A Different Perspective

I like the trade because the Reds shed some payroll, (hopefully) get a quality starting pitcher, and solve their logjam in the outfield. The big downside is that they lose a big time leader in the clubhouse and one of the most liked players on their roster.

I question whether Casey is worth the $8.5 mil that he was going to make this year, considering his lack of power (9 HRs in 2005, career average of 15) and run production (58 RBI in 2005, career average of 75). His .305 lifetime average is nothing to scoff at, but he doesn't produce the way you expect a first baseman to. Casey stats look like a good leadoff hitter's minus the stolen bases. Insert Adam Dunn at first base and you finally find a way to have him, Griffey Jr., Austin Kearns, and Wily Mo Pena in the lineup at the same time without having to sit one of your best hitters.

One of Casey, Dunn, Griffey, Kearns and Pena had to go, because the Reds couldn't afford to have one of those five on the bench every day. The Reds had a blatant imbalance between offense and pitching, so they did the right thing by trading offense for pitching. I'm not sure how good Williams will end up being, but he's a pitcher, which means there's a chance that he can make the Reds rotation better. First basemen can't improve your rotation.

I still don't think it's going to be enough for them to think about making the playoffs this year, but it's a good deal - probably for both teams. Only time will tell who got the better end of the deal, but both teams were able to address needs by making it.