I don't think that the Rox should trade Helton right now unless it makes baseball sense. The Rox have many areas in which they can improve, but I don't think that they have a "glaring hole" anymore (although as the season evolves one could appear - and if so it should be addressed then IMHO - the way the A's approach things).
Money saved is only good to the extent that you can use it to wind up with an overall better team. I see two elements right now. One is the risk/reward tradeoff of having Helton around this coming season. If Helton rebounds as we all hope, then his trade value could easily go up (better projections, continuing salary inflation, one fewer year left on his contract meaning less money involved and less risk). The second is what's available on the FA market this offseason. I don't like the Rox chances of improving for next season without Helton, even if they had lots of bucks to spend. I think part of the inflation in the FA market this year is because of its weakness.
So I'd only pull the trigger for really significant salary relief that would balance the cost of a less productive team next season, or for one or more quality players in return - more than what's been reported so far. Maybe the Angels will up their offer - that's what negotiations are all about. If not, I'd rather stand pat on this one.
|