Manny Acta couched the Kearns trade by saying that the guy has paid his dues and at this point, "deserves" a chance to go play for a contender.  I still say he was traded for cash or a player to be named, which is basically nothing.  Cash or "random name drawn out of a hat" aren't pieces that you use to build for the future - they're things you do to save money.  When your payroll is already in the bottom tier among MLB teams, that shouldn't be a consideration.

Yanks complete Wood deal, ship pair to Tribe (ClevelandIndians.com)

The Yankees shipped the Indians two minor league scrubs that nobody's ever heard of to complete the Kerry Wood deal so basically Mark Shapiro was able to turn $10 million or so into a guy who batted .243 in the minors and a pitcher who posted an ERA of over 4.50 in the low minors.