal without The Braves?  No way!!!  
Fortunately for the Mets they dumped Smoltz before his season ending injury, but even still,
Bradley has been absolutely destroying the ball. He has a serious injury history, but for now he is
healthy and absolutely dominating.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Apples: ++ (Bradley is playing out of his mind, but will he get injured…)
>>>MeTs: even (can’t give them a negative since Smoltz didn’t hurt them)
NEW
06-10-08
Bad News Braves Get:

SP- John Smoltz
SS- Jimmy Rollins
1B- Kevin Youkilis
*****

Si MeTs Get:

SP- Joba Chamberlain
C- Corey C. Hart
SP- Andrew miller

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

We see some big names change sides in this deal. The Braves get much needed upgrades at
third base and shortstop in this one. They also got Smoltz, but yea, he’s out for the year now. But
Rollins was the highest scoring player in the league last season, and Youkilis can play first or
third. The Mets get one of the best young guys in the game in Joba, as well as a good young
outfielder in Hart, and a potential really good pitcher in Miller. It will probably take Miller some time
to adjust but he has a lot of potential. Joba could be an ace sooner than later.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: ++ (get a top 15 overall player and a very solid player in Youkilis)
>>>MeTs: + (get some nice young talent but might take a bit to develop)
NEW
06-10-08
Bad News Braves Get:

SP- Ervin Santana
OF- Hideki Matsui
*****

Finally!!! Get:

SP- Carlos Zambrano
OF Melky Cabrera

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Really one of the more even trades to come along in a while. Zambrano is already an ace and
pitches for a very good Cubs team that will give him run support. Cabrera is a boring outfielder
but he’s better than what’s in free agency and gives Finally a replacement for Matsui. Santana
has really come into his own this year after finally seeming to figure out how to pitch on the road.
He is starting to look like an ace himself. Matsui is a solid outfielder playing in a lineup that
should give him lots of opportunities for runs and rbi’s. He’s getting older and might have to fight
the injury bug, but he is a solid producer and definitely an upgrade from Cabrera.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Braves: + (get a potential ace and upgrade at outfielder)
>>>Finally!!!: + (gets an ace and a decent outfielder)
NEW
06-10-08
Red Sox Get:

OF- Jeremy Hermidia
SP- Matt LaPorta
SP- Jake McGee
*****

Buccos Get:

OF- David Ortiz

*********************************************************************
THE BREAKDOWN

Buccos nabs yet another big name here to go along with the bums he already has like Utley and
Braun. Ortiz is currently injured and likely out for at least a few more weeks. There is the
possibility he could even miss a significant portion of the rest of the season. However, Buccos is
already out of the playoff race so this doesn’t affect them like it would a contending team, such as
the Red Sox. The Red Sox acquire a nice young outfielder in Hermida, and two very good
prospects. LaPorta has been tearing up double A, and McGee while not pitching as well as
expected is still a very good prospect.
**********************************************************************
THE GRADES

>>>Sox: ++ (Hermida is playing and LaPorta should get called up some time)
>>>Buccos: + (Not easy to trade for a stud in this league but he did)
NEW
06-10-08