What Got Into The Reds?

Thursday, July 13 2006 @ 04:16 PM EDT

Contributed by: Bruce Wrigley

The Cincinnati Reds have traded Austin Kearns, Felipe Lopez and Ryan Wagner to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, Royce Clayton, Brendan Harris, and Daryl Thompson.

Early returns on the deal from around the 'net have the Reds trading away a hundred-dollar bill for a roll of pennies, but I don't buy that.  Wayne Krivsky has made some astute moves with his talent so far and there is more under the surface here than we know.

Most notable, and sure to draw derision (it has already), is the "challenge" swap buried in the deal of Lopez for Clayton.  To many people, it's an absurd deal but I think that on the contrary, it may be a season-saving move for the Reds.  Leaving aside the fact that Clayton is hitting almost as well as Lopez is when you take their home parks into account, there is  vast gulf between the two players defensively.  Even at 36, Royce Clayton still plays a very competent shortstop.  Felipe Lopez, though, hasn't improved by one whit with the glove since he played in Toronto and his defensive numbers show it.  With Lopez unable to read hitters or make the easy play, the Reds had a weak link defensively that they couldn't let fester.

That being said, if the move was made to improve the Reds' pitching and defense, they made the wrong move in getting rid of Austin Kearns, who was their best defensive outfielder.  We'll have to see what other moves the Reds make to solidify their pennant charge in order to fully make sense of this move, but don't discount the effect that an improved bullpen could have on Cincy's chances.  With their uncertain starting pitching, a solid bullpen can go a long way to not just preserving games, but winning them outright.

The Nationals, of course, have done very well for themselves.  Once again, Jim Bowden's best quality - his willingness to pick up the phone, explore a deal, and move his talent - has landed him in the pink.  If anyone was laughing at him for signing Harris and Clayton earlier this season, they should stop now.

Thoughts, everyone?

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