I think -- perhaps hope is a better word -- that Gohara can be a contributor going forward, but I wasn't all that giddy about the deal either. It was a "later for a little bit later" kind of deal, but I like Smith's game. Probably a really good 4th OF on a good team and a starter on a middling-or-below team, but he's decent.
PS--I think it's safe for Avilan to come back now that Fredi isn't manager. If Fredi were still at the helm, I think Avilan would call his agent and try to get one team listed on a no-trade clause in his contract.
It's not that I was against trading Mallex. He was expendable as an asset.
My issue was with targeting yet another extremely risky pitcher. All pitchers are risky, but one with injury and work ethic concerns are especially risky.