Ryan Braun. Power, average, and health. Could you imagine a lineup of Cozart, Phillips, Ludwig (in right), Votto, Braun (in left), Bruce (in center), Frazier, Hanigan?
One pitcher I’d acquire: Clayton Kershaw. It wouldn’t matter what our line up would be most nights. Put Chappy in the rotation. Cueto, Kershaw, Latos, Chapman, Bailey. I’d be quite all right with that.
One position player I’d acquire: Mike Moustakas. He’ll be racking up 40+ homers a season in no time, he’s a gold glove caliber defender at third, and he’s young. Bat him fourth. Or fifth. Whatever, I wouldn’t care. Mike Moustakas is one of my favorite players in the bigs already, and he’s about to go into his second full season.
Of the two, Kershaw would have to be my choice. Kershaw’s dominance will define the league for the next 7-10 years, and I would’ve loved to see him do it in a Reds’ jersey.
One position player I’d acquire: Mike Moustakas. He’ll be racking up 40+ homers a season in no time, he’s a gold glove caliber defender at third, and he’s young. Bat him fourth. Or fifth. Whatever, I wouldn’t care. Mike Moustakas is one of my favorite players in the bigs already, and he’s about to go into his second full season.
Fantasy world:
1. Cabrerra. Can play 3B to scoot fraizer to Left field.
2. Stanton. RH plus-plus power bat that can play Left to take over Ludwick’s role.
3. Matt Kemp.
4. Pablo Sandoval. Switch hitter. Hits for power and average.
5. Adam Jones. Leadoff.
Realistic world:
1. Pretty much anyone that can play CF-LF-3B.
For some reason Nelson Cruz seems like an interesting target. RH power corner outfielder. Idk about his salary or what it would take to get him, but im probably talking out my butt.
I also want to say that yes, Stubbs in pretty much an out every time he come to the plate. But he does garner value in his defense. He truly is one of the top 5 defensive outfielders in MLB. I know that something will be done this offseason about the leadoff/CF situation, but he is still a valuable player only if he bats 8th, which is where you should put your best defender/worst hitter.
Pitcher: I would get either Verlander or Gio Gonzalez. Could you imagine the lights out rotation we would have? And it would end the Chapman-to-starter debate.
Fielder: I would get McCutchen. He goes under many people’s radar. We would have a sick outfield with him.
Hamilton just badly misplayed a line drive off the wall on CF. His speed allowed him to recover nicely, but he still needs some experience in CF before he is ready to roam CF in GABP.
Then Hamilton makes a nice diving catch on a ball hit over his head in straightaway CF. He certainly has the heart and the wheels. He just needs a little more experience.
Since this is a hypothetical kind of post I would like to see what Sparky Anderson or maybe even Pete Rose could do as manager of the 2013 Reds roster!
Josh Byrnes never names names when it comes to his wish list.
The identity of players, in this case pitchers, he might be interested in is a secret. Only his inner circle knows who Byrnes might be seeking via trade or free agency.
“Attractive and realistic,” said Byrnes of his list. “Guys we want and think we can get. We went through a list of 40 pitchers to come up with eight to 10 we’re really trying to get.”
Not all the names on the list are free agents. Some would acquire a trade. Byrnes believes the Padres now have enough depth at every spot but starting pitcher to go out and make a move for a starting pitcher they like.
Anyone think Mike Leake’s name might be on that list? He would seem like a perfect fit for San Diego: young, team control, proven abililty, healthy and would excel in the massive west coast parks.
Fantasy? Ricky Henderson. Although, knowing Dusty, he’d probably bat him Cleanup. Reality? Angel Pagan. Put him in CF, get whatever you can for Stubbs.
