Willy Taveras has actually been traded:
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Aaron Miles in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, swapping young infielder Adam Rosales and outfielder Willy Taveras.
The Reds also will get a player to be named or cash, according to sources.
Aaron Miles stinks, and I like Rosales’ chances of becoming an effective backup in the major leagues…but Willy Taveras is gone! Our long national nightmare is over!
Miles is actually a lot like Taveras, in some ways. Both guys were non-tendered, then signed to absurd two-year contracts (Miles was given his contract by the Cubs). Miles and Drew Sutton are likely the backup infielders on the Reds, and with the roster as it currently stands, Dusty Baker won’t be tempted to play Miles too often. (With Taveras on the roster, there was always the chance that he’d play too much.)
My guess is that this signals an imminent Jonny Gomes signing.
A final instant-reaction: I don’t know why, but I love the symmetry of fan-favorite Rosales and fan-least-favorite Taveras involved in the same deal.
UPDATE: Heh. Within minutes of making the trade, the Athletics designated Taveras for assignment. Talk about wasting no time.