Tim...point is you did better now and the MLESS did not. I mostly agree with your projections and defense of this trade, I just think Mike should have made you pony up a Rookie No. 1 pick for the amount of (1-year talent as you say) that you received.

Agree that Clemens is retired in 2005 (again)
Ramon Castro may be a regular C by then (or doing time or sitting on the bench)

So in 2005 it probably will look like:

Durham - 34 yr old 2B probably with nagging injuries slowing him down
Durazo - 31 yr old 1B with 49 HR in 934 MLB AB (fairly routine ML player)
Castro - 29 yr old C with a total of 154 MLB AB

for

Palmeiro - 41 yr old DH
Riske - Possible closer in CLEV

I quess its fine to say that in 2 years time, this deal will really suck for you while you are polishing the League Championship Trophy for this coming PB season. Good Luck and I look forward to some good baseball this season.

Patrick
Buffalo Soldiers