From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/02/05

"The holidays are over and spring training isn't that far away. It's time for the Braves to get serious about addressing their outfield situation.

As general manager John Schuerholz checks out possible trade partners, Cincinnati is an option. Giving up on moving Austin Kearns to third base, the Reds have an outfield surplus.

"Before signing Kansas City veteran Joe Randa, Cincinnati had worked Kearns in the infield during the instructional league. Now, he returns to an outfield that already includes Ken Griffey Jr., Adam Dunn and Wily Mo Pena, plus utilityman Ryan Freel. Although the right-handed hitting Kearns has been set back by a variety of injuries, he's just 24 and has plenty of potential.

The Braves have holes at both of the corner outfield positions after losing right fielder J.D. Drew as a free agent, and trading Charles Thomas and Eli Marerro, who platooned in left field. They likely will fill one spot at least partially from the farm system. Ryan Langerhans is coming off a strong season at Class AAA Richmond.

The free agent market features a variety of possibilities, including Brian Jordan, the former Brave who still has a home in Alpharetta. However, he missed half of last season with Texas and turns 37 in March.

Other free-agent outfielders include Jeromy Burnitz, Danny Bautista and Dustan Mohr, while Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff and Minnesota's Jacque Jones might be available in trades."

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I hope Billy is in on this situation.  Kearns has been talked about a ton around here, and I think the opportunity to strike is now.  The Cincinnati outfield is packed.  

How about trading E. Byrnes and Juan Cruz to Cincinnati for Kearns?  Is that enough to get him?