Where Are They Now? Houston Astros Trades Part 2; 2012

J.A. Happ (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

J.A. Happ –  One of the more perplexing trades, no need to go too detailed into the 10-player transaction with the Toronto Blue Jays. Along with Happ, Luhnow dealt relievers Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter for Francisco Cordero, Ben Francisco (later flipped to Tampa Bay) and five prospects. The most notable of the prospects being pitchers Asher Wojciechowski, Joe Musgrove and potentially potential-packed catcher Carlos Perez.

Dallas Keuchel took Happ’s rotation spot.

Brandon Lyon would move on to the New York Mets for 2013, the Boston Red Sox  for a few weeks out of the 2013 summer (he gets a ring I believe!) and is currently trying to climb from AAA Salt Lake to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

David Carpenter has the rare distinction of being traded with a Manager as he was dealt to the Boston Red Sox along with skipper John Farrell for infielder Mike Aviles. The BoSox would waive Carpenter, who was then claimed by the Atlanta Braves and had an absolutely terrific 2013 regular season, posting a 1.78 ERA in 65.2 innings.

The headliner of the deal, and the one that Toronto actually kept for more than a few months was J.A. Happ. Like me, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos is a big fan of the left-hander. Happ has been semi-productive in the Jays rotation across 2012-2014, but has had his share of rough starts resulting in four relief jobs in 2012 and three more so far in 2014. As of now he’s back in the Jays rotation with a 4.10 ERA, his best in Toronto so far.