What Is Brandon Webb Worth?

The early-season runner away CY Young leader, Brandon Webb, was roughed up by the Oakland A's last night to the tune of seven earned runs in 3 and a third innings of work.  This was his second poor start in a row with the previous one raising red flags when he was pulled after 58 pitches.  Following up that effort with a five walk affair last night gets the flag waving more briskly.

The question is whether there is anything more to this than a couple of unusual starts in a row.  I am cautious but not necessarily panicking.  I have had the opportunity to deal Webb over the past week and have agreed to do so once and decided against it in another.

The deal I accepted was in a shallow mixed-league where Webb's 11 Wins kept me close to second-to-last place in the category.  I accepted 2B Dan Uggla and full-time OF Juan Pierre.  The offer I turned down in an NL-Only.  It was SS Ryan Theriot, OF Chris B. Young and closer Francisco Cordero for Webb.

My motivation to deal Webb had more to do with roster needs than possible performance concerns - although that is a bonus if it turns out to be true.  I do wonder if I took too little in the shallowed mixed-league trade though.  I had been unable to deal Webb a couple weeks ago for Ryan Howard straight-up.

Now about Aaron Harang who got rung-up again this afternoon....