Dbacks Acquire Haren, Deal Valverde

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Diamondbacks acquired pitcher Dan Haren and Connor Robertson in exchange for Brett Anderson, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland, Carlos Gonzalez, Aaron Cunningham, and first baseman Chris Carter. In addition, they traded Jose Valverde to the Astros for Chris Burke, Juan Gutierez, and Chad Qualls. This trade definitely improves both teams, but now it gives the Diamondbacks two number one starters, which is very impressive for the NL West. I'm not sure about the Astros trade, but we will see how that plays out over the 2008 season. I think what the Diamondbacks are doing is trying to save money rather than go with the best. They are pretty solid in the field as it is, so going with a lesser closer, like Tony Pena or Qualls, it will allow them to sign Haren and Webb long term. Also, I'm sure this makes the Diamondbacks much more attractive to free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who is still deciding between the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Mariners.

Padres, Cameron Parting Ways: The Padres and Mike Cameron failed to reach an agreement tonight and it seems both are ready to look elsewhere. From the Padres standpoint, teams are making progress with their "Plan B's," so if Cameron is undecided at this point, he is probably just waiting for a better offer. I'm not sure where he will end up, but at this point, don't be surprised if the White Sox jump in and offer him a one or two year deal. Another possibility is the Phillies, that is, if they do not sign Geoff Jenkins. The Rangers have said they have interest, but have remained quiet over the past couple of weeks.

6 comments:

Anonymous 5:41 PM CST  

great trade...dont understand the valverde one

Kenny 10:13 PM CST  

Mark Mulder is the gift that keeps on giving. Yes, A's fans miss ya, Mark, and I'm really gonna miss Dan Haren's calm demeanor on the mound. Best of luck to DH in Arizona. Anyway, looks like the A's traded Mark Mulder for several great years from DH, Daric Barton, who is now major league ready, and Arizona's top prospects. For others like me that don't know AZ farm system well, here's a good article.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=dbackswinbigbutashaulinb&prov=tsn&type=lgns

GO a's.

Anonymous 10:57 PM CST  

I don't understand the comment "two number one starters, which is very impressive for the NL West". Padres Peavy and Young are just as good if not better. Cain and Zito are good. LA has a better overall starting staff than AZ.

Anonymous 12:25 AM CST  

cain and zito werent that great and the dbacks now have webb, haren, and randy johnson

dodgers have better pitching is joke..schmidt is like 80

Anonymous 11:34 AM CST  

Great trade for the D-Backs, In a weak division, and many up and coming stars, they are now the favorites to emerge out of the NL. Webb, Haren, Davis is better than any other team in the NL and probably a top five rotation in baseball.

Anonymous 1:28 PM CST  

if schmidt is 80 then randy is 100