This week, Eugene and Russ look at the top 5 Transactions of the off-season so far. The first one was easy; could they agree on the rest?

Russ: Obviously, number 1 is the signing of Albert Pujols. There can be no bigger transaction than the best player in baseball changing teams. This move helped the Cardinals sign Carlos Beltran. One transaction causes another is always a good one.

Number 2, I am going to group the three Oakland A’s trades into one transaction. I think this is high on not he list because it is the dismantling of an organization to the point that they are giving up on a season. Completely giving up is so rare that I believe that it is that important.

Number 3, I am going to say the signing of Jose Reyes. The price was so ridiculous for an oft-injured infielder. The move also helped legitimize the Marlins with a steady leadoff hitter and fielder (when he is on the field) and it is also a big transaction because it helped magnify the issues in New York with the Mets.

Number 4, I am going with the transaction that did not happen, Prince Fielder is still out there. It was expected that he would be signed sooner rather than later and especially during the winter meetings. However, as time goes on, the money value potentially drops and he may have to take a lot less than he expected. It is a big transaction because it is still out there and available to change.

Number 5, I am going with the posting of Yu Darvish. The money is so high and it shows the desire of the rangers to replace CJ Wilson and that they would be wiling to pay any price to get it. This also shows that some teams are having financial restraints (Yankees, Red Sox, etc).

I am also considering Papelbon to the Phillies as a possible Top 5. Aramis Ramirez to the Brewers also.

Eugene: I agree on #1. Pujols is the biggest transaction of the decade probably.

I’d also agree on number 2; I like the deals on the A’s side. They are working to get the new stadium and most of these guys will be ready to help if/when it happens to go along with the increased payroll. Plus, you have to blame the fan-base as much as the organization; if fans attended the games, then the team would have money to pay players.

I think the Darvish bid is #3. The Rangers spend over $51MM to talk to a player. When players have been posted in the past, they haven’t been worth the contract, let alone the posting price. There has been a reason for that – the Japanese League is the equivalent to our Triple A leagues. Darvish is probably different, but that’s a huge cost to eat on top of a contract.

#4 would be Reyes. The Marlins overpaid, but he’ll draw fans to the new stadium and definitely improve the team. I think they had to overpay to sign a player of his caliber; the Marlins are known for having fire sales, having a tight balance, and low attendance. Those aren’t selling points to big free agents.

#5 would be the Padres sending Latos to the Reds for 4 players. Latos wasn’t expected to be traded and the Padres received quite the haul for him. They have their first baseman now, catcher in the next year, a replacement pitcher that will benefit from the ball park, and a potential closer. Add this deal to acquiring Huston Street and Carlos Quentin, and the Padres could be competitive this year.

Prince signing would probably crack the list. Papelbon would of if it was just bad deals; the Phillies are going to be stuck with a few large deals that will handcuff the team.

Russ: Wow. We agreed on the Top 2, stop the presses.

I put Darvish and Fielder after Reyes because neither of them have signed yet. If Darvish signs, I will put it at #3 without a second thought. So, if that happens, our Tope 3 will be the same.

You love Latos. Maybe since I do watch the American League more, I do not know him that well. I know the numbers and the teams, but I have not had the opportunity to see him pitch too often. It is similar to a Yankees fan who sees Jeter play every day. There is more than the numbers.

Thinking about it, one of the top relievers in the American League signed with the team that has the best starting staff in the National League. That is not a big transaction?

Eugene: I put Latos there because it’s rare to see a pitcher that age be traded before he hits arbitration. He’s a top of the rotation starter. (Plus I’ve met him twice and he’s a pretty good guy).

This also has set the bar extremely high to trade for a starter. The A’s wouldn’t have gotten their haul of prospects for Gonzalez. The Cubs (Garza) and the Rays (Niemann) are asking a lot and expecting to receive it.

While Darvish hasn’t signed yet, the Rangers were willing to spend almost half of Reyes’ contract to negotiate with him. I’d be willing to move him to #2 depending on the contract he signs.

Russ: The Cubs asked (rumored of course) for Montero plus one of the two young pitching prospects from the Yankees for Garza. They declined.

I believe you told me that the Nationals overpaid for Gonzalez, the Reds also? Just because someone overpaid, does everyone else have to?

If Darvish signs, depends on the contract I could see #2.

Eugene: Latos set th market, so subsequent deals will use that as the benchmark of what they can receive. Now Hoyer and any GM with a young pitcher on the market will believe they can get a similar deal.

That is why I think it’s possible that Garza, Jurrjens, and Niemann won’t be traded.

Zambrano to the Marlins would have made the list 5 years ago; too bad the only way he’s important now is trying to figure out when he’s going to blow up. I’m not surprised the Cubs are paying almost $15MM to make him go away.

Russ: How many teams wish they could pay 15 million to make someone leave. Yankees? Cubs? A few others I am sure.

I do not see any of these teams going up so many prospects for the pitcher. In the new CBA, the salary hit hurts. Why do you think Edwin Jackson and his $15 million per season request is still a free agent.

Maybe the Marlins want AJ back also?

Eugene: I wish I could get rid of smaller problems than that.

The thing is most of the young guys on the market are making a fraction of what the free agents want. That’s why you see the Reds give up 2 top 100 prospects, the Diamondbacks give up 1, and the Nationals give up 3; they get a cost controlled young, pitcher in return. There is risk on both sides to making these deals, but they don’t break the bank right away.

Russ: Just because one team screwed up, everyone else should not pay. I have a feeling the pitchers you mentioned below (Garza, Jurrjens and Niemann) will be traded just before training camp starts or right after the season starts. Their value is greatest before the season. If any pitcher gets hurt or has a bad early season, their value is shot.