Breaking Down the Zack Greinke Trade

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So in case you didn't hear already, Zack Greinke was dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last night. The deal was done because Milwaukee and Greinke could not come to terms on a contract extension. This will provide for a lot of implications as the MLB season winds down. So instead of just glossing over that, how about going over those implications? 

What this Trade Means for Anaheim

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are going to be getting a very, very good pitcher that has already proven himself to be a frontline starter in both the National League, and more importantly for the Angels, in the American League. Remember, Zack Greinke won the 2009 American League Cy Young Award with the Kansas City Royals. That year, Greinke went 16-8, with a league-leading 2.16 ERA, 242 K in 229.1 IP. His WHIP that year was a very impressive 1.073, which led the AL, and his 205 ERA+ also led the league. Essentially, Greinke has the potential to be sensational for the Angels. They already have a pitching staff bolstered with Cy Young candidate Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, and Dan Haren, who while less than stellar this year, can provide a boost in the back end of the rotation. For what they are trying to do, I like what the Angels did with this trade. 

What This Trade Means for Milwaukee

It's been a difficult year in Milwaukee for the Brewers and their fans. Following a couple winning seasons, and an NLCS appearance last year, the Crew look like they are about to head for a time where they are going to need to unload on some of their better players in exchange for prospects and retool and reload for the future. Their centerpiece Ryan Braun is on another planet this season, putting up very impressive numbers following his NL MVP Award winning season in 2011. Aside from that, they look lost. A horrendous bullpen has plagued them all season so I expect them to retool it this offseason. Nonetheless, as for this trade, I do like what they got in return for Greinke given the circumstances. The Angels are getting Greinke via a rental, so they will not have control of him through this season. So with that said, the Brewers picked up SS Jean Segura, and pitchers Johnny Hellweg and Ariel Pena. These three prospects are in the Top-10 of the Angels' farm system, with Segura being the top prospect and Hellweg being #4. (Pena is #9) So all things considered for the Brewers they made off well in this trade and going forward I think that these three do contribute a lot for their new team.