[.Alex.]

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obviously the bullpen is the biggest problem but you don't trade one of the best players in the league for some prospect 'bullpen arms' when your replacement player is the flyin' hawaiian. It doesn't matter where you make up your run difference - be it from your right fielder or your bullpen - so long as you are scoring more than your opponents. The Abreu trade was laughably bad and totally inexcusable for a team that believes they can contend. They could have gotten soooooo much more and simply chose not to so they wouldn't have to pay him.

James

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That's the key. They traded Abreu at a time when they did not believe the would be contending for a few years and were just trying to free up some money. Gillick even gave the famous quote that he didn't think they'd be in the playoff hunt until 2008. Then after the trade, Howard and Utley went on fire, the team came together and nearly made the playoffs, which completely changed the plan for this year. If Gillick had to go back in time, I doubt he makes that trade.

Having said that, Victorino isn't nearly as big of a downgrade from Abreu as you make it seem.