Carlos Beltran traded

DMW

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1828880

This was obviously inevitable. I think the Astros got an absolute steal here. Somehow they seemed to get the A's to cover most of the cost in terms of players. I happy about the trade because the A's desparately needed a closer. Arthur Rhodes is just not an acceptable closer on a team that plays a lot of low scoring ball games.

Dr. Giganto

Sports Moderator

While Octavio Dotel is a MUCH better closer than Rhodes, he's also one of those guys that tends to make it interesting (i.e. walking the bases loaded before striking out the last batter, or coming in with a 3-run lead and promptlky giving up a 2-run homerun). He's got an ERA over 3, which is pretty high for someone considered a top-level closer.

But, he'll be pitching in a less hitter-friendly park, so he probably wont give up many homers

Simon

Founder/Admin

I am glad the Red Sox and the Yankees didnt get him. The rumors had us giving up Kevin Youkilis, Kelly Shoppach and Scott Williamson for Beltran.

That would have been waaaaaaaaaay to much talent to give up for a guy that is going to potentially walk at the end of the year.


My gut says he replaces Bernie Williams in CF for the Yankees this offseason.

Dr. Giganto

Sports Moderator

As long as Bernie either retires or stays on as a DH/4th outfielder, I'm fine with it

Freak

Houston is getting all the press for this move, but I think Oakland made a HUGE acquisition in picking up Dotel. They needed him so bad for their bullpen, and this move really rounds out their pitching staff. Rhodes can go back to set-up now, where he belongs.