Be sure to catch Thundering Turtle's recap of the Reds' 2011 draft signings.
The Reds head to the Navy Yard to give DC fans an up-close preview of the 2013 Nats' outfield. If you include Jerry Hairston, who played infield for the Nationals until being traded away to the Brewers in July, the Nationals have employed 3 Reds' outfielders from the the 2009 squad this season. Last season, it was Taveras and Dunn. In 2009, it was Dunn, Kearns and Patterson (Co-Pat saw but 15 PAs). And so on down through the years. What was formerly the result of Jim Bowden being a profligate collector of former Reds, not entirely unlike what Walt Jocketty is to the Cardinals, is now just a weird Outfield Thing.
The Reds and Nationals have a unique shared history, of which The Trade was the most seismic event. Unless you count Brandon Phillips (who was an Expo), Bill Bray and Daryl Thompson are the two former members of the Nationals organization who have seen time with the Reds this season. Both are vestiges of that much-hated swap. Wagner, Kearns and Lopez, of course, have departed the Capital and resentment for the Trade has all but dissolved. It's tempting to say the Reds have gotten the upper hand - ex post facto, with the objectivity of time - in their transaction history with the Nats, 2006-present. Bill Bray is an integral part of the Reds bullpen, Daryl Thompson might still have a role as a long reliever or spot starter and Chris Manno, who hasn't allowed a run in 8.1 in BAKERSFIELD, also might have a future in the 'pen in a few seasons. Meanwhile, the Nationals will get a compensation pick or a year of Jonny Gomes.
But not only are snapshots in time not the most accurate way to evaluate trades, both the Reds and Nats find themselves sulking in mediocrity this season. The Nats have posted a slightly worse record playing a tougher division, though their Pythag suggests they're playing roughly to potential. Like two halves of a whole, the Reds and Nationals might lust over the others' strength. In the swampy DC summer, the Reds are probably a little hot under the collar over some of the Nats' arms. Don't get any ideas.
LINEUP:
Stubbs CF
Renteria SS
Votto SS
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Hernandez C
Alonso LF
Frazier 3B
Leake RHP
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