December 16, 2007
Worried about the Wings
The Dan Haren trade worries Halos Heaven.
Before you point out all of the trouble facing Tarp Town, what with its proclivity for injuries and/or Kotsay/Krosby deadweight, consider that if Billy Beane is within 5 games of first place in July, he can take on two months of payroll for just about any star rental, and could trade a host of these glamorous prospects for serious pennant race mojo.
The Dan Haren trade should give Angel fans the queasy tension that early season games against the Athletics are of double import - Billy Beane's team cannot be allowed to sniff first place in midsummer.
My guess is these worries are a bit misplaced for 2008, but should be taken seriously in 2009.
Considering the A's are likely to begin the season with a #4 pitcher (Eveland) and already posed a terrible offensive team, I'm not certain there is anything to worry about in 2008, and I would be surprised if the A's are much better than an 80 win team in 2009.
Although, I suppose having caution is slightly understood, except for two factors:
1. The A's are rarely, if ever willing to take on payroll.
2. Beane is looking to rebuild. Trading away what he put together would be the opposite of such.
