The Brewers optioned Hardy to AAA this morning.

This doesn't seem like a smart way to handle his trade value, but it does seem like an indication of the beginning of the Alcides Escobar era in America's brew haven.

I have seen a bit of discussion on AN about Hardy, whether or not he is worth trying to acquire, who the A's should offer, etc. I haven't seen anything linked to a possible Duchscherer for Hardy swap.

I know Duke has yet to start a game for the A's in 2009, although rehab is going well according to the A's, and it looks as if he will probably be up sometime in the next week or two.

It is apparent that the Brewers need a starter.

If Duchscherer has a good 2009 debut, does anybody think that the Brewers may get into trade discussions with Beane?

I am no good at trade proposals, suffering from the popular delusion that all potential trades will be winners for the A's, so I want to ask the great people of AN:

What trade value does Hardy have, especially now that he's been demoted?

What trade value does Duchscherer have, without any MLB innings under his belt in 2009?

What value would need to be added from either team to constitute a "win-win" trade?

Is it smart to even pursue Hardy?

I remember reading a post or comment about the strategy of the original Holliday trade somewhere in here (sorry original poster) and the specific circumstances, and how a similar trade for a Carl Crawford or J.J. Hardy in the offseason (one year left on the contract, could be flipped later if not winning) could be something to consider.

I think it should be considered, possibly pursued, by Beane and Melvin.

The best trades are the ones that both teams walk away feeling like winners, and I think with the right mix of players, a common ground could be found in a Duke/Hardy deal. It just depends on how much the A's are willing to give up for a struggling SS, or how much the Brewers are willing to hedge their bets on an injury-prone, yet dominant starting pitcher.

Duchscherer may be gone for nothing after 2009, maybe not. Maybe he re-signs. If the A's can use him to acquire someone like Hardy, who will be a significant defensive upgrade at SS with a track record of decent, streaky, yet successful hitting in the bigs, I think they should at least try.

I'm sure they are probably testing the waters, but curious to see what all of you think.

By the way, here's a good read at Brew Crew Ball about the demotion.

Check out the public opinion among general baseball FANS (not media) about the AL ROY candidates: a fairly unexpected amount of love for our boy, considering all the hyped players this year.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2008/3/24/318166/true-or-false-american-lea

unless all those posters are ANers that I'm unfamiliar with... just realized that but oh well at lest his name is being thrown around. Could be a fun year to watch him.

How many of you ANers live in SoCal? I live in South Orange County and I just found out about this website through my brother who lives in Stockton (we are both from the bay area) and I'm glad I have somewhere I can agree with people regarding baseball

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