Baseball - 4th "major" trade of the season - Jon Garland for Orlando Cabrera

I absolutely enjoyed this trade namely because my Angels were involved in a good trade. My view on this trade is not biased just because the Angels are my (2nd) favorite team (to the Dodgers).

Angels receive - (SP) Jon Garland







White Sox receive - (SS) Orlando Cabrera







Here's my take on this trade:

Angels - The Angels receive a steady yet, slightly, overpriced pitcher. However, with that comes control, a pitcher who consistently makes 30+ starts, and most likely a 14-16 game winner now that he's on a winning ballclub. His whip should continue to go down and "should" be entering his prime. This could very well be the break out season or at least comparable to his 2005 season. Garland's addition boosts the pitching rotation and I, as a fan, am thrilled with this move. I would gladly take Garland as a #3 or #4 pitcher any day. Just as positive a move to add Garland is the fact that they moved O-Cab, which I thought was an awful deal from the start. O-Cab was too inconsistent with the ballclub, but more importantly, this presents an opportunity for the numerous infield prospects that will now get a chance to show why they are top of the top prospects. Erick Aybar will certainly get a shot, but watch out for Brandon Wood as well. He's been playing SS in the minors so we could quite possibly see a Tulo break out. Well, maybe take it down a few notches. I'm just glad Aybar and Wood will finally get chances.

*** 1/2 (out of 5) because of the opportunity to let the top prospects play in Aybar/Wood. Also because they receive a solid #3/4 starter to bolster their already strong pitching staff. Lastly, because they got rid of the high contract of O-Cab and the inconsistent play. The loss of a gold glover hurts, but the upside is tremendous.


White Sox - The White Sox receive a gold glove shortstop. The WSox had solid defense (the 3rd fewest errors in the AL in 2007) and just solidified the toughest defensive position with a gold glover. With Uribe signing a 1 year deal, he will move to 2B. The double play combo of flame throwing Uribe and O-Cab will mean lots of GIDPs in 2008, which will help the WSox' pitching staff. I believe O-Cab's 2007 season was his career year so I don't feel as though he will improve. However with that said, the lineup of the WSox is solid from top to bottom. I think WSox fans will be equally awed by O-Cab's defensive ability as they are in awe of Uribe's arm. Good addition, but not great.

** (out of 5) because they now have a solid lineup from top to bottom as opposed to having Pablo Ozuna at 2B (or a rookie). They upgraded their defense even more and will now have the top 2 defensive lineups in the AL and most likely top 5 in the majors. The loss of a solid starter in Garland hurts and the WSox must now rely on Vazquez, former highly touted prospect Danks, Mr Inconsistenty Contreras, and another former highly touted prospect Gavin Floyd. Solid lineup, but questionable staff.

Angels come out on top in this trade.