What they really gave up was Andy LaRoche, who is decidedly a top prospect. Baseball Prospectus has him projected to be about a .290 hitter with 25 homers, a good number of walks, low strikeouts, and plus defense at third base - looks a lot like Scott Rolen ten years ago.

These things don't always work out, but it makes tons of sense for the Pirates to want him. He was probably the Dodgers best hitting prospect.

The trade is good for LA 2008, though. And as the saying goes, Flags Fly Forever.