Admittedly I don’t know if he is a fee agent or not but Hunter Pence would be the perfect RBI guy in the 4 slot between Votto and Bruce. Trade, release or keep Stubbs as a defensive replacement but put Pence in center field and this will make the Reds a dangerous offensive team. I was hoping the Reds would pick him up before the trade deadline this year before the Giants got him
for those “wishing” for Trout, it could have been reality. Instead of drafting Leake, reds select Trout that year.
while i get everyone wanting a new guy for CF and Leadoff, I dont think Reds want to bottle up the , guys in the minors targeted for that position. Most of the hype has been on Hamilton but Ryan Lamarre is another guy as an option to fill the CF/leadoff spot as well in 2014, and might even push Hamilton to LF, given reports of Lamarre’s plus defense. So i think Stubbs has one more year but a shorter 2013 leash as Reds will bring a LH hitter in and/or give Heisey more time in CF if Stubbs continues to struggle in 2013.
might be true but what is the fit for the Reds? who is San Diego moving? Leake by himself is not enough to get Headley, and San Diego needs to keep what little offense they got, and Headly is the best they got and he is only guy that should interest the Reds.
SD does need starting pitching depth but not sure teams match each other needs.
A realistic move. Juan Pierre, still has decent bat, gets on base. Plays a good CF, can bat leadoff. Made 800,000 last year, so easily affordable for 2 years till Hamilton is ready.
A realistic move. Juan Pierre, still has decent bat, gets on base. Plays a good CF, can bat leadoff. Made 800,000 last year, so easily affordable for 2 years till Hamilton is ready.
Just read this post and haven’t read anything past it. So, sorry if it’s been said 20 times before…. no thanks.
The Red’s have more needs than just immediate help on the ML roster & the Padres have two minor league players who are already major league ready or nearly major league ready: Rymer Liriano & Jed Gyorko. Personally, I would like to see Leake for Gyorko.
@Shchi Cossack: Leake? More like Homer Bailey. And I do think Homer could net us Chase Headley. Homer and Rodriguez? The Padres have Jedd Gyorko ready to take over at either third or second and Henry Rodriguez has played both of those positions as well. I’d imagine Homer and Rodriguez gets that deal done. Rodriguez is perfect because he isn’t a power hitter but is a very, very good line drive hitter. And we all know about Homer’s home and away splits. He’d probably be a Cy Young candidate making half his starts in SD.
@hermanbates:
I agree that Homer would likely be a #1 starter in SD. The discussion regarding such a trade goes back to the proverbial bird in the hand argument. Leake is a proven ML talent. Gyorko and Liriano are unproven, high potential (remember Alonso & Grandal) prospects. Where that proven talent and unproven potential fits on the scale is what Jocketty & Byrnes are paid to digest. This is the same type of deal as the Latos trade, in reverse, and for the same reasons on the opposite sides. Look what it cost to obtain a proven, young pitching talent under team control. I was just pointing out that there is a matchup for a possible trade between the Padres and the Reds and Bailey may quickly price himself out of the SD budget.
The Dodgers cut outfielder Alfredo Silverio from their 40-man roster.
Silverio had a whopper of a season at Double-A Chattanooga in 2011 (.306/.340/.542 with 16 homers and 90 runs scored) before sustaining serious injuries in a car wreck and missing all of the 2012 season. If he elaects FA rather than reporting to the minor leagues for LA, he might be a good risk for taking a flyer.
Realistically, what can the Reds get? I think it’s not what we want, it’s what other teams are willing to give up. Look at teams like the Indians, Boston, Tampa Bay, Colorado, and Miami who might be willing to do an overhaul and start from fresh versus building on what they have.
Cleveland could be willing to shop A. Cabrera, Choo, Perez, Brantley, etc.
Boston could dump Andrew Bailey, Ellsbury to get rid of some salary or to get a decent return
Tampa could trade any of their starters to get salary relief, and the Reds have been matched as a great trade partner for the Rays due to needs and overload of prospects in certain areas.
Colorado is willing to give up some of their great offense for pitching. Sure, the Reds don’t want to pick apart their current rotation, but prospects are just prospects. Dexter Fowler at the top of this order would be nice, right?
Something that is important to remember with Walt is creativity. How did he sell Alonso to the Padres who already had Rizzo in the wings?
I don’t see the Reds signing a potential closer, I see them trading for one. I don’t see the Reds singing a hitter, I see them trading for one.
