Thoughts on Rafael Soriano

As predicted, the Braves couldn't really afford Rafael Soriano after signing Wagner and Saito, so they had to trade one. Right now, it looks like he's headed to Tampa Bay, probably to close. The Braves were really hoping to grab draft pick compensation from Rafael Soriano signing with someone else. However, they could have done worse, as they most likely get Jesse Chavez in return. This is really a win-win trade. The Braves were able to shed the money, and pick up a decent arm in return, the Rays grab a potential closer for a reasonable salary without having to forfeit a draft pick to his former team.

Thoughts on the offseason thusfar

Most years it feels as if not much happens the first week after the World Series. But not this year.

First off, the Phillies declined their option on Pedro Feliz. Feliz is not a spectacular irreplaceable player. But in the "don't fix what ain't broke" category, I think this was a mistake. He was a bargain at $5.5 milllion, providing excellent defense and average offense for a team whose problems weren't offensive related. Philadelphia isn't in the position to splurge in free agency either, needing to lock up Cliff Lee. Third base options include Chone Figgins (probably too expensive), Adrian Beltre (hard to gauge his free agency value), Melvin Mora (not as good as Feliz), and Mark DeRosa (probably too costly as well).

Minnesota acquired J.J. Hardy for Carlos Gomez in what might be a win-win trade. Gomez has shown improvement, albeit gradually, and might be able to put all his tools together and become more than just the raw talent he's shown in the MLB thusfar. Plus he's cheap, and Hardy was expendable with Alcides Escober waiting in the wings. And Gomez was expendable in the Twins outfield, which is full with Delmon Young, Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel among others.

The Pirates acquired Akinori Iwamura for an average relief pitcher (Jesse Chavez). Rays shed money, which is a plus for them, and Iwamura immediately becomes the highest paid player on the Pirates with a salary just under $5 million.

And in what seems to be becoming a yearly tradition for the Red Sox, they acquired a former top outfield prospect (Jeremy Hermida) from a Florida franchise that can't afford him, don't have a spot for him, and are trying to get back what little value the player still has. If B.J. Upton has another poor showing this year, could he be next?

Thoughts on Iwamura Deal

Earlier today, a trade of Tampa Bay's Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for Jesse Chavez was announced. This is a great move for both teams for a variety of reasons.

Iwamura is affordable and good - two things that the Pirates love. Iwamura is set to earn just under $5 million this year, and is good value at that price. He's one of the better fielding Second Basemen in the game, is able to hit second (where the Pirates plan to bat him) and moves Delwyn Young back to the bench. Plus, his money immediately comes off the books after this year, and god forbid the Pirates spend too much.

On the Rays' side, Chavez might not be an immediate help at the big league level, but Ben Zobrist's breakout season had made Iwamura quite expendable, and Chavez had a decent rookie season for the Pirates. No, he probably won't be a key cog in the bullpen, but the cash strapped Rays just freed up $5 million, which should help them not have to trade Upton and/or Crawford this offseason, and Chavez is affordable and controllable for awhile.

There aren't many win-win deals. But here's proof they do exist.