[More Cowbell]

Why would you wanna trade Leake?

He had a really solid year last year, he'll come next season as the #3 guy in the rotation for sure.

I didn't say I WANTED to trade Leake. I just said I was WILLING to trade him if he could be used to bring back a stud left fielder. And I know he had a really good year last season, but then again, isn't that when you're supposed to trade a guy, when his value is at his highest?

I will say, I do like Mike Leake. He reminds me of a poor man's Greg Maddux, and I think he has a good future ahead of him in baseball. He will never be a staff ace, and maybe not even a #2 starter. But he should be a solid #3 for many years to come.

The thing with trades is you have to give up something of value in order to get something of value. No one is going to give us a big bat in LF unless we give them something they want, and if that something is a #3 level starting pitcher like Mike Leake, then so be it. As long as we get back a MAJOR upgrade in LF, then I am okay with dealing either him or Bailey.