Something that is important to remember with Walt is creativity. How did he sell Alonso to the Padres who already had Rizzo in the wings?
I don’t think that was a hard sell at all. Alonzo is much better suited as a hitter to PetCo and Rizzo was a a prime trade chip with Alonzo in place.
Colorado is willing to give up some of their great offense for pitching. Sure, the Reds don’t want to pick apart their current rotation, but prospects are just prospects. Dexter Fowler at the top of this order would be nice, right?
Fowler would be a superb addition leading off the Reds’ lineup and his offense has been consistently good everywhere, not just at Coors Field. Fowler would also look good at the top of the lineup, hitting in front of Votto, with Hamilton leading off in 2014 (or even later in 2013 if Hamilton continues his mercurial development). Denver may also want Stubbs to roam CF at Coors Field as part of that possible trade. A platoon in LF (Heisey and XP) could prove effective as a one year stopgap.
I don’t think that was a hard sell at all.Alonzo is much better suited as a hitter to PetCo and Rizzo was a a prime trade chip with Alonzo in place……
Also I think the Pads really wanted Grandal and Boxberger. Plus they realized that another year out from TJ surgery pitching with Petco as his home field, Volquez was a valuable piece for them too.
The Reds have put in the years, tears, and sweat to get Bailey to the point where he is at the least, a solid middle of the rotation guy even with GABP as his home venue. I am not sure they can say the same for Leake.
Therefore unless somebody is willing/ needs to massively overpay for Bailey (a la the Reds with Latos), the Reds should be looking to package Leake as the guy who can move up a notch or two in a rotation in a new home.
(And please note that while I do believe the Reds overpaid for Latos, they were in situation where they needed to do what they did if there was not a better deal to be had).
I just don’t know what Leake’s value is at this point. I know Homer’s is high, and I’m not sure it’ll ever be higher. If we could get a good MLB ready player for Leake and someone else, I’d much rather keep Homer, he’s the better pitcher. I just feel like in order to get something, you gotta give something, and Homer’s more of a something than Leake is, but I’m not sure how much other teams value Leake. I prefer the Leake route, but I expect the Homer one. Homer for one of the Royals’ kids. Or Leake, a catcher and another prospect for a Rays’ pitcher not named James Shields. Those are my two preferred realistic moves. I’d love to see Headley or Wright in a Reds jersey. And I don’t think it’s impossible. Just not sure where Walt’s going.
I’d love to see Headley or Wright in a Reds jersey. And I don’t think it’s impossible. Just not sure where Walt’s going.
I find that the most professional aspect of WJ’s approach to his job. He doesn’t need to self-promote himself through the media. He just want’s to get the job done and do a good job. I’m sure there will be a significant surprise once all is said and done this offseason, but it’s fun to contemplate and discuss the possibilities.
@Shchi Cossack: Much agreed. I don’t particularly care for Walt’s roster filler guys(Valdez, Cairo, Ondrusek, Arredondo) but he’s great at getting his big, splashy jobs done. I’m not sure anyone is out of reach when Walt sets his sights.
All this talk of trading Homer. The Reds better not trade him without getting a haul along the lines of what we gave up for Latos. Latos’ numbers the year before the trade were only slightly better than Homer’s this year. If there isn’t a team ready to give up 3-4 stud prospects for Homer, I sure hope he’s in the 2013 Reds rotation.
One thing that might limit Bailey’s value to a lot of teams is that he is second year arbitration. That hurts on 2 fronts. He wouldn’t come cheap (projected at $5M+ for 2013); and, he come with only two years of team control.
Most likely only other contenders would be interested in him; and within the NL at least, I can’t see Jocketty giving someone else that kind of weapon in anything less than a true blockbuster of a deal
Here’s my take on a single all out fantasy player to add to the current Reds, Johnny Bench.
The current Reds don’t need Morgan unless they would use him or BP at 3B. So I say JB. He would give them the big RH bat they need in the middle of the order plus the physical skills behind the plate and a true field general.
Or I guess George Foster in LF could make this current Reds a super team also.
