Very sobering column in today's OC Register by Earl Bloom on this topic (8-5-12).

One may always be able to cite the rare pure gold we've acquired; Nolan Ryan or the draft pick chits which led to the drafting of Trout.

But the way is likewise strewn with multitudes of stinkeroos consummated by the various characters who have held the Halo GM title through the long years.

More often we've been hamstrung by their 'efforts' than the opposite.

Maybe Jerry DiPoto will help usher in a new Halo era or then again....

I think it's just as important to be hot when you are in the playoffs as it is to make the playoffs, so I don't like trading all that much. But Dipoto looks to me like he knows what he's doing so we'll see if getting Greinke helps and maybe pushes Santana to work harder for that option to be picked up for next year.

It's a matter of timing. Are we willing to waste the better years of Weaver, Wilson, and Pujols, waiting for a prospect. Because the fact is, Weaver, Wilson, and Pujols days are numbered.

" Because the fact is, Weaver, Wilson, and Pujols days are numbered." Congratulations! I didn't think it was possible to say anything negative about Weaver this year.

REALLY????

Point was that Weaver is signed for five years, and he's not getting younger. By the time those "prospects" are ready, Weaver may not be as effective.

Why the attitude!

"Weaver may not be as effective." ok you win. He may not be. I can't argue with your guess of the future. But if I had to guess about Weaver 5 years from now I would say he will make a great #2 or #3 in the rotation. now argue that.

What about Wilson and Pujols in five years? Argue that.

I would say they have hurt more than helped.

I am pleased with the Freiri trade, but I might feel differently in a couple years. I am neutral on the Greinke trade

The trades for Haren, Wells, and Kazmir collectively did more harm than good.

Major trade record is therefore 3-1-1.

I remember wishing that it was Santana instead of saunders for Haren and prospects.

I think the Haren trade has been a good one, wouldn't lump it with the terrible Wells and Kazmir trades.

I think Saunders is pitching as well as Haren.

Additionally, the Diamondbacks have the up and coming Skaggs, as well as Corbin now in their bullpen.

I like Haren, but I would rather have the other three.

"What about Wilson and Pujols in five years?" What about anybody in sports in five years? Those two guys should be very good for the next 2 yrs at least but nobody worth a d@mn will sign for less than 5.

Could Kazmir still work out? He's only 28.

http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/scott_kazmir_throws_up_goose_eggs_for_four_innings/11275624

Looking at his stats, all you can seriously say is "no." One good outing doesn't do much to change his horrible ERA.

I don't read the Register but let me guess.... yet another negative jab at the Angels?

The facts are, trades help and hurt at the same time. What helps now usually hurts in the future.