DENARD SPAN was traded to the Nationals today for some hard-throwing prospect with upside and to aid a pitching situation around here that lacks depth and, quite honestly, has become embarrassing. I understand the premise behind the deal -- even if Denard doesn't for now -- but it's sad to aid a situation that has been botched by the organization one of the market's most popular players had to be dealt.

I don't know anything about NEW KID and I hope he's so dazzling he's able to strike out the Yankees nine consecutive innings the first time he faces the Pinstripes of Immortality. Judging by the Twitter/email reaction fans are not elated they have to wait to watch him deal, but given pitching wins titles and our depth is non-existent, yeah, I understand why the move was made.

For me the thing that hurts most is Denard and I became friends, he was a weekly guest on the 9-to-Nooner for years and is one of the most open and reliable athletes with whom I ever have been associated. He and ANDREW BRUNETTE are two of my all-time favorites because they told the truth on and off the air, always held up their side of the deal and are genuine people.

Denard and I texted and chatted frequently about life, God, baseball and the NFL. I very much enjoy his perspective on life, gregarious personality and generosity. I'll miss Denard Span the baseball player for sure but definitely will miss Denard Span the person much more.

I chatted with him on the phone tonite for about 10 minutes and of the parts I can share I know he's upset the team traded him. He told me, "I asked TERRY RYAN who they traded me for and when he said 'A pitching prospect' I was kind of surprised the guy wasn't already in the league."

He is hurting right now because it hasn't hit him yet he's going to a more culturally diverse town, a better team and a great situation. It will. When he gets to spring training and sees the youthful talent surrounding him he will become excited and handle his situation with the class that personifies the gentleman he is. He's closer to the World Series with them than he was with the Twins, and he knows it.

Still, he told me he loved it here, mentioned how much he loved the fans and his teammates and is not happy he was traded. He'll come around and nearing the end of the conversation conceded he gets the "business side of the deal."

We'll be fine if New Kid can pitch, KYLE GIBSON lives up to the hype and the team spends some cash to become better. But do know the Minnesota Twins made an unpopular move with the fans, even if pitching depth is what you need to win in Major League Baseball.

AARON GLEEMAN of aarongleeman.com is maybe the best baseball opinion I have in my family. I called him for a take and he said (paraphrasing): "It's tough to accept the deal. Denard is an underrated guy with a good contract who gets on base a bunch and plays good defense up the middle. He'll be tough to replace, even with BEN REVERE. The new guy is a top-50 kind of guy and hopefully for them works out, but it's a shame they had to trade a legitimate strength to address a situation they have screwed up for years."

And the 9-to-Noon Show and Twins' fans lost a good guy, and one you don't encounter frequently enough in the self-absorbed, ego-driven world of pro sports. Bless you, Denard Span.