From Hal McCoy:
When Ken Griffey Jr. went down, Wily Mo Pena figured center field was his for the duration. While he has played more, Sunday was another disappointment when he walked into the clubhouse and saw his name was not on the lineup card.And that's why he says he wouldn't mind being traded. He doesn't want to be part of another four-outfielder system like this year -- Griffey, Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns and Pena.
"I don't want to be doing this next year," said Pena. "With Griffey out they could be playing me, but they don't play me. I don't want this situation next year.
I really can't blame him, and I've been surprised that Pena hasn't been starting on a daily basis. What is to be gained by playing Ryan Freel in center? Not to mention that yesterday's lineup included Javier Valentin at first and Dunn in left. There are numerous ways Pena could be in this lineup, and yet he's rarely playing. It doesn't make sense.
Surely the Reds realize that Wily Mo is more important to this team's future than Javier Valentin, Rich Aurilia, and Ryan Freel. Right?