There have been both unanimously good moves as well as several controversial ones, but one thing is clear - Walt Jocketty seems to be invincible as Reds GM:
Many complained (myself included) about the Scott Rolen trade, as the Reds weren't contending and Zach Stewart was a prized prospect.
One year later, Rolen led the Reds to the division crown twice in three years and Stewart fizzled out into a journeyman.
Many complained (myself included) that Walt was "asleep" and unable to accurately read the market and acquire the ace pitcher the Reds so desperately needed last offseason.
Walt gave up spare parts for Mat Latos, one of the best young arms in the game. Walt went out and signed Ryan Ludwick to play LF and outperform Yonder Alonso offensively.
Many complained (myself included) when Walt "overpayed" for Sean Marshall by dealing Wood, Sappelt and Torreyes.
Marshall played an instrumental role in the Reds league-best bullpen while Wood appears to be a #5 starter at best, and it remains doubtful that Sappelt or Torreyes will ever stick in the majors.
Many complained (myself included) when Walt failed to trade for Andrew Bailey.
Walt instead signed Ryan Madson and traded for Jonathan Broxton to help the backend of the bullpen. Meanwhile Andrew Bailey pitched to a 7+ ERA after missing the first half of the season with an injury, and the Red Sox are back in the market for a closer, reportedly close to trading significant pieces for Joel Hannrahan.
Many complained when Walt traded Sulbaran and Joseph for Jonathan Broxton, arguing that Broxton was all smoke and mirrors.
Broxton was a key member of the Reds strong bullpen down the stretch and into the postseason. Sulbaran and Joseph do not appear to be impact major leaguers, at least at this point.
My question is this - can Walt do no wrong? Does he deserve anything less than a A++ for his performance the last 3+ years? These transactions don't even mention the Chapman signing, the Choo trade, and the extensions of Votto, Bruce, Phillips and Cueto- all of which were universally praised by almost everyone. Even the drafts under his watch have been highly successful, producing the first player in a decade to make his major league debut without playing in the minors (Leake), one of the most intriguing prospects of all time (Hamilton), two of the top 15 pitching prospects in the game (Stephenson and Cingrani), and several trade bait prospects to acquire Mat Latos and Scott Rolen (Alonso, Stewart, Roenicke, Boxberger, and Grandal). Is there another GM in the game who is currently in as good favor with their fanbase as Walt?
Andrew Friedman maybe. Jon Daniels possibly. You could make the case that Walt has done as good of a job as either of these guys. Certainly he has made fewer mistakes.