Fair points. 1) I'm not really suggesting pocketing the money as I'm suggesting we invest that in building the farm and/or trade acquisitions if we're in it at the deadline. 2) I'm certainly not suggesting we tank 2010. I believe Hughes will provide the value Z will at this point in time. Part of that is the slow decay of Z's value, part is the maturation of Hughes. 3) Mauer would be a great hitter if he were playing first, which is where I'd put him if Soto is still performing behind the plate. 4) Those additional holes will also come with additional money from the other contracts coming off the books 2) I like Hughes a lot, but I don't think it's that likely he matches Z's output next year. He's been hovering in the low 100s for innings pitched the last 3 years.(following a career high of 146) I'm not sure he can step right in for a full season right away.(and he'll certainly give back the marginal value Zambrano has at the plate/on the basepaths) I think it's obviously a win on a pure talent standpoint(when taking into account the salary), but disagree with the notion that Hughes = Zambrano. 3) If Mauer winds up as a 1B from the word go, it's most likely a bad deal. Mauer's going to get an assload of money because of his ability to catch. To pay him like a catcher while he's playing 1B is a waste of money.