Houston Astros Send J.A. Happ to Toronto in 10-Player Megadeal

Knowing that they needed to add any and all pitching they could, the Toronto Blue Jays struck a deal with the Houston Astros that will send pitchers J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter to Toronto, according to MLB.com.

All told, the massive deal includes 10 players, with seven of them going to Houston for the three major league pitchers:

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Houston will ultimately receive seven players from Toronto in the deal, including two Major League players, right-hander Francisco Cordero and outfielder Ben Francisco, four Minor League players, right-handers Joe Musgrove and Asher Wojciechowski, left-hander David Rollins, catcher Carlos Perez and a player to be named later.

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This is a deal that makes sense for both teams, though I don't expect the pitchers that the Blue Jays got to make a difference in their playoff push this season. They are just so decimated on the pitching front, and they had to do something.

Happ is an innings-eater more than anything else. Lyon is healthy and productive this season, but he is a free agent at the end of the year. Carpenter, for all the problems he has had this year, has good stuff and is five years away from free agency.

The Astros need to move whatever valuable assets they have at the big league level to keep replenishing their farm system. Cordero and Francisco are just throw-ins, as this deal is all about the prospects for them.

Wojciechowski is old for High-A, but he has a pretty good arm and at times shows a good breaking ball.

Perez is the most interesting name in this package. His bat has potential, and he has a solid approach and a line-drive swing. Defensively, his arm is strong, and he receives the ball well.

The Blue Jays traded from areas of depth in their minor league system, while the Astros were able to give up pieces who would not fit into their long-term plans to get some upside.

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