The idea of placing extra value in a prospect who can be something that's rare is reasonable. These days that's high quality pitchers.
But they're still prospects. Every prospect--even the best pitching prospect we've had since Roger Clemens--stands a pretty good chance of flaming out completely when he hasn't seen an inning above low A. There is simply not enough certainty about these guys to be so absolutist about them. I know, I've done it too. Having a home grown ace that leads your staff for a decade is a special thing.and one we haven't had around here since Roger Clemens.
You obviously don't give up guys like Anderson Espinoza for just anything, but as has been pointed out here, Drew Pomeranz has been good for years and there's a tangible reason for his performance improving significantly. Sure, that could be a mirage. People who add a pitch don't always succeed. Hitters who change their stance don't always succeed. But sometimes they do, and at some point, you have to trust your scouts. If you can't, why are you paying them? Pomeranz has been good for years and is under control for two more beyond 2016. That's exactly the kind of player you trade Espinoza for.
I have often said that this year's team isn't more important than the team three years from now, and it's true, but it's not less important either. This year, we have literally everything in place to win a world series except the starting pitching. Espinoza gives the team a fourth playoff starter. Pending moves by the Orioles and Jays, the Red Sox are the best team in the division, one of the five best in baseball, and a legitimate contender to win the world series.
I voted that this trade was a win for the Padres because I think Anderson Espinoza is going to be a better pitcher longer than Drew Pomeranz and I still think that's true, but it's not like that win is a blowout. Someone mentioned in the other thread that someone on soxprospects said this was worse than Bagwell and you just have to laugh. Pomeranz is both better and more important than Anderson, and under control longer.