Being a Cincinnati fan can be hard at times. Even though I'm used to a small-market team, it's hard knowing that on any given day I might see a good ol' Red go. I hated the Sean Casey news, but after time (and Scott Hatteberg) it doesn't hurt as much to see him in a Bucco uniform. Things were worse with Bowden of course, because who did we get for Sean? *cough* Dave Williams. Jim would deal away talent for future, but the future flopped. I wasn't very optimistic about this season for good reasons, but after Bob and Wayne came to town I thought to myself....maybe next year we can put this thing together. Thanks to Wayne (Bronson, Ross, Phillips, Hatteberg) this team is overachieving. Wayne Krivsky is instilling his own version of Marvin Lewis "Marvin-ade" in this organization.
I admit that when I heard that Kearns was gone today I didn't like it. But I think of it this way...the three facts about this team are: 1) They can score runs. 2) The defense has more holes than a practice target. and 3) The always auditioning bullpen is comical. It's simple that Wayne is attacking the weak spots in this team by bringing in Castro to help cut the errors, and dealing for relievers with ERA's that don't begin with 4 or higher.
The market is stingy right now for affordable quality relievers. Wayne's quote was right on about the fact that we paid a steep price to get what we needed. There aren't alot of selling teams out there that will give up good arms for free. This deal is too early for any of us to declare who got the best of it, depending on if Kearns finds that form that he showed pre-Ray King. With Wayne at least he can address current situations for the "winning now" attitude, and at the same time reel in a couple of prospects for a long-term plan as well. On the bright side we can give Chris Denorfia that everyday shot to see if he ISN'T AAAA Brandon Larson.
I've been all aboard with Wayne and Co. from the beginning, and I'm going to stick with his moves until he lets me down. In conclusion, I would like to bid my heartfelt farewell to Austin Kearns (aka Ears)....Dunn and I wish you the best in Washington and the rest of your career. P.S. Best wishes to Felipe Lopez as well. P.P.S. Sorry we rushed you, Ryan.