Nothing like a set of circumstances -- Orlando Hudson's season ending surgery in this case -- to force a playoff caliber team into acquiring the services of one Mr. Hustle, David Eckstein. And it appears that, based on what Fox's Ken Rosenthal is saying, Eckstein will be traded by Sunday night and most likely to the Snakes.Eckstein, 33, is almost certain to be traded before the deadline for setting postseason rosters at midnight Sunday. While talks are fluid, the Jays currently are more inclined to trade with the D-backs, sources say.Now, you may be asking yourself, "Isn't O-Dog a second basemen?" Why, yes, yes he is. So Eck would not actually be playing shortstop, which is certainly a shame given the cannon arm that he possesses.
The biggest downside of this entire theoretical transaction is that we will be subjected to countless columns, pandering in nature, that detail the hustle-y nature of David Eckstein and how his grit, toughness and ability to take control of a game with his sheer determination -- skill does not matter, I say! -- can put a team over the top.
Oh, and if the Diamondbacks actually win the World Series? Night-horse of epic proportions, folks. We already hear about Eckstein's presence as a leader on an Angels and a Cardinals club that won the World Series -- it was not Troy Glaus or Albert Pujols that prevailed triumphantly, mind you -- and how he inspired victory. This would be disastrous.
UPDATE: Eckstein is a Diamondback! Scrappiness will abooooooooooound! Bud Selig's evil plan has come to fruition and the Snakes will be rewarded with eternal hustle. Muhahahahahhaha. No, seriously, they gave up Chad Beck to the Blue Jays for him and MLB.com make sure you know he was once World Series MVP. For depth purposes it's not a bad deal, hitting wise, well, not so much.
