Trade Deadline

That's All You Can Get?
Well, the Reds traded Griffey to the White Sox for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar. Do not be ashamed if you have no idea who these players are, I did not either. Nick Masset has appeared in 32 games this season with a 4.63 ERA. Nick Masset is hitting .262 in Triple-A Charlotte. Also, the Reds will split Griffey's remaining salary and the buyout on next year's option with the White Sox. So, to recap the deal, in return for a future Hall of Famer, the Reds get a mediocre relief pitcher, a mediocre minor league infielder, and have to pay half of his remaining salary. This deal does not look good. Even if they wanted to just get rid of his salary, surely they could have gotten more. Also, will what they save in payroll offset a possible drop in revenue from ticket sales and merchandise.

Manny's Out Of Boston
Manny Ramierez has been traded to the Dodgers in a 3 team deal that also includes the Pirates. The Dodgers get Manny, Boston gets Jason Bay from the Pirates, and the Pirates get four prospects.

Jay Bruce Is Here

The Reds have finally called up Jay Bruce, who many consider the #1 prospect in baseball. In his debut, he went 3 for 3, with 2 walks, and 2 RBIs, in a 9-6 win over the Pirates. There are many fans that feel like Bruce should have been starting in centerfield on Opening Day. However, management did not feel like he was quite ready to go. Corey Patterson was signed in the off-season to play center, but he had been having a horrible season. Today, the GM decided the time was right. I happen to agree with managements' decision to start him in Louisville. If you're not confident the eventual future of your organization is ready, you do not rush them. That is how top prospects become forgotten. I believe Homer Bailey was hurt by being called up last year, and that set him back, causing him to not be ready for this season. I also liked what I saw, and stories the announcers told about Griffey and Dunn spending time and joking around with Jay Bruce and Paul Janish before the game. It is important for the established vets to ease the transition for the rookies. Yes, I know every game for Bruce is not going to be like this, but it is nice to see his first one go well. And two shaving cream pies to the face is always fun to watch.