With all the trade possibilities discussed involving Bailey and Cueto I have to know how many really believe it's smart for a small market team to trade away blue chip pitching prospects.
Pitching wins championships - I think most agree on that point (except for those people suggesting we trade Bailey for Cabrera!). I understand you have to give up talent to get talent and we need more pitching talent. But pitching is extremely expensive - note the $8 million we're all familiar with for EM. We're a small market team with limited ability to buy and keep expensive pitching. I believe if Castellini wants to make the Reds a long term contender - not a one or 2 year splash - he needs to make Bailey and Cueto untouchable unless a similarly young - talented arm is coming back in return. Trade any 2 or 3 of Votto, Hamilton, EE, Dunn, Gonzo for pitching. (As a fan I'd rather see Griffey retire here with a championship). But don't trade Bailey and Cueto.