Reds Acquire Round-Headed Kid

The Cincinnati Reds acquired right-hander Charles Brown from the Chicago White Sox yesterday, completing the trade that sent reliever Scott Sullivan to Chicago earlier this season.

Brown, 11, was drafted by Chicago in the 47th round in 2000. He was 0-14 with a 7.62 ERA for single-A Kannapolis in 2001 before suffering a severe shoulder dislocation after being knocked off the mound by a line drive. He sat out the entire 2002 season and was 0-6 with a 6.32 ERA for rookie-league Bristol this year.

Brown

In addition to his injury history, Brown has a reputation of being difficult to coach. "I tried to help him out, but he wouldn't listen" said former pitching coach Victor Montanez. "It was as if when I spoke, all he heard was
'waah waah waah waah.'"

Despite his past, the Reds' front office seemed pleased with Brown.

"He's just the kind of young, cheap, formerly injured arm we like to acquire," said Reds interim GM Brad Kulhman. "We're very happy to get him."

Brown, however, was not excited at the prospect of joining the Reds.

"I was just starting to get settled," said Brown while feeding his rabid pet beagle. "Now I have to leave all my friends behind. And I had finally gotten up the courage to propose to that little red-haired girl. Good grief."

To replace Brown on the Bristol roster, the White Sox signed free-agent infielder Linus Van Pelt.