Since I started this discussion (see post below) about mega teams trading only to re-tool for the next season and usually not offering much to their trading counterpart I thought I might share with those of you who are following this story a trade made recently (not posted or approved yet) that shows that not all managers with mega teams are the "bad guys".

This trade occurred in M13 and it took a number of tries to get it done. Here is how it began:

Jason Giambi to Burlington BlueChips
Eric Milton to Burlington BlueChips
Jake Peavy to Burlington BlueChips
Chris Snelling to Burlington BlueChips
Edgardo Alfonzo to Burlington BlueChips
Bay Area Bucaneers #1 Rookie Pick to Burlington
Chimacum Cowboys #8 FA pick to Burlington

Albert Pujols to Bay Area Bucaneers
Morgan Ensberg to Bay Area Bucaneers
Burlington #3 FA to Bay Area
Burlington #3 Rookie Pick to Bay Area

The trade was initiated by Mike Takagawa because of his interest in Pujols. If you look closely at the players involved (forget the picks for now) except for Giambi the trade would be an example of a mega team obtaining another all-star at minimal expense. I countered several times with Mike and we had some interesting EMAIL exchanges especially after he saw my post on the forum board about trading. He had some interesting things to say about that post and I think he agreed in principle. Mike is one of the good guys. He agreed, eventually, to a restructured trade that will definitely help both teams this season. He is still gong to win his Division in my estimation but the trade has also made Burlington a better team at least in the short term. My hat is off to Mike for being so reasonable. Here is how the trade eventually went down:

Bobby Abreu to Burlington
Marcus Giles to Burlington
Russ Ortiz to Burlington
Bay Area #1 Rookie Pick to Burlington
Bay Area #6 FA pick to Burlington

Albert Pujols to Bay Area
Morgan Ensberg to Bay Area
Mike Young to Bay Area
Burlington #2 Rookie Pick to Bay Area
Burlington #3 FA pick to Bay Area

So, Mike got Pujols but he was willing to part with some talent that Burlington can use. It's a good lesson for other managers in his situation.