You can fix it up with some smoother tires and it will help a lot. The gearing is going to be pretty similar to most hybrids you will find so there won't be any real advantages there. The biggest advantage to getting in to a hybrid style bike would be the more comfortable position and the larger wheels will roll better and faster than the smaller wheels on your mtb. Now if you are looking into a road bike the differences will be even greater. The gearing is different, lighter weight, and a more aggressive position in most cases. Some shops do take in trades. I take them in fairly often but my shop is nowhere near you or Columbus.