The Akron Beacon Journal is reporting that the Indians are trying to work a trade that would send Jake Westbrook to the Reds in exchange for Austin Kearns. Thanks to Lee Sinins’ ATM report for the scoop.

Not sure how I feel about that deal. I just KNOW that as soon as we let Kearns go, he’ll turn into the player everyone thought he’d be. Kearns played in only 110 games last year, and that was a three year high. And while he hit only .240 and ended up getting sent to Louisville, he did paste 18 homeruns in only 387 at bats. With Adam Dunn probably moving to first base, that means right field is free and clear for Kearns this year. No four outfield shuffle.

And Westbrook is good but not great. I’m not sure how much he’d help this year, and honestly I don’t know his contract situation. He has been in the league for six years, so he might be set to become a free agent next season or at least after the 2007 season. He also doesn’t strike out a ton of guys and he pitched in a pitchers park last year.

So on the face of things, it looks like a good trade, but I do think it will come back to bite us in the you know what if we let if happen.

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