As far as the trades, I think DM got as much as could be reasonably expected. Factoring in the off-season trades and the substantial cost in prospects they had to pay, they were devoid of the amount of chips that others had. Greinke, Marcum, Plush, K-Rod, Saito and now decent little pickups with JHJ & Lopez. All nice jobs. If there is a weakness it was 1) Replacing Yuni. There were better chances to do this before the season. I hope his recent regression to his below average mean didn't keep them from making a move, but they should have been more realistic in what they had before the season started. 2) LH reliever. DM couldn't have known before the season that their LH options would drop the way they have. My guess is he tried, but the price was dear and there wasn't much out there. 3) RH power bench bat. Would've been nice if the price was right. Overall a decent job by DM, but the SS situation does leave them open. Also, the Cards may have given up too much in Rasmus, but they have really improved their pitching weaknesses with their trades. Furcal offers some upside as well. This division will likely be decided on the field in 12 games with the Cards.