Red Sox did it without giving up any of their elite chips. Indians got three quality arms. Sure, none have Buchholz’s upside, but all three are very intriguing arms and worth watching. Getting 3 arms in of itself is a coup … getting 3 quality arms? Sweet for Shapiro.

I’m not saying the gamble on forking over 2010 and looking at 2011 is right. My gut feeling says it’s the right move (they had to cut costs, they need at least 2 SP and several pen arms .. wasn’t going to be easy). At least there’s a plan, but it sure seems like Shapiro’s recent plans have backfired. But a plan’s a plan, and that’s better than Toronto, who walked Halladay out at their own decision, with by all accounts, no real pressure to cut costs, and then didn’t do a thing. Seems like their 2010 plan is hope all their guys perform at the top of their ability (they do have talent) BUT also hope that all the other teams have big issues. Not the best plan, when the system is iffy as well.