Adam EatonThis morning the Texas Ranger's starting rotation had two members:  Vincente Padilla and Chris Young.  This afternoon Texas Ranger's starting rotation now has two members:  Vincente Padilla and Adam Eaton.  The Rangers acquired the San Deigo Padre's Eaton (11-5 with a 4.27 ERA) for Highland Park native Young (12-7 and  a 4.26 ERA).  Eaton will be 28 at the season's start while Young will be 26.  The Rangers also added 34 year old reliever Akinori Otsuka (2-8, 1 save and a 3.59 ERA) while giving up California native and minor league first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and just acquired outfielder Termmel Sledge.

It appears the edge in the trade may go to the Rangers if Eaton can stay healthy.  If nothing else the Rangers got two pitchers for one and two players that didn't figure in their plans.  Eaton is a quality pitcher when healthy but health has been elusive.  He had Tommy John surgery in 2003, rebounded poorly in 2004 and then developed a blister that kept him out for much of last season.  Eaton has always operated in one of baseball's better pitcher's parks and may face shell shock in the American League's best hitter's parks.  Eaton also has a tendency to let his 97 mph fast ball get away from him.  He can survive such mistakes in San Diego but not at Ameriquest.

Akinori Otsuka was the best reliever in Japan before travelling across the Pacific to join the Padres.  Despite his record last year he has generally performed well.  The Rangers see him as an answer to their need for a setup man and as a reliable back up for closer Francisco Cordero.

The departure of Young will not be popular.  However, Eaton is a far more experienced and accomplished pitcher than Young.  There were also questions about Young's staying power.  His ERA exploded over his final six games and the Rangers benched him the last three weeks of the season.  But then all Ranger pitchers tire after suffering through the summer's blast furnace.

Otsuka represents reinforcements for the bullpen and Eaton represents a potential upgrade but hardly represents the ace the Rangers need.  Even if he lives up to his potential it is doubtful Eaton will be around long.  The Padres traded Eaton because he has but one year left on his contract and they didn't expect to close what was reportedly a substantial gap between the club's offer and the player's demands.  If Eaton does live up the Ranger's dreams it is hard to imagine they will be willing and able to pay to keep him around.  And the Rangers still need three more starters.

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