Trade Targets and Trade Rumors
 

I figured instead of starting a new thread everytime there is a Reds related rumor leading up to the deadline, this is a good place to post them.

The Reds have already been tied to Juan Pierre, and the latest name mentioned with the Reds is Carlos Quentin.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jo...-about-quentin

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I guess anything that would either put Phillips back in the leadoff spot or get this team a different leadoff hitter would be deemed an upgrade.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

Reds are in a tough spot they have really depleted their farm system so they aren't really in a position to further dip into that talent base, yet they do have some holes to fill if they intend to contend for a world series. So they have some serious questions to answer, sooner rather than later.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

Their farm has three top-notch starting prospects in AA (and a fourth that's intriguing). They also have two major league-ready bullpen arms in AAA that are dominating. They've just promoted a guy to AAA who plays both 2B and 3B and has a lifetime minor league BA over .310.

None of this mentions their best prospect, a SS who's stolen 100 bases in half a season and has an obp well over .400.

It's not the best farm system in the world, but it's not some talent in it that can be used.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

There is plenty left to make a move if Walt has the will - might not be quite as sex as many would like, but a deal can be done and needs to be.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

The organizational depth has certainly taken a hit with the recent trades, but in his midseason update of the top 120 prospects, John Sickels had 5 Reds listed (Billy Hamilton and 4 pitchers). That seems to indicate the Reds could put together a pretty decent package of prospects if they really want to get a deal done. I'd be interested in knowing which teams match up best with the Reds in terms of the prospects the Reds have and the positional needs of the other teams.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

Carlos Quentin's slash line since June 8:

.200/.364/.306/.670

He came off the DL and was scorching hot, then he slumped. He's still in that funk.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

Hamilton is pretty high profile right now. I believe he might be the component that could bring one of the highest profile trade targets at this point. His speed is so intriguing.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I think the move from Petco Park to GABP would go a long way toward curing that funk.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I'd be absolutely amazed if Hamilton were traded. He is going to be an exciting ballplayer and potentially a huge attraction. I don't think he is going any place except Pensacola, Louisville, and then Cincinnati.

And even if the Reds would consider such a trade, they aren't trading Hamilton for a Carlos Quentin or even a Justin Upton, who the DBacks are suddenly so willing to trade off. Billy is a unique type player and the Reds would demand a king's ransom for him now, which, of course they won't get.

And consider that Hamilton, with his exciting play and incredible baserunning ability, would be cheap and under the Reds' control for years. He is very, very valuable. No way the Reds trade him now for Upton and his big long-term contract.

If Hamilton continues to progress, he will bring the Reds a very good player and lots of exposure, fans in the seats, national TV, and the like. If the Reds have any sense of marketing their product and economics, which I believe they do, Billy is going nowhere except up the Reds' chain.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I agree with your comments on Billy Hamilton being a valuable marketing chip in addition to a great prospect, although I believe if the Reds could trade him straight up for Justin Upton they would do it in a heartbeat. I think it will take much more than Billy Hamilton for the Reds to land Upton however.

I don't think the Diamondbacks are "suddenly so willing to trade off" Justin Upton. They are willing to test the market and see if they can score a huge haul of talent in return. I don't think there is anything major physically wrong with him other than a couple nagging injuries. I know he and hard-nosed manager Kirk Gibson have had a couple of spats, so this could just be a signal to Upton that he better keep in line or he could be shipped out -- as if being traded would hurt Upton's feelings at all. Upton is one of the absolute best young talents in the game, and I am sure the Reds would love to acquire him if they can.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I don't know, to me, the DBacks testing the waters on an Upton trade is a big red flag.

The DBacks are still in contention, particularly with two wild card spots. They are one game under five hundred and only four out of first in the West. If they are considering trading Upton, it would raise a major concern on my part as to what is really going on.

I know Upton's pedigree and that he is a top young talent, but my instinct is the Reds will hold onto Hamilton. He's just a unique type player. Even if Upton grades out higher as an all around player, and I'm sure Upton does, I think the Reds will pass if Billy is involved.

I take your point, and you may well be correct, I think this is a "buy beware" situation and the Reds won't bite unless Upton comes at a serious discount.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I agree it is highly unlikely to happen, but fun to discuss nonetheless.

The DBacks floated Upton last year too. They were in a pennant race and Upton was in the MVP race. There wasn't anything wrong with him then and there probably isn't now either. But you are right, any team that acquires him better put him through a thorough physical first.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

I just checked out Upton's numbers since he joined the DBacks. He is pretty impressive statistically. That's for sure.

Re: Reds Trade Rumors
 

Yep. And at 24 years old he likely hasn't reached his prime yet.