Pogo, in the article, you say that the farm system is "substantially weakened" after this trade. I'm sorry, but if the loss of Inman wreaks that much havoc on the system, then the system wasn't that strong to begin with. The reality is, the Brewers only gave up one "top-tier" prospect in this transaction, and I'm being generous in using that designation. While Inman has constantly wowed us with his pitching lines, his statistical success has always been shadowed by the skepticism of scouts. Whether you disagree or not with this skepticism, you have to admit that Inman is hardly a surefire prospect. Never mind whether or not Inman becomes a quality MLB pitcher - In evaluating this trade, you are incredibly overvaluing Thatcher and Garrison. Yes, Thatcher looks like he'll be able to pitch in the majors at some point. However, at this point he's unproven. Could he be counted on in the 2007 pennant race? No. And does his loss weaken the Brewers club in the years of 2008 and beyond? No. Finally, there is Steve Garrison, who while young, by his own admission doesn't have the stuff to blow away hitters. He is young, and he's lefty, so he has potential, but while many crafty lefties will find solid MLB careers, many will not. So my first argument is that you are overvaluing these prospects. This argument is exemplified in your comparison of this deal with Cincinatti's deal with Washington. When that deal was transacted, Kearns had already shown the ability to put up 800+ OPS seasons, when healthy. Lopez had put up an 800+ OPS the season before. Both of these players were quality MLB players at the time. To compare these two players with Inman and co. is folly. Do I think this trade signals a shift in philosophy? No, not at all. Melvin has repeatedly said over the years that prospects will be dealt if the right deal comes along - a deal that helps the MLB club to make the playoffs. That's what he's done here. This doesn't mean that prospects are no longer valued. Melvin said that the deal would not have been completed without the knowledge that Linebrink was a Type A free agent. As mentioned by other posters, the success of the Brewers and an eventual playoff berth can only mean an influx of additional revenue, revenue which will in part go to player development costs. Why should anyone doubt this? Mark A. has shown no reluctance to spending money in the draft, or to signing international players. Finally, as for your concern about the Brewers lacking a "wave" of prospects ready to hit in the next few years, I think it's understandable, but also a little overwrought. As I've already said, the loss of these three prospects can hardly be said to have destroyed the next wave of prospects. The Brewers system had already been thin towards the top, and the reason is because they've recently graduated so many prospects to the MLB team.