Analyzing the components of Monday's trade that brought Jason Schmidt and John Vander Wal to San Francisco:

To the Giants:

Jason Schmidt, RHP
What's to gain: A big right-hander just entering his prime. Schmidt has starred with quality starts in his last six outings, including seven shutout innings at St. Louis. His fastball-slider combo seem to be back, and his strikeouts to innings ratio is on track to be his best since 1996.	Jason Schmidt(Allsport)
What's to lose: Schmidt was never consistent in Pittsburgh and lacks the savvy of a veteran hurler. While his stuff seems to be back after returning from offseason shoulder surgery, he's throwing up a LOT of gopher balls -- 11 in only 84 innings. He hasn't pitched under postseason pressure.
What's his role: Step into the bottom of the rotation, giving the Giants a formidable staff on paper.

John Vander Wal, OF/1B
What's to gain: A left-handed power bat who can play the corner spots in the outfield as well as first base. He hits the ball hard to all fields and under all situations, especially in pinch-hitting roles.	John Vander Wal(Allsport)
What's to lose: Vander Wal no longer surprises opponents with his hitting. His power numbers are down this year without much help in the lineup, while his strikeouts are way up. He has all the clubhouse charm of Barry Bonds, which might be a plus for this ornery bunch.
What's his role: Take over in right field and likely bat behind the triumvirate of Bonds, Kent and Galarraga.

To the Pirates:

Armando Rios, OF
What's to gain: A decent lefty bat and corner outfielder with the potential for 20 homers a season if he plays every day. He has hit close to .290 over the past two months following a bad start and drove in 19 runs in June. He loves to hit against hard throwers.	Armando Rios(Allsport)
What's to lose: Rios will have to be a late bloomer; he'll turn 30 in September. He hasn't stood out in parts of three big-league seasons. He's coming off of Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow.
What's his role: Try to become the next John Vander Wal in Pittsburgh, where he'll play a lot of right field and bat fifth or sixth.

Ryan Vogelsong, RHP
What's to gain: The best pitching prospect traded so far this trading season. Vogelsong's game centers around his mid-90s fastball which has amassed 200 strikeouts in the past season and a half. He's developing a well-rounded pitch selection to go with it.	Ryan Vogelsong(Allsport)
What's to lose: Vogelsong needs to develop control on his slider and offspeed stuff if he's to become a major-league starter, or even a second option for a closer. He served up five homers in 28 big-league innings this season.
What's his role: The Pirates will make him a starter at Triple-A Nashville to work on his stamina. Where he goes from there depends a lot on the futures of closer Mike Williams and injured starters Kris Benson and Francisco Cordova.