Check, Your Move: Possible Trades This Year

Positive: The Orioles' overhaul began with the Miguel Tejada trade, where they landed five young players. It continued with the Erik Bedard trade. Today, they finish the overhaul with Roberts and Payton for four young players.
     The Rockies only make this deal if they can get McCroy in the trade. They want him because he could be a good building point for the bullpen in front of Manny Corpas. They take Payton in the trade to be a veteran presence in the outfield. Ryan Spilborghs is a good player, but Jeff Baker shouldn't be anywhere near the Rockies right now. Payton would be a great addition with his ability to be a role player and how he can play all three outfield spots. Of course, Roberts' positive is easy to notice. He can bat second or leadoff for the Rockies, while Taveras takes the other spot in the lineup. Tulowitzki moves down to bat seventh in the lineup with Yorvit Torrealba moving to eighth. This deepens the lineup so much, it's almost ridiculous.
     The Orioles receive a young catcher to replace Ramon Hernandez when his contract ends at the end of 2009 (or 2010 if they pick up the option, highly unlikely though). They also receive a third baseman to replace Melvin Mora when his contract ends at the end of the 2009 season. They also get a second baseman to take over the job from Roberts. Baltimore also picks up two young right-handed arms to the arsenal of future bullpen pitchers they have at Triple-A (from the Astros).
Negative: The Rockies would add Roberts, who is available for free agency at the end of the 2009 season, and would have to retain him long-term to make the deal worth it. Remember Kaz Matsui walked for more money, and the Rockies don't want that to happen again. Plus, the Rockies will probably have to take on all or a significant portion of Payton's final year (this season) worth $5 million. This deal can also have negative effects if neither player works out and the youth end up flourishing. Of course, this is the negative side to any deal involving minor league players.
     There are no negative side effects for the Orioles in this move. They move salary, and they get young players. The only possible downside is that none of the young players they received flourish like they hope they will. In retrospect though, there's only upside to dealing veterans for prospects.

Adam Dunn

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