The might have dealt a ton of prospects but bringing two young studs — even if one is coming off a poor season — is well worth it. It might not be a deal for Johan Santana (which makes no sense at all for the Twins by the way) but reeling in the arguably two best Marlins is a powerful move. Watch out American League, Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis are now Tigers.
Cabrera, who is only 24 years old, has driven in over 100 runs in each of the past three seasons and is a perennial all-star. He’s one of, if not the best young third-basemen in the majors. Incumbent Tigers 3B Brandon Inge should start packing up his stuff right now, there’s no way he’ll be sitting on the Tigers’ bench earning about $6-million per season.
Then there’s Willis, who is coming off a bad season but still has great upside as proven by his all-star appearance. While it is harder for pitchers in the American League than the National League with the DH, better opposition and all, Willis could do very well for himself. Why? because his awkward, eccentric delivery style will cause some hitters to be baffled. He may not be a fantasy sleeper because of his past but I would not mind grabbing him a round or two earlier than he perhaps should go.
Going to the Marlins are a bunch of quality young players and prospects who will help Florida down the line. In short, about two or three years from Florida might be playing in the post-season again with some of the guys from this deal in starring roles. Of course, the team could be playing out of Vegas by then but who knows?
If you want the new Marlins names: Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Mike Rabelo, Eulogio De La Cruz, Dallas Trehern and Burke Badenhop.
As for the Santana saga, why do the Twins want rid of him so badly? They still have him for another year under contract so why not at least hold onto him until the trade deadline? After letting star CF Torrii Hunter walk away in free agency, why give away the best pitcher in the world? And what the Yankees and Red Sox were offering wasn’t anything close to what I would want in return for him. Minnesota is right to demand more than two top prospects and a third “mid-level” one. There has to be more in the deal for a Cy Young winner.
Also, it’s been brought up that Minnesota is getting a new stadium in two years time. Why would they want to open up a new ball-park without one of their franchises all-time stars? They should keep on trying to resign him and if there’s an impasse in talks, up the asking price for trade suitors.
I’d say the same thing to Oakland over Dan Haren and Baltimore over Eric Bedard: If you’re not getting value back, don’t even think about moving those arms. It makes no sense to deal a proven all-star game starter (Haren) or a stud lefty (Bedard) for a discount.