Revisiting the Trevor Cahill trade

On December 9, 2011, the Athletics surprised many people and traded 24 year old pitcher Trevor Cahill and pitcher Craig Breslow to the Diamondbacks for pitcher Ryan Cook, pitcher Jarrod Parker and outfielder Collin Cowgill. Athletics GM Billy Beane decided to trade Cahill even though his value was low. He was coming off a season in which he was 12-14 and had a 4.16 ER and gave up 214 hits in 207.2 innings. Craig Breslow was a throw-in in the trade. He had a year, posting a 3.79 ERA in 67 games and finished 10 games. The Athletics received Ryan Cook, who had a good year pitching in the  Diamondbacks farm system, posting a 2.25 ERA in double a. Jarrod Parker was the main piece in the trade. Parker pitched to a 3.79 ERA in 2011 in double A. He has a load of potential and the Athletics like that. Finally outfielder Collin Cowgill, the last player included in the deal, had a monster year for the Diamondbacks' Triple A team in 2011. He batted .354, scored 95 runs and stole 30 bases. He has a ton of upside. Here's a breakdown of the trade:

Diamondbacks Recieve:


Pitcher Trevor Cahill- 2-2 win loss record, 3.13 ERA, 5 games started
Pitcher Craig Breslow- 2.19 ERA, 11 games, 5.1H/9

Athletics Recieve:


Pitcher Ryan Cook- 11 games, 0.00 ERA, 12.1 innings pitched
Pitcher Jarrod Parker- 1-0 win loss record, 1.38 ERA, 2 games
Outfielder Collin Cowgill- 7 plate appearances, .000 BA, 3 BB

Will Jarrod Parker live up to his potential?

Analysis: This is looking like a very balanced trade but I believe in the end, it will be the Diamondbacks who win the trade because they receieved a young pitcher in Trevor Cahill who is under team control for a while and could be a cornerstone player for the franchise. Breslow was a nice throw in and he has performed well this season. The Athletics received a nice player in Ryan Cook, who has been lights out so far this season. Jarrod Parker has been with the team for two starts and has looked like he belongs in the big leagues. Outfielder Collin Cowgill has had only 7 plate appearances so far this season but has a lot of upside so if he plays everyday I believe he will show everyone his full potential.  Overall, It was the Diamondbacks who received experienced players in Cahill and Breslow. Cahill's age is very important because he is only 24 and he can make a long term impact on the Dbacks. The Athletics received youth and potential, and only time will tell if the Athletics' got a good bargain.