The goodness of this deal for the Red Sox hinges quite a bit on Gagne being Type A. Otherwise, that's a lot to give up for 20 IP when you're almost certainly making the playoffs anyways. I also wonder if Dan Wheeler would have been a similarly good option for a lot cheaper.

I thought there was virtually no chance of Gagne being a type A, what with a total of 15.3 IP in 2005 and 2006.

The other value is in Gagne not pitching for other contenders come October. Barring injury to the current Boston pen Gagne clearly would've added much more value to other teams than he likely will for Boston.

I don't like making trades with that kind of rationale, but (a) I can't deny that value exists, and (b) I'm not in the business of making trades.

For this off season, Elias will look at 2006-2007 stats.

He was type A before this season when Elias looked only at those 15.3 IP, though, and Theo was explicit in saying the Red Sox think Gagne will be a type A, fwiw.

Is anyone opposed to the idea of trying to keep gagne (if he's healthy) and putting papelbon in the rotation? Or is papelbon our closer of the future, like for real?

Or is papelbon our closer of the future, like for real?

yeah.

I don't like making trades with that kind of rationale, but (a) I can't deny that value exists, and (b) I'm not in the business of making trades.

you forgot (c) gagne's still an excellent relief pitcher that can pitch high leverage innings for the red sox in october.

Gagne's also insurance - relievers have a high stress job, and there's a nonzero chance that one of Okajima or Papelbon won't be at full strength in October.

I think that adding legit stars is always the right thing to do, especially when you're a huge favorite to make the postseason. I like the trade whether Gagne is a Type C, B, or A.

Though, to reiterate, Theo specifically said at the press conference that they were particularly interested in the trade because they would get two high draft picks next June if/when Gagne left. He was certain Gagne would be a Type A. I don't know if it was spin, but Theo isn't much for spin - he usually just refuses to say anything. On the extremely rare occasions that he makes a substantive, refutable statement, I take it as what he truly believes.

So he more or less closed the door on the Sox re-signing him in the offseason, Matt?

So he more or less closed the door on the Sox re-signing him in the offseason, Matt?

i don't think that comes as a surprise, though.

It's not news that Gagne will be seeking a big, longterm contract in the offseason. The Red Sox already have an ace closer. I don't think anyone was surprised by this.

Injury to Papelbon is pretty much the only scenario in which the Red Sox would bid on Gagne, and even then I doubt it.

while the Rangers haven't picked up A prospect in all their trades

Was that:

(a) written before knowledge of the Teixeira trade?
(b) a comment that Salty is not an A prospect?
(c) a comment that Salty is sufficiently established to no longer be a "prospect"?

the only one that makes sense to me is (a).

I wish Gagne were pitching well enough to be a Type A.