The Scott Kazmir Trade and its Repercussions Part 3: Don't Call Me Danny

Two days after trading Hudson, Billy Beane parted ways with the second of "The Big Three," California surfer Mark Mulder.

Mulder was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals for Daric Barton, Danny Haren, and Kiko Calero. Barton's patience fit the Moneyball philosophy, and in February 2005, Baseball America would rate Barton as the #32 prospect in the game. The A's gave Barton every opportunity last year, but it appears patience is the only thing the converted catcher brings to the table. In 523 plate appearances in 2008, Barton walked 65 times, but he hit .226 and slugged .348. Patient corner infielders with big frames that don't hit for power are so annoying. Sean Burroughs and Dave Magadan come to mind. All Haren had to do was change his name from Danny to Dan and he became an ace. Calero, a spare part in the deal, had two good years and one bad year with the A's. Mark Mulder had one solid season with the Cards before being ravaged by injuries.

Again, an ace (not Victor Zambrano) gets dealt for a top prospect (not an elite prospect like Kazmir), a mid-level prospect, and a middle reliever. Billy Beane should be credited with dealing these guys when they still had value, and not spending limited funds on long term deals. You know, super duper pitching genius Rick Peterson and his biomechanics led to a lot of injuries and small windows of success for "The Big Three." Peterson was widely accused of not liking Kazmir's biomechanics, but thinking with an adjustment or two he could right the troubled vessel that was Victor Zambrano. Thanks, Rick.