A number of other significant deals were completed during the 2007 offseason.

Most fantasy owners focus on the big names - Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, Edgar Renteria, Brad Lidge, etc.  But, as the dust settles, attention turns to the prospects.  One or two of those rookies can emerge as a Fantasy All Star for the next several years. 

A brief look back at history, shows that a number of different traded players have gone on to make a fantasy impact. 

2003 - Joe Nathan

Traded by the San Francisco Giants with Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano to the Minnesota Twins for A.J. Pierzynski and cash.

SF Giants GM Brian Sabean took a chance by trading away 3 young pitchers for an average catcher, and it backfired.  A.J. Pierzynski wore out his welcome in San Francisco, opting to jump to the White Sox and win a World Series the next year.  Joe Nathan went on to become a dominant closer while the Giants were stuck with Armando Bentiez. 

2004 - Scott Kazmir

The New York Mets traded Scott Kazmir and Jose Diaz to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for Bartolome Fortunato and Victor Zambrano.

The Devil Rays parlayed a couple mediocre seasons from Victor Zambrano into a trade for Scott Kazmir.  Zambrano languished in New York before bouncing around among several teams.  The Rays received Kazmir, who has been at the top of their rotation and one of the best strikeout pitchers in the American League.

2005 - Hanley Ramirez

Traded by the Boston Red Sox with Jesus Delgado, Harvey Garcia, and Anibal Sanchez to the Florida Marlins for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota.

Hanley Ramirez has gone on to become a Fantasy All Star, while life didn't turn out too bad for the Red Sox either. 

2006 - Jeremy Accardo

Traded by the San Francisco Giants to the Toronto Blue Jays for Shea Hillenbrand and Vinnie Chulk.

Brian Sabean traded away Jeremy Accardo for a quick fix in Shea Hillenbrand.  Needless to say, Hillenbrand struggled and left while Accardo went on to close 30 games for the Blue Jays in 2007.

2007

The Atlanta Braves acquire prospects Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez from the Detroit Tigers for Edgar Renteria. Starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens is the centerpiece and has the opportunity to contribute in 2008.

The Philadelphia Phillies receive closer Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett from the Houston Astros for Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary and Mike Costanzo.  Michael Bourn will hit leadoff and have the chance to play centerfield everyday, giving him 40-50 steal potential.

The Florida Marlins get starter Andrew Miller, outfielder Cameron Maybin and four other youngsters from the Detroit Tigers (Mike Rabelo, Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De La Cruz and Dallas Trahern) for Miguel Cabrera and starter Dontrelle Willis.  Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin are the highlighted prospects in this transaction. 

The Oakland A’s trade Dan Haren to Arizona & Nick Swisher to the White Sox for a slew of young talent - Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham, Carlos Gonzalez, Gio Gonzalez, Fautino De Los Santos, and Ryan Sweeney.  Considering Billy Beane’s track record, several of these rookies will hit pay dirt.  Carlos Gonzalez tends to be the favorite pick to make a lasting impact.