Blockbuster LA Homecoming

[theshow247]

Andre Ethier-OF
Andy LaRoche-3B
Scott Elbert-LHP
James Mcdonald-RHP
Blake DeWitt-2B/OF
Juan Pierre-OF

for

Dan Haren-RHP
Mark Kotsay-OF
Eric Chavez-3B

In this swap, the A's are giving up their best young pitcher, but receiving 4 highly regarded prospects in pitchers Elbert and McDonald(Dodgers Minor League Pitcher of Year), DeWitt(OPS-style 2-bagger that fits the Beane mold), and LaRoche(Potential 30+HR/yr 3B). Although, these prospects are at least a year away(if ever) from being major league ready, but that's the risk when dealing for prospects. Ethier was formerly a highly touted A's prospect, whose been able to hit at the major league level, and is still maturing. Pierre would make for a more expensive version of Shannon Stewart, but cost less than the Kotsay-Chavez combo would. So in brief summation, the get 4-5 players would see time on their big club this coming season, another that gives them an fine internal option at 2B should Ellis decide to bolt as free agent after the season, and, probably the most important factor, they lower their payroll, as they prepare for the move to their new stadium in '09.

For the Dodgers, this deal makes sense on a few levels. Getting Haren(under contract for 3yrs) is well worth the price of prospects. He should be even better pitching in the NL.
Dodger fans need to face facts. They are not going to see A-Rod sporting Dodger blue, but Torii Hunter patrolling centerfield is feasible. Should that be the case Kotsay would slide over to left for the season, but, more than likely, leave as a free agent at season's, which would mean a draft pick in the least. As for Chavez, although he has diminished a bit, would provide more power than the other in house options. In addition, Chavez would allow the Dodgers to still utilized Garciaparra against lefties(.300+ hitter for his career against lefties). A Chavez-Nomar combo is no A-Rod, but it would allow the Dodgers to not handcuff $30+mil into one player. Also, the combo would cost less than it would to extend Miguel Cabrera. Finally, the deal would add to the community and public relations side of the things. All 3 players are SoCal products, and I believe that still counts for something; even in this day and age. Kotsay and Haren have been good in the Oakland community, and a homecoming may actually do some good for Chavez(not saying he isn't a good guy, but..). In essence, the deal, somewhat, breaks down into LaRoche, Elbert, and McDonald for Haren and Ethier,Dewitt, and Pierre for Chavez and Kotsay, which seems close to fair value. Could Oakland get a better offer? yes. Granted A's fans would want Matt Kemp and Clay Kershaw included in the deal somehow. In my opinion, swapping out Ethier for Kemp would not be a huge issue in making the deal. It's true that Kemp has the higher upside, but you have to give to get most times. On contrary, Kershaw, at this point in time would be an untouchable for me.
One team gets closer to being real NL contenders, and the other continues their perpetual refinement on the fly. -

[Bleeding Green]

There is zero chance the Dodgers would do this. Well, if they were intelligent. Andy LaRoche is going to be better than Chavez starting right now, Scott Elbert has ridiculous potential, Blake DeWitt is meh, but serviceable I'm sure, Ethier is an above average corner OF, James McDonald is a pretty nice relief prospect. Together you're giving up about 25-30 years of combined cost controlled players ranging from probably average to well above average.

The only upside is that you get out of Juan Pierre's contract and Dan Haren is a very good pitcher. But you also take on Chavez' contract.

Absymal trade for the Dodgers. What they need to do is just advance their prospects and sign no free agents, make no trades. Just go with what you have and win 92 games.