Pirate fans are so funny. They’ve been trashing Paulino for 2 solid seasons now (Ronny Ballgame, Joggin Ronny) but as soon as he’s traded, they immediately jump to the conclusion that Ronny is a 2009 All-Star or that Jaramillo is a bag of balls (or both).

It’s strictly Pavlovian. DL and the Camster have left the average Pirate fan assuming the very very worse of every trade. You’re not paranoid if they are out to get you.

But’s let look at this rationally. The PBC got the number 10 prospect of the World Champs in return for a guy whose only credentials is that he had a somewhat decent 2006 and about 75 good ABs in the Dominican this winter. Jaramillo is a former 2nd round draft pick, was blocked in Philly, and has a couple more options left than Ronny. Sure Jaramillo is a little old for AAA, but so is Ronny (duh).

So count to 10 and don’t hyperventilate. Trading a head case for a prospect is almost always a good deal. Prospects are good Depth at C is good, given Doumitt’s injury history.

While I think the PBC shouldn’t be afraid to take on a couple of potential head cases (Tabata?), there’s no reason in the world to hold onto the team’s own head cases in the hopes thtat they may magically turn into Johnny Bench.

So I’m glad to see the back of Ronny and JVB and Chris Duffy. If John Russel, who’s managed Jaramillo, vouches for him, why not give him a chance?

P.S. Are the Mets nuts? Seattle gets 7 players for a 32 YO (by opening day) RP named Putz?? I guess that means the Mets have lost interest in Capps.

Later, fatty.

I’m mostly concerned about the reaction of the HW guys.

…by the photo the P-G chose to accompany the article announcing the trade?

because it got rid of joggin’ Ronnie. He seemed to think that his decent year in 2006 gave him an eternal claim to the starting catcher’s position, even when he decided to give up hitting, running, and catching baseballs. Between making Doumit the starter and sending Joggin’ Ronnie to AAA, there was a message of accountability and that a hungry youngster who makes an effort will not be blocked by a veteran whose comfort zone is mediocrity. Getting Joggin’ Ronnie out of our organization would be worth accepting a bag of balls – getting a player in return is only creme.

but I like Jaramillo. I think he has a little bit of upside for a 26 year old. He is great defensively and is a pretty decent hitter, so lets give him a fair shot.