The Washington Nationals today acquired outfielder Austin Kearns, shortstop Felipe Lopez and right-handed pitcher Ryan Wagner from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for right-handed pitcher Gary Majewski, left-handed pitcher Bill Bray, infielder Brendan Harris, shortstop Royce Clayton and right-handed pitcher Daryl Thompson. Nationals Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.
Jim Bowden didn’t waste much time in settling into the permanent GM seat. He moved two relief pitchers, a utility infielder, a pitching prospect recovering from shoulder surgery and Royce Clayton for a relief pitcher, starting shortstop, and starting corner outfielder.
From first blush, solid deal for the Nationals
#1 by Stefin - July 13th, 2006 at 16:45
We have a shortstop WOOOOOO
#2 by Ben - July 13th, 2006 at 17:43
Sorry to see Bray go, but not sorry to see Clayton go. Good luck to them in Cincinnati.
I think Guillen has some competition for right field!
#3 by Levi - July 13th, 2006 at 17:59
From a Reds fan’s perspective, it’s not as great for you guys as it sounds. Kearns is ALWAYS hurt and probably has more trade value now then he ever will since he’s actually stayed healthy this year. Wagner has be an absolute disappointment as he was projected to be the Reds closer since the day he was drafted. He’s never found his control and struggled every time he’s been called up. Lopez is probably the best player in the deal, but trust me, he does STUPID things on the basepaths and in the field. When he’s hitting, he’s a very productive shortstop, but sometimes you just want to strangle him for some of his lapses. (I can’t count the number of times that guy’s been doubled up on weakly hit infield liners).
#4 by Brian J Oliver - July 13th, 2006 at 20:18
Levi – Agreed that the injury history and defensive shortcomings of Kearns and Lopez dull the luster a bit, but from a long term focus, I believe the Nationals made a move that allows them to mover Soriano/Guillen/Livan/Vidro for lower level prospects (if offered) with the ability to still compete at the major league level