Wednesday, December 07, 2005

'The Mayor' moves on

Sean Casey is going home. The popular Reds first baseman, and Pittsburgh native, has been traded to the Pirates in exchange for left-handed pitcher Dave Williams.

The trade will be announced officially today pending results of physicals for both players.

The 26-year old Williams, who Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa called "the best left-hander in the league", went 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 25 starts for the Bucs last season.

It's a homecoming for Casey and his wife Mandi, who recently gave birth to the couple's fourth child, and first girl, Carli Renee.

Reached by phone Tuesday evening, Casey could only say that his "head was swimming" and he couldn't comment further until the trade is made official.

The deal is a money-saver for the Reds who will pick up only a portion of Casey's $8.5 million contract as part of the trade. Adam Dunn will likely be repositioned to first base.

Williams makes far less than Casey and should move into the No. 4 spot in the Reds starting rotation.

Reds GM Dan O'Brien has indicated the Reds aren't done dealing. Trades involving Austin Kearns and/or Wily Mo Pena have been discussed along with possible interest in Cardinals hurlers Matt Morris and Jason Marquis.

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