Wacky Walt and the Redlegs

"They’re so busy trying to prove to the fans that they want to win, that they’ll never actually win." - excerpt from the Cincinnati Reds' blog Red Reporter

Sometimes despite being the host of a daily sports radio show, even I am rendered speechless.

Let's set the scene: The Cincinnati Reds have lost nine of their last ten games, including three of four to the San Diego Padres at home, who entered that series as the 2nd worst team in baseball behind the Washington Nationals. They are 9 1/2 games behind the first place Cubs in the NL Central, 11 games under .500 overall, and buried in 5th place. Teams in a similar position - i.e. the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have just two less wins - were sellers, departing with Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, John Grabow, Freddie Sanchez, Jack Wilson, and Nate McClouth (a few weeks ago).

Can someone tell me why the Reds were buyers?

Cincinnati inexplicably sent outcast Edwin Encarnacion, and pitchers Josh Roenicke, and Zach Stewart to Toronto for Scott Rolen. Yes, the same Scott Rolen that is 34 years old, has driven in a meager 158 runs in the last three years, and has played more than 115 games in a season just once since 2005. Oh, and he's owed $11 million (!) next season, all of which will be paid out of the Reds' wallet.

Rolen hit 34 HR in '04 - he's hit 54 in five seasons since

I don't have much of a problem with the Reds jettisoning Encarnacion, who has been a big disappointment when he's actually healthy. But, I can't understand why Walt Jocketty was willing to part with Roenicke and fellow pitcher Zach Stewart, who made the jump from Class A Sarasota to AAA Louisville earlier this season. Neither Roenicke and Stewart were considered top prospects, but still, there's no reason to part with a Major League ready pitcher (Roenicke) and a 22-year old (Stewart) for a veteran that can't help you in two years.

At this time last year, the Reds smartly sold off Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. before the deadline. This year, they sold off three players aged 26, 26, and 22 for a 34-year old on the decline with a lucrative contract.

We have been told that the focus for this team was 2011. Yet, I can't see a 36-year old Rolen batting between Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips in that Reds' lineup. Where does Rolen fit into a future core of Votto, Phillips, Jay Bruce, and top prospect Yonder Alonso?

I asked Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus what his immediate reaction was to the Reds dealing for Rolen. His response? "A confirmation of their delusion."

I couldn't have said it better myself.