My question is -- if true as reported -- how do you not do this deal?

As far as a ML deal is concerned, this is Everett for Tejeda.

As for Pence, tough loss -- perhaps. Hot minor league prospects don't save a mgr's or GM's job right now. Hot minor league prospects don't put butts in the seats right now. Hot minor leagur prospects have nothing to do with making the playoffs, either this year or probably the next or maybe even the next after that.

So -- he might be the next Bagwell, but historically speaking he's more likely to be the next Lane or Hidalgo.

Look at it from the other side. If I'm an Oriole fan and this deal goes down as rumored, I'm pissed.