MLB Transactions

The NFL just completed a stellar weekend of action. Hence another post on MLB transactions.

• Blue Jays trade 3B Troy Glaus to the Cardinals for 3B Scott Rolen. A year and half ago this would have been a blockbuster. Not anymore. While Glaus and Rolen are only 31 and 32 years old respectively, they are aging like factory workers in Springsteen songs. Neither is likely to be remain big league starter through 2010. Perhaps a change of scenery with benefit both men (Rolen getting away from LaRussa and Glaus getting off the turf and into a weaker). In that sense the trade appears to be a worthwhile gamble for both clubs.
• Brewers sign OF Mike Cameron to a 1 year deal worth $7 million. Mike Cameron is chronically underrated because people focus more on his weaknesses (striking out a lot, low batting averages) than his strengths (defense, relatively good power, patience). Kudos to Brewers GM Doug Melvin for looking past your daddy's favorite stats and getting 75% of the production of Torii Hunter for less than 10% of the price.
• A's trade OF Mark Kotsay and $5 million to the Braves for RHP Joey Devine. 32 year old Kotsay is following the same career arc as Glaus and Rolen. Unlike those men, Kotsay is declining precipitiously from mediocrity instead of stardom. Next year he will be somebody's non-roster invitee. Kotsay might not be the world's worst stopgap, but the Braves should really have thrown some money at Mike Cameron. Joey Devine still has some upside, with a 1st round pedigree and some nice minor league numbers. He has flopped at the big league level so far, but Beane picked up a decent little chip for a player who is of no value to the A's.
• Keeping with the premature aging theme, the Rockies signed Marcus Giles to a minor league contract. He has gone from a star to a complete has-been by his 29th birthday. That simply doesn't happen to position players. There isn't a more suspicious former steroid user in baseball.