Josh Hamilton Traded to Texas

The Cincinnati Reds solved their outfield overload and gained a very good pitching prospect by trading Josh Hamilton, the feel-good story of 2007 to Texas for Edison Volquez. Volquez is a 24 year-old pitcher from the Dominican Republic and was the minor league pitcher of the year for the Rangers last year. He also made six decent starts after being called up to the bigs last year. The Reds are hoping he can slot right into the rotation this year.

Hamilton became one of my box score heroes this past season after several years out of baseball for addiction problems before returning and becoming an impact bat for the Reds in limited action. Though the Reds are losing a fan favorite (well at least those fans who can root for a guy trying to straighten his life out), this deal makes all the sense in the world for the Reds and no sense at all for the Rangers.

For anyone who is more than a casual fan, what is the first thing thought of when considering the Rangers? Chronic lack of pitching. They have always hit well, but couldn't get anyone out. So, in effect, they have added a bat (and crossed fingers that Hamilton doesn't fall off the wagon) while trading away their best pitching prospect. Does that make sense?

The Reds have been in the same boat as the Rangers with a thumping lineup and not enough pitching. If Vosquez works out, they have gained one more step toward pitching acceptability.