[More Cowbell]

Pulling off great deals that change the landscape of your team is all about timing. The timing is right for Hamilton or Votto - depending on what you get in return.

I agree that pulling off a great deal is timing. Votto's value is probably very high right now - he had a great season in Louisville and looked just as good in September with the big club. Hamilton, I'm not sure his value is all that high. Yes, he showed that he was extremely gifted and that the game of baseball seems to come naturally to him. But he also spent several stints on the DL this season, and he has been frequently injured during his professional career. I would bet that other teams would be wondering if he can stay healthy for an entire season. If you're going to trade him, better to do it after he plays a full season.

If they do trade Votto, that will be the trade to define Krivsky's tenure as GM (yes, even eclipsing the Kearns fiasco). If he gets back a stud young pitcher to anchor the Reds' staff for the next several years, it won't matter how good Votto becomes. But if he whiffs on this deal and Votto turns into a star, it will set the franchise back for years. Again, if you trade a guy like Votto, you can't miss on this one.