SMB-AIR21 TRADE: STILL LOPSIDED

(PBA.ph Photo)

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud should have rejected anew rather than approve the revised trade between San Miguel Beer and Air21. From the looks of it, the Bert Lina-owned franchise still came out at the losing end of the deal. For Air21 to give up the top three rookies from the last PBA draft, whom are all considered the foundation of a promising future, the Express should have been properly compensated by the Beermen. The trade that was consumated by the two teams will send Air21’s Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra to the Beermen for Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Dondon Hontiveros and Paul Artadi. Baclao was the 2010 top pick over-all in the draft while Al-Hussaini and Guevarra are second and third picks. On the other hand, Seigle is long considered a washed-up player, who had seen his better days in the league, while Pena and Artadi are role players, who have limited offensive skills. Hontiveros was once among the most feared hitmen in the PBA but his performance has likewise declined during the last few conferences. As what Salud have stated during the press conference that the PBA fans of today are highly intelligent and knows when a deal is fair or lopsided, the bottomline is that San Miguel Beer still reigns supreme in trade situations. Now, don’t blame the fans should they think that the PBA still remains in SMB’s mercy. No wonder the dwindling attendance in live games and interest in Asia’s first play-for-pay loop.