Volquez, Hamilton has been great and is the AL MVP so far but knowing his history and the fact that the Reds already had a good offense a pitcher is a bigger difference maker for them.

To quote Strike3

 

 

starting pitching.

Volquez. great trade for both teams. Be interesting to take a look at these two in a couple of years to see if they both sustain their levels of performance.

I voted for Voltron. However, if not for the call up and success of Bruce I think that you'd have a different number of Hamilton votes.

The Reds desperately needed a #1 starter...there's no way any sane Reds fan could question this deal, IMO. Obviously, it's still too early to know if both of these guys can sustain what they're doing right now, but assuming they don't bottom out, I think the Reds made the right move. Outfield was one position where Cincy had some surplus and they used it to get an ace...I don't expect Volquez to finish his career with a sub-2.00 ERA, nor do I think Hamilton will be a triple crown contender for the rest of his career.

 

I think this is a trade that both teams can be happy about, but for my money, a true ace for your pitching staff is the most valuable commodity in baseball. If Volquez proves to be that, this was the right move, and a great move, IMO.

What I hate is that Voltron dinked Utley last night on an 0-2. I really wanted him to fan the best hitter in the league 3 times. Golden sombraro!

Pitching, pitching, pitching......

This year, pitching. Ask again in 5 years.

Pitching, pitching, pitching......

 

:thumb:

This year, pitching. Ask again in 5 years.

 

It's always pitching...

 

The only way this is a bad move is if Cincinnati is loaded with good pitchers and they trade one of their only good hitters for another pitchers. Obviously, that wasn't the case...

 

Dominating starters are more valuable than stud RB's in fantasy football...:lol:

 

I would argue that a dominating, reliable closer is the next highest value in baseball. Look at the good teams who are knocked out of contention, or miss the playoffs, because their bullpen can't protect leads. You could argue that Mariano Rivera was possibly the most valuable player the Yankees have had during their great run...

What I hate is that Voltron dinked Utley last night on an 0-2. I really wanted him to fan the best hitter in the league 3 times. Golden sombraro!

 

 

Three is a hat trick, it takes 4 to get a "Golden Sombrero", 5 is a "Platinum Sombrero" and 6 is a "Horn" named after Sam Horn. Three would still have been impressive, though.

Everyone still feel the same? I'm not sure I do.

Looking back I voted Volquez but, even with Hamilton's habbit of getting injured, today I would switch my vote to Hamilton

I would venture to say the Reds would have a few more W's this season with Hamilton in LF than with Voltron on the mound once every 5 games. Last 10 for Hamilton. .378 3Hrs 13 RBI. Might have won one of those 1 run games the Reds have lost.

Everyone still feel the same? I'm not sure I do.

 

I know I don't. Volquez hasn't been close to what he was in '08 and he can't stay healthy.

 

2009-11 = 37 GS, 13-9, 197.1 IP, 5.02 ERA, 199 K/122 BB

 

2008 = 32 GS, 17-6, 196.0 IP, 3.21 ERA, 206 K/93 BB

 

 

Hamilton...

 

2009-11 = 277 G, 54 HR, 204 RBI, .318 Avg, 174 R

 

 

Hamilton has also battled some injuries, but he has always been good when in the lineup. Not so much with Volquez.