Realisticly: 1. Longoria
2. Leake for SD’s Jedd Gyorko would be pretty awesome. I saw Gyorko’s name mentioned above. He needs maybe a 1/2 year more at AAA, maybe. I saw Gyorko in college alot at WVU. He is a blue collar type guy who hits extremely well. He plays 3B and 2B. He was a SS in college. Awesome player. Weilds a good glove too. Even better than Frazier as a hitter and fielder.
Since Homer Bailey has pitched lights out at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, maybe a package of Bailey, Stubbs, and DiDi Gregorius (and possibly another prospect) can bring back Andrew McCutcheon in a trade.
If you’re sticking with positional players, there is only one rational answer: Trout. (Ok, ok, I’m being a little hyperbolic, but seriously….why anyone else?!?!?)
Love this topic. Trout is a great choice, but if Trout is removed as a possibility, what about David Wright from the Mets? I’ve skimmed the comments and don’t remember seeing him mentioned. Solves 3B and lets Super Todd move to LF.
In 2012, the Reds had the 16th highest payroll of 30 teams. The Reds player payroll was $81,137,000. The Reds also had the 6th best or most efficient team regarding player salaries per win. The Red’s cost per win was $836,463. Because of this I can only imagine that Walt keeps on this course.
I just cannot fathom the Reds going out to sign Josh Hamilton or trading for David Wright. Either would be great to have and would solve many of the offensive problems the Reds have had. But they are just too expensive. Wright is due $16MM in 2013 and is a free agent after 2013. There is just no way Walt trades a gaggle of top prospects for one year of Wright. Hamilton is a free agent now and will be in the $16-20MM range. Just too expensive.
I believe Walt has a top 10 wish list for trades made up for the upcoming GM meetings next month. For 3B and to hit cleanup, I would imagine that Evan Longoria (TB), Mark Trumbo(LAA), Brett Lawrie(Tor), and Moustakas(Balt) fit the bill most. Low cost and a few years of team control.
As for a leadoff hitter (CF or LF), there are many more possibilities than at 3B.
My fantasy pickup this offseason would probably be Mariano Rivera in his vintage years. At least then, Dusty/Walt might decide it’s safe to let Chapman move to starter and see how it goes!!
Reds infielder Todd Frazier on Monday earned a MLB Players Choice Award from his peers as he was named the National League’s outstanding rookie winner. Frazier beat out Bryce Harper and Wade Miley.
David Wright. Bat him forth between Votto and Bruce and move Frazier to Left. Or, since its fantasy we should get Ken Griffey Jr in his prime, wait we tried that didn’t we!!! lol
Somewhat realistically, I’d love to see the Reds target Shin-Soo Choo to play LF and lead off for a year (MLB Trade Rumors projects a $7.9 million arbitration salary for him in 2013) before he hits free agency and until Billy Hamilton’s ready.
Somewhat less realistically, David Wright would be a perfect fit for this team.
Braun in Left, Bruce in Center, and Ludwick in Right? You are going to take one of the best defensive RF and move him to center where he has not played and cannot cover the ground needed in most ballparks? Have you watched any of the games?
2011 Interviews:
-- Reds farmhand Matt Klinker
-- Reds Minor League Player of the Year Devin Mesoraco
-- Redleg Nation's Newest Spotlight Player, Reds farmhand Tucker Barnhart
-- Bakersfield Blaze Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Dan Besbris
2012 Interviews:
-- Reds farmhand Tucker Barnhart
-- Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco
-- Redsminorleagues.com guru Doug Gray
-- Cincinnati Enquirer beat writer John Fay
-- Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh
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The top of the list would be Trout, hands down.
For the cherry on that fantasy, trade Stubbs for Trout, straight up!
1957 Mickey Mantle . . . Get it done, Walt.
Other than Mike Trout….If healthy, Josh Hamilton would be nice.
Josh Hamilton. Votto, Bruce, and Hamilton? The lefthandedness just might drive Dusty to retire!
Denard Span.
@Matt WI:
Now that might be the best option anyone could come up with!
That could deserve some serious consideration just for the possible ramifications.
