Even though it would take a lot of nerve to do it, the Reds should trade Ken Griffey, Jr. to the Athletics.

I know you will say, it can’t be done. Griffey is a hometown hero who is playing in front of his boyhood friends and family.

In addition, the Reds move into a new park next year. Junior is the center piece of the franchise.

You argue, the Reds need him, they are in contention this year.

Here’s why it could and should happen.
Griffey has had nothing but trouble, both mentally and physically since he has returned to Cincinnati.

First, he blew out his hamstring last year.

Then the fans got all over him for not having a 50 homer season.

Then he feuded with the local press.

Then he hurt his knee in the first week of the season this year.

Then his former teammates called him selfish.

Then he went on the DL.

Then the Reds started playing their best ball in years behind a group of young outfielders who will be in the major leagues for a long time.

Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, and Juan Encarnacion can play. They hit, run, and throw in the outfield very well.

They are legitimate players, very similar to the A’s young pitching trio in terms of impact and ability.

Dunn is a former quarterback at the University of Texas who has a home run swing. He can hit 40 plus homers once he gets his stride in the big leagues.

Kearns has a sweet swing. His stroke is more disciplined than Dunn’s and he has power too.

Encarnacion is a five tool player. He can run like the wind, hit with tremendous line drive power, and throw.

Griffey returned Friday night from his latest injury, his knee apparently healed sufficiently to begin playing full time again.

The Reds benched Kearns against Kevin Millwood last night, placing Griffey back in center field.

The Reds lost to Atlanta 11-2 mainly because Joey Hamilton was touched for seven third inning runs in his first start back from a hamstring injury.

The Reds still lead the NL Central by two games over the suddenly healthy Cardinals.

The Reds need starting pitchers. Cincinnati has a chance to win in the NL Central if they can add some key players.

With a starting rotation of Hamilton, 37 year old Jose Rijo, and Jimmy Haynes, it will just be a matter of time before the roof falls in on this fine young team.

Here’s where the A’s come in.

The A’s need a centerfielder, a number three hitter, and a clubhouse presence.

Griffey needs to restart his Hall of Fame career.

The A’s are in the throes of a terrible identity crisis since Jason Giambi left the scene.

Billy Beane has the nerve to make this trade happen.

What can the A’s offer the Reds?

How about Cory Lidle. Lidle will return healthy from the disabled list next weekend. He is a quality pitcher when healthy. He broke through last year and proved that he can win in the big leagues.

He will step into the Reds rotation and be the number two starter behind Chris Reitsma.

Ramon Hernandez can use a change of scenery. Hernandez has a big league bat, but for some reason has struggled this year. His problems are not that he can’t hit, he just isn’t hitting right now.

He is a smart catcher who tirelessly prepares for the game. He has caught Hudson, Mulder, and Zito without any problems.

He has value.

Erik Hiljus is one of the top fifth starters in the game. He has command of his fastball. He isn’t afraid to use it. He will be more effective in the fastball oriented National League.

He can become the Reds number four starter very easily.

The Reds have trouble at third base where the managers son, Aaron Boone is hitting in the low .200’s and now is in danger of being benched, and I don’t mean as in “Johnny Benched”.

The A’s can part with Adam Piatt who can play third base in the major leagues. He has a decent glove, can hit with some power, and is one hardnosed ball player who comes from a good college program at Mississippi State.

Piatt is stuck behind Eric Chavez in Oakland. He can give the Reds help in the infield and possibly off the bench in the outfield if needed.

Piatt has value.

David Justice grew up in the Cincinnati area. If the Reds want a vet who has been in the post season before, I would include Justice in the package if necessary to placate the hometown fans.

The A’s will need a catcher back. Either Jason Larue or Corky Miller will be fine. They split the time behind the plate now with the Reds and can hold the job down in Oakland without a problem.

So, here’s the deal. The A’s take a huge problem off the Reds hands in Griffey.

The Reds get two starting pitchers, a starting third baseman, a wily post season veteran, plus a starting catcher.

The A’s get a catcher plus a number three hitter with power.

Terrence Long moves back to left field.

Baseball interest in the Bay Area will be at an all time high with Barry Bonds on one side of the Bay and Ken Griffey, Jr. on the other.

Hey, would you rather see an outfield of Griffey, Dye and Long or Sutton/Mabry/Byrnes/ Piatt, Long and Dye.

Someone please call Cincy GM Jim Bowden and get this trade going.

The A’s can only play the Orioles and the Devil Rays for 12 games before the big boys come in again.