[Scotty doesn't know]

Dont think it could have been better said, PB5. So, people that say Hamilton was the one with the most market value of the OF's, how could they be happy with receiving a middle of the pack "prospect" (24 yrs old, 3-11 & 7+ ERA at highest level) for a possible future All-star caliber player that HAS proven himself in his first real shot at doing so? Will we be able to eat some crow about this one in a few years? Possible, of course. Probable, no. And thats IF the Reds even stick with Volquez long enuff to have a chance at justifying this trade. I will guess that he will be given part of one season in the rotation, then dissapear either into the minors or dealt to another team. Dont the Reds have a knack for this with young pitching?
Nice mention of the comparison to Mantle, also, PB5. One of Hamilton's nicknames is "The Natural"
Hamilton is always mentioned now in discussions of the All-Time greatest Rule 5 Draft pick-ups. Make a great move in picking him up for cash only, then blowing a "once-in-a-million" flash of greatness by the Reds organization by pulling anothe bonehead...IMO.

Okay now, out of the people who understand the situation and why Hamilton was traded (I don't like the trade but I do COMPLETELY understand the motive and actions behind the trade) what do you think could have happened with the outfielder situation. I mean, you have to keep 4-5 different players satisfied and playing regularly. Dunn can not be traded (I wish he could have), Griffey is old but( still has to play to get the moneys worth), Hopper is another up and coming star, Bruce is a better future player than anyone in the league and you have Freel to add another wrench to the situation. How could Hamilton have fallen in there with two fixtures already occuping spots (Dunn, and Griffey) with Bruce who NEEDS TO PLAY NOW? I loved Hamilton as much as anyone else and he was actually my new favorite player but I do understand why he was traded.