Verlander he is a once in a decade type player…
Ryan Braun. Power, average, and health. Could you imagine a lineup of Cozart, Phillips, Ludwig (in right), Votto, Braun (in left), Bruce (in center), Frazier, Hanigan?
Ryan Braun. We’d probably have the best 3-4-5 in the league with him in-between Votto and Bruce.
Miguel Cabrera. Takes care of 3B. Frazier moves to LF.
Miguel Cabrera. Takes care of 3B. Frazier moves to LF.
Miguel Cabrera. Takes care of 3B. Frazier moves to LF.
Angel Pagan. Put him at the top of the order and trade Stubbs for a reliever or whatever he brings.
One pitcher I’d acquire: Clayton Kershaw. It wouldn’t matter what our line up would be most nights. Put Chappy in the rotation. Cueto, Kershaw, Latos, Chapman, Bailey. I’d be quite all right with that.
One position player I’d acquire: Mike Moustakas. He’ll be racking up 40+ homers a season in no time, he’s a gold glove caliber defender at third, and he’s young. Bat him fourth. Or fifth. Whatever, I wouldn’t care. Mike Moustakas is one of my favorite players in the bigs already, and he’s about to go into his second full season.
Of the two, Kershaw would have to be my choice. Kershaw’s dominance will define the league for the next 7-10 years, and I would’ve loved to see him do it in a Reds’ jersey.
Great call. That’d be a very interesting move.
Fantasy world:
1. Cabrerra. Can play 3B to scoot fraizer to Left field.
2. Stanton. RH plus-plus power bat that can play Left to take over Ludwick’s role.
3. Matt Kemp.
4. Pablo Sandoval. Switch hitter. Hits for power and average.
5. Adam Jones. Leadoff.
Realistic world:
1. Pretty much anyone that can play CF-LF-3B.
For some reason Nelson Cruz seems like an interesting target. RH power corner outfielder. Idk about his salary or what it would take to get him, but im probably talking out my butt.
I also want to say that yes, Stubbs in pretty much an out every time he come to the plate. But he does garner value in his defense. He truly is one of the top 5 defensive outfielders in MLB. I know that something will be done this offseason about the leadoff/CF situation, but he is still a valuable player only if he bats 8th, which is where you should put your best defender/worst hitter.
For a pitcher…I would take someone like Jarrod Parker from the A’s. He is young and would be easy to lock up long term. Can’t have enough pitching.
For a hitter…it’s hard not to want Mike Trout. I don’t think an explanation is needed for him.
Pitcher: I would get either Verlander or Gio Gonzalez. Could you imagine the lights out rotation we would have? And it would end the Chapman-to-starter debate.
Fielder: I would get McCutchen. He goes under many people’s radar. We would have a sick outfield with him.
Mike Trout, no doubt, National League pitchers won’t get him out.
Fantasy, Hank Aaron. In today’s time? Det’s Cabrera, Mil’s Braun, or Mia’s Stanton
Side note, the Mariners signed Jordan Smith today with an invite to spring training.
He could turn out to be a good member of that bullpen.
This is nice too:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121103&content_id=40163746&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
@rfay00:
Hamilton just badly misplayed a line drive off the wall on CF. His speed allowed him to recover nicely, but he still needs some experience in CF before he is ready to roam CF in GABP.
Then Hamilton makes a nice diving catch on a ball hit over his head in straightaway CF. He certainly has the heart and the wheels. He just needs a little more experience.
Players we could realistically trade for: Chase Headley or Justin Upton.
Anyone in the league: Trout
Since this is a hypothetical kind of post I would like to see what Sparky Anderson or maybe even Pete Rose could do as manager of the 2013 Reds roster!
From Bill Center of the San Diego Union Tribune:
Anyone think Mike Leake’s name might be on that list? He would seem like a perfect fit for San Diego: young, team control, proven abililty, healthy and would excel in the massive west coast parks.
Fantasy? Ricky Henderson. Although, knowing Dusty, he’d probably bat him Cleanup. Reality? Angel Pagan. Put him in CF, get whatever you can for Stubbs.
