Orioles Trade Hernandez to Reds; Wieters Set to Assume Catching Duties

In a move that was designed to free up playing time for prospect Matt Wieters, the Baltimore Orioles sent catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds for Ryan Freel and two prospects.

According to ESPN.com the Orioles will also "receive infield prospects Justin Turner and Brandon Waring. As part of the deal, Baltimore will give Cincinnati cash to offset part of Hernandez's contract. He is owed $8.5 million next year."

Apparently the Orioles were comfortable enough in Wieters ability to handle their erratic pitching staff to send Hernandez packing. Adding Freel is a nice short term move, and he'll most likely win over Baltimore fans with his hustle and "run through the fence" attitude.

Prospect Analysis: Jay Bruce

Name: Jay Bruce
Organization: Cincinnati Reds
Position: Outfield
Born: 4/3/1987
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Drafted: 2005, 1st Round (12th Overall)

LOOKOUT! An expression that Ken Griffey, Jr will be hearing all season long if Jay Bruce doesn't break camp with the Reds in 2008. At the ripe old age of 20, Jay Bruce is slated to become Junior's replacement, its just a matter of "when".
Bruce was named Cincinnati's Minor League Player of the Year in 2007, hitting .319 with 46 doubles, 8 triples, and 26 home runs to go along with 89 RBI. Those numbers were combined stats resulting from time spent in Single, Double, and Triple-A ball. No matter where Bruce went, he hit.
Much of the same could be expected if Bruce heads north with the Reds this season. Scout Magazine describes Bruce as a five tool player without many flaws; "Add to that an impressive work ethic, and Bruce may have fans pushing to see the 20-year-old in Cincinnati by the end of the 2008 season."

Fetch an Old Dog New Digs

Some of baseball's ageless wonders seem to have found themselves in new uniforms for the upcoming season. And we're glad that the names Clemens or Bonds will be stitched on any of them.

Kenny Lofton has been talking with the Cincinnati Reds as of late. According to rotowire.com, if this move happens, Reds outfielder Jay Bruce will likely start the season in the minors.

Tony Armas signed a minor league deal with the Mets, leaving him with a very outside chance to crack the team's rotation.

Baseball's slowest pitcher Steve Traschel, signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles and received a spring training invite. Traschel started last season with the O's, before being traded to the Cubs in late August.

The Pirates signed defensive wiz Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league deal. Mientkiewicz
will be competing for the backup first base job/pinch hitter role left open by Josh Phelps departure to St. Louis.

The Royals fan favorite Mike Sweeney agreed to join the Oakland Athletics, accepting a minor league deal and an invite to spring training.