To Trade ….Or Not To Trade?
June 24, 2007
I read something interesting the other day on The Newberg Report that actually makes alot of sense. Do the rangers really need to trade Eric Gagne? Sure the team is in last place and trading him could bring back a possible important piece of the puzzle in return. But what if it doesn’t, what if this team can not get anything better for Eric Gagne than a mid-level prospect at best? Does it still make sense to trade him then?
Since Gagne is a free agent after the season, and with the stats he has compiled thus far he will most likely be classified as a type A free agent (like carlos lee last year). If that’s the case then keeping Gagne and letting him walk at the end of the year would ensure the team 2 extra draft picks next year. One in the first round and one in the supplemental round. Which will be a welcome addition come draft day next year, especially if the team goes after any high priced free agents this summer. Remember the rangers lost a 1st round pick this past year for the signing of Frank Catalanatto.
I think the Rangers SHOULD be able to get more than a mid-tier prospect for Gagne. Several teams in contention need relief help – the Yankees included. I actually think the Rangers and Yankees have been scouting each other so heavily more for a possible Gagne or Otsuka trade than for a Teixeira trade. Grabbing Gagne is the type of big-name move Steinbrenner likes. It will help the team on the field, and feed into the contstant media circus that is the Yankees.
On another note – thanks for the link to my blog. You’re off to a good start with yours, and I always like to recipricate when someone links to my blog. So I’ll do that unless you have an objection.