Admittedly I don’t know if he is a fee agent or not but Hunter Pence would be the perfect RBI guy in the 4 slot between Votto and Bruce. Trade, release or keep Stubbs as a defensive replacement but put Pence in center field and this will make the Reds a dangerous offensive team. I was hoping the Reds would pick him up before the trade deadline this year before the Giants got him
for those “wishing” for Trout, it could have been reality. Instead of drafting Leake, reds select Trout that year.
while i get everyone wanting a new guy for CF and Leadoff, I dont think Reds want to bottle up the , guys in the minors targeted for that position. Most of the hype has been on Hamilton but Ryan Lamarre is another guy as an option to fill the CF/leadoff spot as well in 2014, and might even push Hamilton to LF, given reports of Lamarre’s plus defense. So i think Stubbs has one more year but a shorter 2013 leash as Reds will bring a LH hitter in and/or give Heisey more time in CF if Stubbs continues to struggle in 2013.
@Shchi Cossack:
might be true but what is the fit for the Reds? who is San Diego moving? Leake by himself is not enough to get Headley, and San Diego needs to keep what little offense they got, and Headly is the best they got and he is only guy that should interest the Reds.
SD does need starting pitching depth but not sure teams match each other needs.
A realistic move. Juan Pierre, still has decent bat, gets on base. Plays a good CF, can bat leadoff. Made 800,000 last year, so easily affordable for 2 years till Hamilton is ready.
Just read this post and haven’t read anything past it. So, sorry if it’s been said 20 times before…. no thanks.
@doctor:
The Red’s have more needs than just immediate help on the ML roster & the Padres have two minor league players who are already major league ready or nearly major league ready: Rymer Liriano & Jed Gyorko. Personally, I would like to see Leake for Gyorko.
@Shchi Cossack: Leake? More like Homer Bailey. And I do think Homer could net us Chase Headley. Homer and Rodriguez? The Padres have Jedd Gyorko ready to take over at either third or second and Henry Rodriguez has played both of those positions as well. I’d imagine Homer and Rodriguez gets that deal done. Rodriguez is perfect because he isn’t a power hitter but is a very, very good line drive hitter. And we all know about Homer’s home and away splits. He’d probably be a Cy Young candidate making half his starts in SD.
I know a lot of folks are suggesting hitters, but my add one player “fantasy” for 2013 would be Steven Strasburg.
@hermanbates:
I agree that Homer would likely be a #1 starter in SD. The discussion regarding such a trade goes back to the proverbial bird in the hand argument. Leake is a proven ML talent. Gyorko and Liriano are unproven, high potential (remember Alonso & Grandal) prospects. Where that proven talent and unproven potential fits on the scale is what Jocketty & Byrnes are paid to digest. This is the same type of deal as the Latos trade, in reverse, and for the same reasons on the opposite sides. Look what it cost to obtain a proven, young pitching talent under team control. I was just pointing out that there is a matchup for a possible trade between the Padres and the Reds and Bailey may quickly price himself out of the SD budget.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com ropets
Silverio had a whopper of a season at Double-A Chattanooga in 2011 (.306/.340/.542 with 16 homers and 90 runs scored) before sustaining serious injuries in a car wreck and missing all of the 2012 season. If he elaects FA rather than reporting to the minor leagues for LA, he might be a good risk for taking a flyer.
Since I’m not big on dreaming, I would say, Dexter Fowler, Denard Span, or Bret Gardner.
@Shchi Cossack: What else from the Padres do we want? Chase Headley?
Realistically, what can the Reds get? I think it’s not what we want, it’s what other teams are willing to give up. Look at teams like the Indians, Boston, Tampa Bay, Colorado, and Miami who might be willing to do an overhaul and start from fresh versus building on what they have.
Cleveland could be willing to shop A. Cabrera, Choo, Perez, Brantley, etc.
Boston could dump Andrew Bailey, Ellsbury to get rid of some salary or to get a decent return
Tampa could trade any of their starters to get salary relief, and the Reds have been matched as a great trade partner for the Rays due to needs and overload of prospects in certain areas.
