Cincinnati Reds trade Juan Francisco to Atlanta Braves’ J. J. Hoover
The Cincinnati Reds made a late spring move on Sunday, April 01, to trade their third baseman Juan Francisco to the Atlanta Braves’ J. J. Hoover. He is a Minor League pitcher who will add to the list of pitchers the Reds are currently preparing for the new season.
As to why did the Reds feel the need at this point in time to trade the player, there were some reasons that cannot be overlooked. Francisco was undeniably one of the top prospects in the Reds, but the injury rendered him unable to demonstrate his brilliance.
The player after making recovery and rehab appeared in the spring games this year, but could only manage to bat at .196, something that is not as the Reds might have anticipated prior to the start of the Cactus League.
The team manager, Dusty Baker, had some observations to make on Sunday when he was inquired about the trade. Bullpen, among other things, remains a concern for the Reds.
"We're getting closer to breaking with the team," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We thought it was a great opportunity for us. We added to our pool of bullpen guys that we may need. I wish [Francisco] the best.”
Dusty Baker also referred to the fact that there were things that did not simply work out. He nonetheless wished the player luck.
“I was really for the kid from the very beginning. It's just that some of the things weren't working out the way you wanted them to. Hopefully, he'll find happiness and get it together in Atlanta. If things go right and stay on the proper direction, he can be a force," said the team manager.
As to what factors could have possibly worked to the player’s disadvantage were his weight and rehabilitation. Once Francisco gets into the spring camp, it was obvious that he had not recovered from the right calf injury over the winter.
With the induction of Hoover in the team, nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how fruitful and timely the decision was for the Cincinnati Reds at this juncture.
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