1st trade means first trade analysis!

The first trade of the season is officially in the books. Richie traded Kyle Farnsworth to James late last night straight up for his 22^nd round pick next year. I have taken a couple things from this trade so far…first of all, James is in desperate need of closers and will pretty much take anyone at this point, hence Kyle Farnsworth. Secondly, Richie might be trying to copy his strategy from this year of stocking up on draft picks so he can finally have a good team.  And if so, he’s getting a head start early, in case his team decides to lay an egg mid-season.

With 3 ½ closers already (Romo, Holland, K-Rod and Jim Johnson), Richie was looking to deal Farnsworth, and for good reason. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few weeks he gets booted from the closer’s role, either if Valverde starts pitching well again or if by some miracle Dice-K fits there…or if he just realizes he’s Kyle Farnsworth. And that’s probably why Richie was looking to part ways with the ancient, Mormon (yes he is) Kyle Farnsworth.

All James is looking to get out of him is a little boost in saves to maybe steal a week or two from someone with injured closers, and for a 22^nd pick, he might be able to get that.

Overall, both teams came away winners in this trade, with Richie essentially getting a free draft pick next year in a round that saw steals like Michael Brantly, Corey Kluber and Danny Haren, and James essentially getting a heavily discounted short-term temporary closer.