Rays and Nationals strike a deal

[VolsRaysBucs]

:TB: sends
OF Marcel Ozuna 0.5 (p-n/a)
MI/CI Sean Rodriguez 5 (2013)
MI Nick Noonan 0.5 (p-n/a)
SP Alex Colome 0.5 (p-n/a)
SP Casey Kelly 0.5 (p-n/a)
:WAS: sends
MI Jimmy Rollins 7 (2014)
MI Aaron Hill 3 (2014)
*Nats send 2.5M in cash along with A. Hill for 2013 only*

Tampa Bay is willing to mortgage a little bit of the future in exchange for production at MI right now.  The Rays are built to make a run over the next couple of years and this move bolsters our lineup and allows us some flexibility with the roster.  This was a deal made over several texts and PMs over the last handful of days, but some of the easier talks I've had in FGM trades.  Thanks Eric for the good times and best of luck in turning around the Nats!

Washington to confirm at their earliest convenience. 

[Eric]

I confirm.

My first goal as GM is to rid of older players to get younget and more depth. With this trade I accomplish that. I am a huge Ozuna fan and was my main goal in the deal. I really like the potential of Colome and even the injured Kelly. Noonan I am hoping can become a decent starter next year for maybe Scoot. While it hurts to lose 2 MI, they are no use to me this year and shipping them off to a contender helps. Good luck on the run this year.

Great talks Mike!

[papps]

Nice deal for Tampa  :iatp:

[NickF]

 :iatp:

[OUDAN]

I feel I may be too biased here but I dont think this is near enough for two starting MI's with Hill hurt or not.

[Dan Wood]

I'm not on the TC, so my vote doesn't count, and I know both GMs rather well...this is a bad terrible deal for Washington. I inquired on Hill so I may be a bit biased but Kelly (who I like, but is hurt and is a no guarantee to be anything more than a #3), Colome who is meh IMO, S-Rod who is a $5 mil platoon player, and Nick Noonan who is also kind of a fringe, utility player type spec. I don't get the motivation from Washington's perspective. There is really no one to build around in that deal, and is giving up two very decent players, one on an excellent contract into next season.

[OUDAN]

After having a talk and looking over this I hate it even more. Nothing to build around as DW said sorry boys I HATE doing this

 :veto: :veto: :veto:

[Daniel]

Veto as well.  The value of MIs in this league seems to have been forgotten this week. Not nearly enough. The other deal at least has valid factors to be considered. But this is just a bunch of unproven guys with low ceilings for two top class MIs.

[MillerTime]

Approve

[VolsRaysBucs]

I find it peculiar at best that the only two vetos of the deal are from GM's in the AL East.  Oudan, you should be ashamed of yourself for vetoing this one and approving the Dodgers/White Sox deal.  I'm sure your decision has nothing to do with the fact your team is looking up at mine in the standings.  At least Daniel is consistent in his rationale. 

As an aside, this once again brings to light the question; "what is the trade committee's job?"  Are they to make sure every deal is a 50-50 split.  Are they to only approve trades they themselves would make?  In a free league, the only deals that should be vetoed are ones where collusion is obvious.  The league sits and wonders why "the activity is down."  I'd wager some of it has to do with the fact that two grown-ass men can hammer out a deal over several days and hours, both by happy with their returns, only to have the deal shot down by an inconsistent TC.  Opportunity cost is a real thing boys, and stuff like this only discourages activity and trade talks.

Amended deal in the works, so don't bother inquiring AGAIN about either player Oudan.