On the trade. This time from the Baron’s Corner.
“YOUNG ARMS: Why have the Phillies traded Daniel Haigwood and Gio Gonzalez, two young lefties that got a year ago from the White Sox?
At the winter meetings last year, the Phillies moved up in the Rule 5 draft in an effort to claim lefty reliever Fabio Castro from the White Sox. Texas, instead, grabbed Castro with an earlier pick and then asked waivers during the season. The Phillies worked out a deal with the Rangers, sending Haigwood to Texas for Castro.
Castro, 21, did well out of the pen after joining the Phillies despite his inexperience. He has a high ceiling. He is closer to the big leagues than Haigwood or Gonzalez. Some believe the latter is 2-3 years away from the majors.
To obtain a quality starter like Freddie Garcia, you have to give up something good. Plus, the Phillies feel they have other lefties coming in J. A. Happ, Matt Maloney, Joshua Outman, Daniel Bauer and Derek Griffith.”
