The minor league prospect in the Eaton deal is apparently Billy Killian, a catcher.
Killian didn't make BA's list of the Padres' top 10 prospects this year. He didn't hit in rookie ball this year. He was the Padres' 3rd round pick in 2004 out of high school.
This makes the trade even worse.
The Rangers' rotation is worse next year, by swapping out Eaton for Young.
They've added payroll with Eaton, who is going to get about $5 million in 2006, and wants a 3 year, $27 million deal to forego free agency after the season.
So that part of the deal is a net loss for the Rangers.
And they've give up two nice trade chips in Gonzalez and Sledge for a decent middle reliever and a 19 year old catcher who has never played full season ball.
Horrible trade. Bad, bad, bad trade. I don't know how else to put it.
All I can assume is that Dom Chiti or someone thinks that Eaton is ready to become a #1 starter. Of course, if they think that's the case, they'll probably need to give him that 3 year, $27 million extension now, or else he'll walk after the season.
Unbelievable.