Ripped

Another sign of spring:

The season is now officially underway as the first trade has now been consummated. The Old Rips send Todd Helton to the Hobo Artillery for Todd Hollandsworth.

Mark has fired his first Salvo of the year. I guess it's just like the selling biz: make enough offers, and eventually someone will bite.

We know the Hobos have always had a hankering for Todd Helton, who is the real deal, and barring injury should be worth the $39. But he won't go for any more, and there are plenty of good players you can spend $39 on.

Meanwhile they gave up a $1 starting outfielder (he looks to be the Cubs LF'er) in Hollandsworth, who has always been a decent though injury prone hitter. Last season he hit .318 with 8 homers in 148 reserve at bats before going out for the season. He's exactly the kind of keeper everyone should want. He could earn over $15 this season. Keepers are about profits.

You can't have enough guys like Hollandsworth. All upside, no downside. When Hank wonders why he's never sniffed the title, he should remember this deal.