First he traded two elite, but “fractional” pitchers (neither of whom can pitch a whole season) for Sean Gallagher, Donaldson, and two lesser prospects. With Gallagher as a adequate Blanton replacement, Beane traded the original Blanton for Cardenas and two lesser prospects.

Netting Gallagher against Blanton (actually Gallagher is more valuable because his contract has longer to run), Beane traded “Gaudin Harden” (the equivalent of one full time player), for two strong prospects and four lesser prospects. Plus, with the money he saved, he can hire/retain a third player, perhaps Mark Ellis or his equivalent.