I agree, but it is pretty hard to argue with the success of the Carter/Alomar trade!

It all depends on what you mean by "best" - Carter/Alomar had a great deal to do with the back-to-back championships, but as an exchange of talent it was about as even as one could ask for. The Devon White for Junior Felix swap was much more of a heist, and White improved the team defense much more than Alomar did.

But getting Fred McGriff (and more) in exchange for an old, used-up reliever? It's as close to Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson as we're going to see.

Runner-up: Rance Mulliniks for Phil Huffman.

Tough call on this one. I had to go with Carter and Alomar for the result.

How bout in 1993, trading Darrin Jackson for Tony Fernandez.? Jackson was doing nothing and with no quality shortstop because of Dick Schofield injury, they needed one badly. Tony was struggling in New York, but he came back and lit a spark to the team. Also, he set a World Series record for Rbis for a shortstop with 9.

 

You also must consider that if the McGriff trade isn't made, neither is the Alomar/Carter trade.

no votes for the trade of Adam Peterson to Arizona for Shea?

Geoff, that was the last trade I cut from the list before posting the poll. I think it's probably right up there, but honestly just didn't want to see this thread turn into another pro/con on Hillebrand.

And the Hillenbrand trade was a salary dump on Arizona's part. Not quite in the same category as all the other "value for value" (or at least "perceived value" for "perceived value") trades.

I'd say Glaus was a bit of a dump too.  Arizona knew they had to unload some contracts and hoped to get something in return.  They get an upcoming free agent in Batista as well as Hudson for a few more seasons.

It looked like they wanted to get out of that contract and save a bit of cash.

Depends on one's definition of 'best' really. 

For pure value increase for the team McGriff/Collins was by far #1, getting a potential HOF'er before he reaches the majors and a guy who was very useful right away (even named team MVP one year) for bullpen filler is amazing, especially when it was within the division. 

For impact on getting the team a World Series then Alomar/Carter for McGriff/Fernandez wins easily.  Alomar carried the team into the 92 series and we all know what Carter did in 93.

Devo was a very smart trade.  Felix looked darn good and was (suposidly) young.  The Jays must have known how old Junior really was and knew it was time to take advantage of someone else not knowing for certain. 

Glaus and Hillenbrand?  Hilly was good but not in the category of Devo, Alomar, Carter, McGriff.  If the NY trade was just Collins for crap then it would be comparable but otherwise it isn't (just imagine getting a future HOF'er in that trade as well, then it would match).  Glaus could be big if Hudson collapses totally and Batista pitches like Towers has been this year, neither likely, or if he leads the Jays to the WS.  Otherwise Glaus was just a very good trade, not a 'WOW' like the other 3 on the list.

I also don't think the Glaus trade can qualify since it was basically a salary dump. In the age of limited budgets and free agency, you can only compare trades if the salaries/length of contracts are relatively equal. Otherwise, I'm sure most people on this board would have traded Hinske for a pack of gum this previous offseason, and considered the trade a win, even if Hinske went off to become a somewhat useful everyday player.