There is no way the Padres give him away.
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I think one thing some of us (myself included) overlook is the nature of the LF position, the position that is now unfilled by the Reds.
LF is almost entirely an offensive position. You can justify Cozart at SS because it's a premium position which he fields very well. You can excuse getting less production from a good defensive catcher. Not preferable, but understandable.
A good MLB team cannot get zero production from left field. It's probably the single position in baseball that is almost entirely offensive. Even RF usually requires a superior throwing arm. First basemen have many more defensive chances, although some routine.
I'm not too upset, the Reds have a murderous April schedule in many ways.
But make no mistake, the use of Heisey in LF has impaired the offense of this team. Ludwick's injury is nobody's fault, but IMO either they have to give XMan a full tryout in left, or they have to trade for somebody. It matters.
Of course not. But they can't demand much for him either.
They don't need him to finish last, he's too old to be part of their future, and no other contender is going to make any kind of offer for him. I think they would jump at an offer of a minor league bullpen arm and salary relief for him.
It's a silly argument to make. The Padres stink so they will trade away a cheap, major league quality position player that has no real trade value. Why? Well no one will miss him and I guess young, unestablished bullpen arms are high on their list of things that will make them contenders.
There's nothing silly about it.
Teams that are going nowhere regularly make trades to improve their team FOR THE FUTURE.
Denorfia is an extra outfielder and is 32 years old. You act like he's some kind of building block for a championship team this year or next year. He's not.
The Padres need many young, new pieces to rebuild.
The Reds may only need one piece short term.
Funny thing is, that actually makes a lot of sense to me.
Denorfia has zero true value for the Padres, since he will be retired by the time they contend. Getting something that does has value for them, a young prospect who might be able to contribute if and when they do contend, makes perfect sense.
Denorfia is not a building block. He's a $2 million per year competent outfielder who can help cover the position for now.
The Padres, if you look, have nine players earning more than Deno, some much more. If they want to dump salary, I'd think they would start with the $5,7, and 9 million contracts they have.
Now - they would gladly trade Deno if they get back a good prospect for the future. But the thesis of some is that the Reds can get him for C level minor leaguers and a bucket of baseballs. I doubt it.
Seems to me Deno is the kind of guys a rebuilding team keeps to provide some veteran leadership on the club. There are more big ticket guys they could dump.