NCAAbbs

**Sorry, Uzian, i didn't realize the astros had gotten valverde when i responded in the other thread. I just read about the trade now. That makes them even better.**

So this is some crazy stuff. The A's get sally league power hitting 1st baseman, Chris Carter and top OF prospect Carlos Gonzalez. They also got Brett Anderson and Greg Smith, who are supposed to be good pitching prospects.

Here's the confusing part: they sent valverde to the astros for a couple pieces of trash (burke and gutierrez) and a good setup man. I can't understand the logic here.

Trading valverde seems stupid, but getting Haren for a bunch of prospects they didn't need is really smart. Now they have webb and haren at the top. that's the best 1-2 in the NL. Now they have to hope that one of their young hitters can finally come through with a breakout year.

BTW, remember that Orlando Hudson will be back. That injury really hurt them in the playoffs.

I guess im being nit picky but how is 30 and 30 from Chris Young not a break out year?

because he hit .237 with an OBP of .295. I wouldn't consider that breaking out. That's the same thing hitters like dave kingman got criticized for.

BTW, he stole 27, not 30.

forget that though, can somebody explain the valverde trade. was he up for arbitration?

I know how many bases he stole, its called rounding.

Dave Kingman never came close to stealing 30 bases.

true. still, when i say breakout, i mean a well rounded season. Something other than getting a hit less than once every 4 AB's, and only hitting a fastball. A guy who can carry a lineup and step up to be the big hitter that lineup needs. I'm not sure why i'm explaining this, i think you understand what i mean.

I would venture a guess that there arent too many rookies in the history of baseball that have come within 3 steals of a 30/30 season. Breakout and well rounded arent the same thing. He had a breakout season.

ok, then i mean well rounded. a season where he can become a true all star. A season where one of those rookies actually dominates.

From what I understand his contract isn't up until after the 2009 season

i think i have a better understanding after reading the arizona message board. Apparently, he was due for a big raise and since they hoped to lock up haren, they let valverde go to save money. Also, i get the feeling they're grooming scherzer for the closer role.

I think the A's got ripped off. Carlos Gonzalez isn't the type of prospect you should be getting for a #1/2 pitcher. They could have gotten Cueto or Bailey froms the Reds.

A few things:

1) Gonzalez is supposed to be really good
2) They didn't just get gonzalez. They got a few other good players.
3) How do you know they could've gotten cueto or bailey? Did you ask Krivsky? How do you know he didn't try?

I think Olney (or someone else) said that Krivsky was dangling Cueto/Bailey for Haren and Bedard but Beane wanted Jay Bruce. I know Gonzalez is well regarded but I don't think he is supposed to be THAT great.

to tell you the truth, that's how i feel about bailey. I've never been completely blown away by him. As for cueto, i know he's highly regarded, but i've never seen him.

Bailey has shown flashes but remember he was only 21 last year and was doing OK in the bigs. I think Gonzalez was 22 (correct me if I'm wrong) and in double a last year.

i've always maintained that it's easier for a young pitcher than a young hitter, at the beginning. It evens out, but i think pitchers have a better chance to start off strong.