It's not a done deal yet, but more on that later.

If you are one of those who didn't like the deal, that's understandable, there wasn't that much to like.  The Marlins traded the faces of the franchise, the biggest box office draws, the last remain players from the 2003 World Series Championship team, the heart of the team and not to mention two players who played in the All-Star games, and all for what....prospects.  That is not is not exactly endearing to the soul.

When I read the news of the potential trade I was sad bordering on mad.  I guess I had prepared myself for Cabrera and I knew that Dontrelle wouldn't last the season with the Marlins but I was never prepared to lose them both in one fell swoop.

It didn't help that I was driving home from work and I was listening to one of the call-in shows on XM Radio's Home Plate.  All of the callers were Tiger fans and they were elated, and if I were a Tiger fan I would be too.

Most of the calls went like this:

Just like in the past, whenever you trade star players coming into their prime for prospects, no matter how highly touted, initially you are on the short end of the trade.  I don't care where they are ranked by Baseball America, some work out, some don't.

Did the Marlins make themselves better yesterday for next season, no.  I've looked at the list and I can't find one person who is going to have 588 AB, .320 BA, 34 HR and 119 RBI.  Also there is no one on that list who will throw 200+ innings, or at least I hope not.

Of course, over time, the kids may work out and be everything they are hyped to be.  And I hope they do.  But for now, it is just like the trades in 2005, some of the players could make a favorable impact early on, or it may take some time, if they ever do.

We have been here before.  It may not be our favorite place to be, but we know how to handle it.

[Update] It's official.