The trade deadline is fast approaching for the 2010 MLB season, and only one big deal has been made thus far. The Arizona Diamondbacks moved Dan Haren to the Anaheim Angels for a return of Joe Saunders, Pat Corbin, Rafael Rodriguez and a player to be named later (Jason Grey of ESPN.com reports that the player will most likely be Tyler Skaggs).
When I originally heard the report of the trade it was stated as "Joe Saunders, two relief pitchers and a player to be named", so my first thoughts were that it would be one of Anaheim's power arms in the bullpen. I was far off on that assumption, and feel that Arizona did not ask for a return that your normally see in an elite pitcher. Haren has always been dominant, and last year he proved that yet again by having one of the lowest WHIP's in the NL. He is still relatively young, and relatively affordable. Although I am not an expert on the Anaheim minor's system, I am familiar with their top flight talent and projected impact players. I was surprised when I heard the names announced.
Upon further consideration, my hunch is that Arizona may be aware that Haren is injured in some way. Although he did pass his physical, he could have some type of injury that flies under the radar. There have been reports that Haren's stuff has been called "flat". It could be an injury, or he simply could be losing interest while playing for one of the worst teams in the NL. Either way, this trade is a no-brainer for Anaheim. Saunders is not an impact player, and he is not incredibly cheap either.
I have always been under the impression that when you move a top-flight talent (like Haren) that you get at least two projectable major league impact players in return, but this deal changes that. Word is that this trade sets the market low for other starters around the league, but I am not so sure about that. This may be just another questionable move by the Arizona front office.
