Yes, nice trade…little downside, considering how loaded we are at catcher.  JS could make another trade if another team bites, but there’s less desperation now.  Less of a chance that Betemit will go now.  Seems like the Indians were having a harder time justifying their end of the trade, saying they were weak at catcher, and that Wickman is a free agent at the end of the year.  Sounds like he had a lot of charities up there, but it’s nice that he approved the trade.

The CPA chimes in...I agree, Betemit is definitely safe now, though I don’t think there was ever a chance he was going anywhere…I think something else like the Sosa for Ray King thing might happen – another middle reliever to add in the mix… contrary to what everyone wants, that “speedy LF leadoff hitter” is not on the way… everyday, Thorman secures that LF job a little more… though we are very vulnerable to LH pitching now with LaRoche, McCann and Thorman in the lineup…. Thankfully, the NL is not loaded with quality LH starting pitching… Strange story up in Toronto with Hildebrand/Gibbons…

My notes...A 680 caller yesterday was talking about the high price the Reds paid for the two Nats middle relievers, but the guy was acting like the two were bums, when in fact at least one of the guys was pretty good.  I guess guys just like to talk on the radio…I swear Chris Dimino doesn’t let people away with such uneducated comments.

Doing anything this weekend?  I’ve been gone the last five weekends, so hopefully I can stick close to home.  Ceil and Anna are halfway finished painting Anna’s bedroom.  Once we get Will’s single bed set up in Anna’s room, we’ll put her old double bed downstairs in the bonus room, clearing out the play table and the other unused table.