Trades

Trade the First: Thome and $22 Million for Aaron Rowand and maybe a minor leaguer or two
I like this trade. Rowand had a very good 2004, came back to earth a little bit in 2005, but he's a solid player. With Lofton heading out via free agency, he's the everyday centerfielder and the two hitter, with Michaels going back to the bench. Frankly, I think the bench has been one of the team weaknesses over the last few years, and Michaels off the bench every day is a good start. Not to mention clearing the way for Howard to play everyday, which can't be a bad thing. And wait, what's this? There are minor leaguers coming into town, not leaving town? This may take some getting used to.

Trade the Second: Delgado to the Mets for Mike Jacobs and a minor league pitcher
Uh-oh. The Beckett trade made sense to me. For Beckett they got a top prospect and I think I saw somewhere that the pitcher they got was also a top prospect. Plus they got rid of a big contract (admitedly on a good player) in Mike Lowell. But what they're getting for Delgado just doesn't add up. I've seen the word fire sale bandied about over the last few days with regards to the Marlins, and this is the first trade that seems to indicate that this is the case. I also read somewhere that Lo Duca and Pierre are probably also on the block (and that they'd both be good fits in Philly) - Pierre is now not so useful, but I'd love to see Lo Duca in red. I just don't think it's going to happen though - I think what the Marlins will want is more than Lo Duca is worth. The Phillies need a catcher, but no need to break the bank to get one, I don't think.