Reds give up on young pitcher

The Cincinnati Reds will send Homer Bailey to the Chicago White Sox for almost 35-year-old outfielder Jermaine Dye, according to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News (via MLB Trade Rumors). The deal is done and will be announced this week, McCoy said.

Why am I writing this? I'll tell you why I'm writing this.

Bailey, while he was struggled mightily in his brief career, is still very young. He was drafted in the same class that included our own struggling pitcher Phil Hughes. Bailey was seventh overall in 2004, while Hughes was 23rd.

However, the Yankees haven't given up on Hughes, and will continue to let him grow. What shocks me here is that the Reds traded their former No. 1 prospect for an aging outfielder who will most likely be gone after next season. At least the Yankees would've gotten back Johan Santana in his prime.

Update - 10:15 p.m.: This whole post could be moot. Mark Gonzales from the Chicago Tribune quotes a source who rejects the report from the Dayton Daily News. However, Bailey remains interesting in the eyes of the White Sox brass.

Oh, I love this time of year!

Update - 10:40 p.m.: I'd hate to be Mr. McCoy right about now. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick says Dye and his agent "haven't heard a word about [this deal]."