Quote:
Originally Posted by TRF
EE is an athletic ballplayer that was playing out of position. He's pretty good at 1B would probably be average in LF and he has a cannon for an arm. OF accuracy is not the same as IF accuracy. Had he been moved to LF then, and not only were people here talking about it, it was mentioned by the Reds as well, The Reds offense might look a bit different.
Roenicke was certainly replaceable, but it isn't like he's junk. He's had success, though not GREAT success. He manages to keep working at the MLB level. Stewart is the disappointment, BUT AT THE TIME her was considered one of the Reds top prospects.
That is three players for one guy without a single full season as a Red.
I won't argue the intangibles here. Clearly Rolen has been a great clubhouse guy, role model for Votto, Phillips, Bruce and now Frazier. For anyone to suggest this was lopsided is absurd as EE looks to be a 35+ HR threat for the foreseeable future. Last year he had a better offensive season than ANY Red. Now Everyone probably thought EE was capable of breaking out like that, but he never seemed to as a Red. though 26 HR's in 2008 showed his potential, injury kept him down.
So Rolen is likely no longer a Red. EE will probably hit 38 HR's next year with another .900+ OPS as yes, the DH and occasional 1B (68 games last year). If he stays healthy he's got three full years and a club option for a 4th left on his deal.if over the next three years he hits like he did in 2012, the option will likely get picked up. so, he's looking at close to 150 HR's over the next 4 seasons, 400 RBI, 300+ BB's.
All while Rolen bounces grandkids on his knees.
Perhaps the trade was necessary for the Reds to mature, to grow as a team. Perhaps they needed a leadership example for guys like Votto and Philips to emulate so they in turn become similar leaders.
And maybe he could have been had for less. Maybe not. But three players for one with chronic back and shoulder problems is a lot to pay. That is my opinion and it won't change.
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I get the feeling that people are reading your opinion like you don't like Rolen and you didn't care for us getting him at all. I read it like you do like him, are glad we got him, but felt like we overpaid in order to do so.
I love me some Scotty Roles. But I really do feel like we should've been able to pull off that deal for considerably less. Edwin certainly would've looked good out there in left the past few years.