I couldnt agree more with this. We will rue the day that we trade LaPorta for a rental. If Melvin makes this trade he definitely needs to be replaced by Jack Z because he is mortgaging the future on a rental pitcher. Melvin needs to keep LaPorta, Gamel, Escobar, and Jeffress out of any deal for a rental. You guys realize that Green, Salome, Gillepie & Braddock (a pitcher not named Jeffress) is a much better offer than LaPorta, right? It never ceases to amaze me how undervalued Green is on this board. He is hitting the same as Gamel did last year at Brevard (roughly) at the same age, and actually can play defense. He can also play 2nd base very capably. I would much much rather give up Laporta and Cain or Gillespie than the above offer. Value-wise Green, Salome & Braddock are worth far more to me than LaPorta. Now, having said that, if it's LaPorta and Escobar I would freak. Shortstops don't grow on trees, especially guys that field like Alcides. Given the love that was shown for Escobar during Spring Training by the FO and Ned, I don't see him going. My guess (unfortunately) will be: LaPorta and Green for CC and Betancourt/Perez. I wouldn't be thrilled with losing Green, but I could live with it if we get a decent bullpen arm.