Another option is to follow this post and download the files to your PC first, THEN use the VMware converter to transfer them back.
http://sostechblog.com/2011/03/30/moving-vms-from-esx-to-workstation/
Personally, I'd prefer to convert it to workstation format using the converter, otherwise, the Converter may not recognize the files being in Workstation/Player format when you go to transfer everything back.