Colorado is willing to give up some of their great offense for pitching. Sure, the Reds don’t want to pick apart their current rotation, but prospects are just prospects. Dexter Fowler at the top of this order would be nice, right?
Something that is important to remember with Walt is creativity. How did he sell Alonso to the Padres who already had Rizzo in the wings?
I don’t see the Reds signing a potential closer, I see them trading for one. I don’t see the Reds singing a hitter, I see them trading for one.
Just my two cents.
@rfay00:
I don’t think that was a hard sell at all. Alonzo is much better suited as a hitter to PetCo and Rizzo was a a prime trade chip with Alonzo in place.
Fowler would be a superb addition leading off the Reds’ lineup and his offense has been consistently good everywhere, not just at Coors Field. Fowler would also look good at the top of the lineup, hitting in front of Votto, with Hamilton leading off in 2014 (or even later in 2013 if Hamilton continues his mercurial development). Denver may also want Stubbs to roam CF at Coors Field as part of that possible trade. A platoon in LF (Heisey and XP) could prove effective as a one year stopgap.
Also I think the Pads really wanted Grandal and Boxberger. Plus they realized that another year out from TJ surgery pitching with Petco as his home field, Volquez was a valuable piece for them too.
The Reds have put in the years, tears, and sweat to get Bailey to the point where he is at the least, a solid middle of the rotation guy even with GABP as his home venue. I am not sure they can say the same for Leake.
Therefore unless somebody is willing/ needs to massively overpay for Bailey (a la the Reds with Latos), the Reds should be looking to package Leake as the guy who can move up a notch or two in a rotation in a new home.
(And please note that while I do believe the Reds overpaid for Latos, they were in situation where they needed to do what they did if there was not a better deal to be had).
@OhioJim: I agree 100% with every point Jim.
I just don’t know what Leake’s value is at this point. I know Homer’s is high, and I’m not sure it’ll ever be higher. If we could get a good MLB ready player for Leake and someone else, I’d much rather keep Homer, he’s the better pitcher. I just feel like in order to get something, you gotta give something, and Homer’s more of a something than Leake is, but I’m not sure how much other teams value Leake. I prefer the Leake route, but I expect the Homer one. Homer for one of the Royals’ kids. Or Leake, a catcher and another prospect for a Rays’ pitcher not named James Shields. Those are my two preferred realistic moves. I’d love to see Headley or Wright in a Reds jersey. And I don’t think it’s impossible. Just not sure where Walt’s going.
@hermanbates:
I find that the most professional aspect of WJ’s approach to his job. He doesn’t need to self-promote himself through the media. He just want’s to get the job done and do a good job. I’m sure there will be a significant surprise once all is said and done this offseason, but it’s fun to contemplate and discuss the possibilities.
@Shchi Cossack: Much agreed. I don’t particularly care for Walt’s roster filler guys(Valdez, Cairo, Ondrusek, Arredondo) but he’s great at getting his big, splashy jobs done. I’m not sure anyone is out of reach when Walt sets his sights.
All this talk of trading Homer. The Reds better not trade him without getting a haul along the lines of what we gave up for Latos. Latos’ numbers the year before the trade were only slightly better than Homer’s this year. If there isn’t a team ready to give up 3-4 stud prospects for Homer, I sure hope he’s in the 2013 Reds rotation.
@BBRedsfan: I mean, I’d rather one stud MLB player than 3 or 4 prospects.
Any player? Realistic or not? That is easy…..Willie Mays!
One thing that might limit Bailey’s value to a lot of teams is that he is second year arbitration. That hurts on 2 fronts. He wouldn’t come cheap (projected at $5M+ for 2013); and, he come with only two years of team control.
Most likely only other contenders would be interested in him; and within the NL at least, I can’t see Jocketty giving someone else that kind of weapon in anything less than a true blockbuster of a deal
Here’s my take on a single all out fantasy player to add to the current Reds, Johnny Bench.
The current Reds don’t need Morgan unless they would use him or BP at 3B. So I say JB. He would give them the big RH bat they need in the middle of the order plus the physical skills behind the plate and a true field general.
