Catch Me (I’m Falling)

It’s not official yet, but it’s a really, really strong rumor, so that’s good enough for me.

I really don’t know what to think about this trade, so rather than take the time to collect my thoughts and post something sensible, I’ll respond impulsively and type whatever comes to mind, with total disregard for the facts.

Ryan Freel is gone.

Please welcome Ramon Hernandez to the big league club.

Hold on to your hats, because the trickle of underwhelming Reds’ offseason moves has begun, folks!

Hernandez is a catcher whose last name isn’t Bako or Ross, so no one is allowed to complain about this deal.

Well, not until April 7, at least.

I liked the way Freel played baseball crashed into things real hard, and I’m sorry to see him go, but I’m over it now.  And let’s face it, Freel’s mugshot after being arrested for DUI still scares the crap out of me, so it’s probably best that he’s in Baltimore now.

Hernandez has okay numbers for a catcher (.263/137 HR/602 RBI over his nine-year career) and his veteran skills and funny accent should work well alongside youngster Ryan Hanigan.  Which, incidentally, is the first time Hanigan has been mentioned on this site.

You’ve hit the Big Time now, kid.

Apparently Hernandez had “worn out his welcome” in Baltimore, which is one of the best things someone can say about a player you’re acquiring in a trade.  Followed only by: “No one can prove he was there when the murder was committed.”

In all seriousness, the Reds were in desperate (DESPERATE!) need of a catcher, and while Ramon Hernandez may not be an exciting name, he certainly can’t hurt the club.

Can he?

The Reds are also sending two “mid-level prospects” (read: two guys Dusty Baker would gladly play in centerfield all season) to Baltimore, but I can’t be bothered to look up the names of those guys.