Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez: Is There Such a Thing as a Perfect Trade?

When the Reds traded Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers, they knew they were getting talent in Edinson Volquez. But not this much.

I mean he was alright, but with Texas, he was 3-12 with an ERA of over four. Since he came to the Reds, he has been unstoppable. Right now, he is 7-2 with a wicked 1.32 ERA.

He has a blistering fastball that tops off at 95 mph and a knee buckling changeup that could fool any veteran.

For Josh Hamilton, he is just coming off his first full year in the majors. Before that, he had not played baseball for three years with off the field drug abuse problems.

In his first year in Cincy, he showed that he had amazing talent. Apparently, the Reds wanted to go in a different direction. 

The Reds obviously didn’t expect the success he was going to have in Texas. He is leading the American League in runs batted with 53 thus far.

He is currently one of the most dangerous hitters in the American league and one of the best defensive players in the league.

After considering all of this, does it make you think a little?

I don’t think that either the Reds or the Rangers expected the success of the guy they gave up or picked up. Which brings up another question.

Is this a perfect trade? I say of course.

The Reds got what they were looking for in a starting pitcher, if not more. And the Rangers got way more than they expected in Josh Hamilton. So nobody looses. A perfect trade.

But the real test will be when these guys face each other on opposite sides during the All-Star game. All I know is that my tickets are bought, and my plane is booked.