Or I guess George Foster in LF could make this current Reds a super team also.
Mike Trout!!…CF solved for the next decade or so!!…then I would package Stubbs and Leake for a LF! Sounds easy right?
Fantasy-wise: Trout, Braun, Kemp, or Longoria.
Realisticly: 1. Longoria
2. Leake for SD’s Jedd Gyorko would be pretty awesome. I saw Gyorko’s name mentioned above. He needs maybe a 1/2 year more at AAA, maybe. I saw Gyorko in college alot at WVU. He is a blue collar type guy who hits extremely well. He plays 3B and 2B. He was a SS in college. Awesome player. Weilds a good glove too. Even better than Frazier as a hitter and fielder.
Since Homer Bailey has pitched lights out at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park, maybe a package of Bailey, Stubbs, and DiDi Gregorius (and possibly another prospect) can bring back Andrew McCutcheon in a trade.
Headley and cozart on the left. phillips votto on the right. i dare someone to hit the ball through the infield.
Possibly Mike Leake to the Tigers for 3B/LF prospect Nick Castellanos. Maybe Big Bob Castellini would like the closeness of his last name.
If you’re sticking with positional players, there is only one rational answer: Trout. (Ok, ok, I’m being a little hyperbolic, but seriously….why anyone else?!?!?)
Love this topic. Trout is a great choice, but if Trout is removed as a possibility, what about David Wright from the Mets? I’ve skimmed the comments and don’t remember seeing him mentioned. Solves 3B and lets Super Todd move to LF.
Love to see a trade with the Rays. Package Bailey,Stubbs and ??? for Longoria and Upton.
I think it is unlikely with Trout, but what about Harper?
@CincyStyle: Upton is a FA
@rfay00: Pick up Upton and trade for Longoria then
As reported by Mark Sheldon…
This couild be a VERY interesting off season indeed!
In 2012, the Reds had the 16th highest payroll of 30 teams. The Reds player payroll was $81,137,000. The Reds also had the 6th best or most efficient team regarding player salaries per win. The Red’s cost per win was $836,463. Because of this I can only imagine that Walt keeps on this course.
I just cannot fathom the Reds going out to sign Josh Hamilton or trading for David Wright. Either would be great to have and would solve many of the offensive problems the Reds have had. But they are just too expensive. Wright is due $16MM in 2013 and is a free agent after 2013. There is just no way Walt trades a gaggle of top prospects for one year of Wright. Hamilton is a free agent now and will be in the $16-20MM range. Just too expensive.
I believe Walt has a top 10 wish list for trades made up for the upcoming GM meetings next month. For 3B and to hit cleanup, I would imagine that Evan Longoria (TB), Mark Trumbo(LAA), Brett Lawrie(Tor), and Moustakas(Balt) fit the bill most. Low cost and a few years of team control.
As for a leadoff hitter (CF or LF), there are many more possibilities than at 3B.
What word did I use in my last comment that got it flagged for moderation??? Fathom?? Gaggle??
Sometimes I think Chad blocks you just to mess with your head.
My fantasy pickup this offseason would probably be Mariano Rivera in his vintage years. At least then, Dusty/Walt might decide it’s safe to let Chapman move to starter and see how it goes!!
As reported by Mark Sheldon:
David Wright. Bat him forth between Votto and Bruce and move Frazier to Left. Or, since its fantasy we should get Ken Griffey Jr in his prime, wait we tried that didn’t we!!! lol
Somewhat realistically, I’d love to see the Reds target Shin-Soo Choo to play LF and lead off for a year (MLB Trade Rumors projects a $7.9 million arbitration salary for him in 2013) before he hits free agency and until Billy Hamilton’s ready.
Somewhat less realistically, David Wright would be a perfect fit for this team.
Braun in Left, Bruce in Center, and Ludwick in Right? You are going to take one of the best defensive RF and move him to center where he has not played and cannot cover the ground needed in most ballparks? Have you watched any of the games?
ellsbury.
in order:
Trout, Adam Jones, Felix Hernandez, Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman, David Wright, or Justin Verlander.