Trade?

I really liked Josh Hamilton. There's no need to sugar coat it. He was a good guy that played like he didn't deserve to be there (unlike Adam Dunn). His talent is exceptional. Do I wish the Reds would have kept him? Absolutely.

But they didn't. I'm a believer in Wayne Krivsky and always will be. I know people still shout about that Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez deal, but look at their numbers with Washington and remember that they were due big money in free agency (get something or lose them to free agency), and I still believe it was the right move at the time. Bill Bray will be really good this year. Still, Krivsky brought in Phillips, Arroyo, locked up Harang and gave Hamilton a chance. He's got an eye for talent so I'm not questioning him on this deal. Besides, it was almost necessary.

The Reds have offense. There's no doubt about that. Even without Hamilton, the team can score runs. Heading into the season, there are two legit major league pitchers on the roster. Edinson Volquez gives us three. He's a young, highly-touted pitcher with a ton of promise and showed solid results in six big league starts last year. I'm also excited about the throw-in player in Danny Ray Herrera. This guy is a diminutive lefty that is a great ground ball pitcher (exactly what you need in GABP) and has posted good numbers in the numbers.

Despite Hamilton's production last year, brass had to question how well his body would hold up. Their willinginess to move a guy that had .320, 35 HR, 95 RBI potential leads me to believe they already knew he couldn't. Remember Eric Davis? He was as good as there was when he was healthy, but that was rare. If this trade turns out to be Eric Davis for a possible Jose Rijo-type pitcher, I'd take that in a heartbeat.

The other reason this trade makes sense is you are exchanging an area of wealth for an area of need. Sure, Griffey is getting up there and is entering the final year of his contract. But there's a good chance that Jeff Keppinger moves to the outfield this year anyway. Plus, Adam Dunn is locked up in left for the long haul, Norris Hopper showed potential in center (and more importantly in the leadoff spot) and there needs to be an opening for Jay Bruce very soon. Keeping Jay Bruce off the field would be foolish,regardless of who was already there.

Josh had a great story and I'm upset to see him go. I've heard that Reds' fans were talking about boycotting because they moved Hamilton. Look, the kid was insipirational and possibly very good, but the city of Cincinnati didn't throw a fit when Reds' ownership cast off Barry Larkin a few years ago. Barry even won an MVP and a World Series.