Wolf, there is one clear upgrade that is both offensive and defensive in nature that I'd LOVE to see.  I would like us to package enough players to trade for Dan Haren.

It's defensive because if we don't, the D-Backs will most likely land him since they have the prospects to deal.  And then we'd have to deal with Webb/Haren as their #1/#2 starters.  Not quite Schilling/Johnson of 2001, but probably the best in the league.  

It's offensive because we would be bringing in a true #2 starter who would be our #1.  We have the chips to deal too.  I'd give up Hirsh (who is still unproven at the MLB level though I like him), Stewart, Reynolds, and Baker.  

Haren is signed through 2010 at a total of $16 million, a true bargain in today's market.  Having a rotation of Haren, Francis, Cook, Jimenez, and Morales/veteran would be beautiful.  NOT letting the Snakes nab him would be sweet as well.

I'm not trying to make a big deal about this, I just feel like you're overstating it.  Does he suck?  Sure.  The guy's a total liability at the plate.  But he's not significantly worse than Carroll, and at least offers some pop.  Has Hurdle overused him in the past?  Sure.  Just like he overused Finley and Mabry.  But he (Hurdle) showed throughout 2007 that he's improving in terms of how he selects and uses his bench.  Case in point- Barmes spent most of 2007 in the Springs, and when he was with the big club, he was barely utilized.  He appeared in 27 games and had 37 ABs.  Doesn't sound very "pet-like" to me.

In any case, my real issue is with something else you said. how has Barmes "worn out his welcome?"  Do you mean strictly in your eyes?  Sure, that's fair.  But in the eyes of management?  As previously stated, from '06 to '07 he went from starter to barely a 25th man.  And as this was happening, I didn't hear a peep out of Barmes or anyone else on the team that he was being a poor sport about it.  As far as the media's reporting goes, Barmes really accepted his significant demotion with nothing but class.  That's not wearing out your welcome.  That's being a good teammate.

I mean... we get it.  You hate that Barmes is still on the team.  He's bad.  In 2006, he got about 300 more ABs than he deserved.  But the vitriol you pile on him is unnecessary.  I don't think hardly anyone on the Row loves him being on the team or thinks that he's anywhere close to a useful contributor.  But still, please, just give the "pet" label a rest.  Hurdle is learning how to manage his bench and integrate the young guys.  Barmes is only going to play a major role in 2008 if the team suffers multiple catastrophic injuries.  If DOD and Hurdle feel like he's the best option to fill the role Carroll filled last year (for the price), then so be it.  What's the point in dogging on him every time he gets brought up?  It's pointless.  If he's going to get fewer than 150 PAs and just be a defensive replacement most of the time, he's more than welcome to be a member of the 2008 Rockies in my book.