What's The Big Deal?

Here's the big deal:

The Philadelphia Cheesesteaks today agreed to a multi-player deal with the Park Avenue Money after days of intense negotiations. In the deal, the Steaks receive Mike Mussina, Bartolo Colon, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez in exchange for Ervin Santana, Chien-ming Wang, Alexis Rios and Nick Swisher.

In a rare CARP deal that involves nothing but major league talent, the Steaks have attempted to shore up their pitching staff, while also acquiring the best hitter in the American League in ARod. The Steaks have finally acquired their much needed second closer in Rivera and have
great hopes that Mussina will continue to pitch as effectively as he has so far this season. The big question mark is Colon, who if healthy will provide a great addition to the top of the Steaks rotation.

In return, the Money have acquired four building blocks for the franchise. Ervin Santana is an emerging ace, who has pitched very effectively this year, while Wang has been great in his last couple of starts. Rios and Swisher are both coming into their own as power sources in the OF and will be very productive for years to come. Steaks management is very grateful for the contributions of Santana, Wang, Rios and Swisher, but we believe that the additions we have made will enable the Cheesesteaks to make a successful run to our first CARP Championship.

(Salary Watch: Cheesesteaks +184, Brewers +101, Warthogs +67, Creepers +21, Pirates +0, Money -89, Buckos -101, Bees -183). *Note Salary Watch does not include releases made during supplemental drafts.