This whole discussion stems from whether Francisco should have been promoted ahead of Frazier and/or Cozart. I don't see many saying that Francisco may end better than those guys, but the Reds needed to make a move now. Facts are:
1. Frazier and Cozart will not be ready for the major league roster until late 2010 and neither needs to be protected over the winter on the 40 man roster. JF is already completing his second year on the 40 man. The urgency to pass the next challenge lies more with him than Frazier or Cozart. Their turns will come.
2. Now is the time for the promotion to AAA. JF has been killing the ball while both FRazier and Cozart have been in deep slumps. Seems pretty simple IMO.
3. Francisco is the 3B at AA. The 3B position at AAA is what came open when Barker was promoted and Bankston mercifully moved back moved to 1B. Since JF has been playing well, going any other route would have been like posting a giant sign above JF's head that says "we think he sucks too so you other GMs don't value him in any negotiation."
4. It sends a horrible message to the other kids in the organization that they could be passed over even if they are playing well. It may not be politics, but it sure would look like it. Neither Frazier nor Cozart play 3B and both are slumping. Taking either of them over a hot Francisco would have been really bad form IMO.