It’s another thing entirely when you’re saying “THEY’RE not giving a full effort, like I am.”

Hunter almost always does the latter.

While it was enjoyable to read all of the Twins trade fantasies and other fans reactions to those “rumored deals” when the chips were down – whatever package we could have offered – even our “#1″ prospect and another of our “top 5″ doesn’t hold a candle to the three Rangers prospects and a major league ready switch hitting power first baseman.

Let me say that again: Major League Ready Switch Hitting Power First Baseman. How many of those are ever available as part of a trade?

Now there is no guarantee that Smoak becomes the next Eddie Murray or even the next Mark Grace or even the next Doug Mientkewicz. What is clear is that the Rangers package as of July 09, 2010 was far superior in value than any rumored Twins package.

Lee to the Rangers makes me less sick to my stomach. But now I fear that the Yanks get a win-win-win: They are still favorites to win the AL, or if not, still among the favorites; they now keep a top prospect; and they might still sign Lee in the off season.

Here is the question I am interested to hear from all you about:

In a vaccuum – ignoring the fact that Ramos is blocked by Mauer and Morneau would block Smoak. Woul you rather have Aaron Hicks and Wilson Ramos or Justin Smoak, Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke and Matthew Lawson?

This makes me a bit sick to my stomach.

Also, it makes the Santana trade look even worse, as the Yanks seem willing to trade for Lee as though he is a rental (even though they could likely re-sign him), yet are still giving up more than Smith got from the Mets.