Does this improve my team? Harden for Beltran

[rscharnell]

10 team, 5x5 h2h. Here's what I had, notice Yahoo didnt draft me enough SP's. With this trade I lose out on Beltran who could have a good year, but I have some solid guys on the bench. And I now have Rich Harden and Zack Duke (and Clemens if he pitches). Not too bad, while not damaging my RP. Thoughts?

GET: Rich Harden and B.Molina GIVE: C.Beltran and J.Varitek

C J. Varitek (c) (Replacing with B.Molina)
1B A. Dunn (1b, of)
2B P. Polanco (2b, 3b)
3B A. Ramírez (3b)
SS J. Lugo (ss)
OF C. Crawford (of)
OF J. Bay (of)
OF H. Matsui (of)
Util C. Beltrán (of) (Replacing with anyone on my bench)
BN J. Francoeur (of)
BN A. Béltre (3b)
BN J. Guillén (of)
BN C. Shelton (1b)
BN C. Barmes (ss)

(Adding Rich Harden)
SP R. Clemens
SP Z. Duke
RP J. Nathan
RP C. Cordero
P J. Isringhausen
P T. Gordon
P M. González

[DownFromNJ]

Ouch! Bad trade. You can always pick up starting pitchers during the year. You got worse at catcher and lost a potentially huge contributor on offense for a very injury prone starting pitcher.


You could have done better.

[rscharnell]

any other opinions? you can just vote if eaiser.

[ZOINKS22]

I am big on Harden....and I think Bengie is the best of the Molinas...
But I think Varitek is a big loss and I believe that Beltran is gonna have a big year... Hes more familiar with the NY scene now, he has more superstars around him this year, and he has MUCH more protection in that batting order - I think you lose BIG in this trade.

[Saintyopa]

I agree on Beltran, he is primed for a monster year. But still. You need starting pitching badly. If clemens doesn't pitch, your only real SP is Duke, who doesn't have a ton of experience and isn't on a great team. While giving up Beltran sucks, you need the pitching, and you bench is solid. Francour may struggle at times, but should be solid. Barmes, Shelton, Guillen, Beltre....none of them are Beltran, but they should be able to help you out.