December 22 – The Annual Jon Daniels “It’s Just Before Christmas, Everyone’s Really Busy Doing Something Else So I’ll Really Shake Things Up” Trade

Charles Dickens wrote in David Copperfield: “…time and tide wait for no man.”  Let me amend that to say "time and tide and Jon Daniels wait for no man or holiday" . 

Another Christmas, another big trade of young talent.

So much for taking some time off on the blog.  Here’s a few quick thoughts before I go back to enjoying the holidays (without baseball – please!).

1. Big risks for both teams.  Josh Hamilton has a pedigree (1st overall pick) but only about 300 ML AB’s – and a history of various injuries throughout his career. In fact he’s said the time off while he was injured in the minors was one of the catalysts for his off the field problems – too much injury down time with nothing to do.  On the other hand lets remember that in 2005 Edinson Volquez was rushed to the majors at 22 years old – then quickly declared a “bust” in 2006 when he struggled in just 33 IP.  Last season he started Class A Bakersfield working his way back to the majors.  The enigma of Edinson is that he has great stuff – but has never been consistent which leaves scouts and development types scratching their heads on how to project Edinson – is he a front end starter? A middle of the rotation type? Some have even said that he could wind up in the bullpen  a as long guy/spot starter?  As I said – risks for both teams.

2. I hate writers and broadcasters who evaluate trades as a “win or loss” for the teams involved.  Trades like this one are filling needs for both teams.  The Reds are short on pitching the Rangers are in dire need of power hitters and young OF’s.  How strange is it to say this: the Rangers need offense but have a decent crop of starting pitching arms that could start contributing as early as this season? Both GM’s were selling at a percieved peak value on players who were successful in short term appearances in 2007 – both GM’s are crossing their fingers that success will continue in a full season 2008 and beyond.  There’s no evaluating this trade until this time next year.

3. Rangers beat reporters should never take any vacation time the week before Christmas.

Wesolych Swiat – Marla Hooch

P.S. That's Polish for Merry Christmas