$3.5 million in '04. It soured both sides.

"Let's just say it wasn't very amicable negotiations," Pierzynski said. "The whole arbitration process wasn't very fun. It was like we had been at war. But at the time of the trade, I was excited as heck. Barry Bonds was there at the height of his career, they had been in the playoffs two years in a row, I always enjoyed going to the city, that organization wanted to win and they spent money. I was excited as all get out."

Pierzynski had his typically solid season, hitting .272 with 11 home runs and 77 RBIs. But the Giants didn't want another arbitration hearing, so they released Pierzynski and signed veteran Mike Matheny. The Giants went 75-87 in 2005 while Pierzynski signedwith the White Sox and was behind the plate when they won the World Series that year. He spent eight years with the White Sox before signing with the Rangers.

As for the Twins, Liriano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA as a rookie in 2006 before having to undergo Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2007 and has been struggling ever since to regain his once high level. Bonser spent three mediocre seasons with the Twins, going 18-25 with a 5.12 ERA, and he hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2010. He's currently in Giants camp as a non-roster invitee.

The Giants looked smart for not giving up Cain. But they did give up one of the best closers in baseball and then let a durable, front-line