This opinion may be unpopular around here, so let me state in advance: I don't generally believe in trading away good prospects, especially pitchers, when we're not going to push ourselves over any hump.

But it's time to trade Adam Loewen.

The contract to which we signed Loewen requires him to be with the major league club by next year, or else (as I understand it) we're required to trade or release him.

Loewen's audition with us proves, in my mind, that he's 2+ years away from being ready -- he puts too many guys on base and (as a result) throws too many pitches per inning to be effective in the majors for a while yet.

So yes, there's always the risk that Loewen will turn into a sturdy pitcher for someone else, but if we can get a major-league ready prospect that fills an obvious hole for several years (i.e. Shealy @ 1B), I think we should take it.