[Stardust]

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090...+backfire?

Why would a team so clearly out of the race as the Reds add a veteran player at the deadline? Walt Jocketty’s answer was simple and very telling.

“Scott Rolen makes us much better for this year and next,” the Reds general manager said.

What about 2011? 2012?

Jocketty said he hopes to re-sign Rolen when his contract runs out. But even if that happens and Rolen remains healthy and productive at age 36 and 37, this trade could backfire if Josh Roenicke turns into a back-of-the-bullpen guy and Zach Stewart ends up as a No.3 starter.

The Reds pulling the trigger on the Rolen trade tells you three things:


1) They don’t see a leader among the current group of position players. I think Jay Bruce could be that guy down the line. But when you’re 22 years old and hitting .202, it’s hard to get the troops to rally around you. Joey Votto is too quiet. And Brandon Phillips really can’t get on anyone about hustling.


2) They gave up on Edwin Encarnacion. Encarnacion has been an enigma. He hit .276 with 33 doubles, 15 home runs and 72 RBI in 2003 as a 23-year-old. He followed by hitting .289 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI in 2007. I thought he’d be a star one day. Now, I have no idea what he’ll be.


3) And this is most important: Bob Castellini is never, ever going to go all-in with a rebuilding plan. That was the case when he fired Dan O’Brien shortly after taking over the team and that’s the case now.