Quote:
Originally Posted by Kc61
This thread is for Reds news at the meetings, rumors, or ideas.
Reds have to get some more pitching, either at the meetings or after. They didn't sign Cordero for $46 million to go with the current starting staff. Last year, the Reds staff wasn't good but they had three veteran starters -- now they have Harang, Arroyo, and some young promising guys
Seems to me Reds have a few choices to beef up starting pitching:
A free agent. I know the pickings are slim, but would they go for a Silva now that Castellini has opened the vault a bit?
A trade for a top guy. Bedard, for example, would be great. Will the Reds part with a Cueto (in addition to Hamilton and, say, Freel) if necessary to get such a pitcher?
A lesser deal. Hamiton, Freel and a lesser prospect for a solid pitcher, although not at the star level.
Is there a more experienced pitcher out there, still pretty good but nearing the end, who might be obtainable for a year or two? Livan Hernandez? Someone in a trade?
Are there other needs to be addressed at the meetings? If Hamilton is traded will Reds get a stopgap center fielder to platoon with Hopper? Is the catching set? Are there more bench guys to be acquired? Are Griffey and Dunn set as Reds for '08 or is one available for a surprise deal? Will an infielder be moved to give Keppinger a full time job? Or will Kepp be moved to start for someone else?
Any ideas out there? And any news would be appreciated.
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I think that the trade market no longer reaches critical mass at the Winter Meetings like it used to, but it wouldn't surprise me to see them take another step (or three) in what I expect to be a faily active off season for the club.
My prioriites, if I'm running things:
1. Resolve Adam Dunn's future with the club one way or another. I think knowing what I'm gonna do about Dunn is essential before I make can make a decision about including a young guy like Bruce, Hamilton or Votto in a deal for pitching.
AD's comment that there haventeven been discussions lead me to one of three conclusions: a) Dunn was being coy; b) the Reds donn't share my priority for resolving the status as a precursor for offseason dealings or c) they already have resolved not to sign him past this season and he may be the one dealt before ST.
2. Starting pitching. I think they ideally need to add two more starters if they possibly can get the the right deals. If they add a top of the rotation guy (a #1 or 2) then a league average 4 or 5 type to compete with holdovers and the young guns is find. If they can't land a top starter then I'd like to see them add a couple of #3 types
Top of the rotation type starters to target:
Bedard (BAL), Kasmir (TAM), Harden (OAK), Harden(OAK), Burnett (TOR), Bucholz (BOS), Lester (BOS), Camberlain (NYY), Hughes (NYY)
Secondary options:
Blanton (OAK), Snell (PIT), Baker (MIN), Cain (SF), Hill (CHC), Marshall (CHC), Kennedy(NYY), Pelfrey (NYM)
Adding a FA starter without giving up talent would be great , but there are no top of the rotation guys out there. I might consider Silva as a 4th or 5th starter, but you'll probably have to pay him #2 money so no thanks. I'd take a look at Jon Lieber or Randy Wolf as a year stopgap or Clement or Colon on an incentive-laden deal.
3. I take any young talent at any position, but I would particualrly be on the lookout for a strong defensive CF, a RH OF bat as a PH or starter-option against strong LHP and a strong defensive middle infielder and or catcher o make Gonzalez and/or Ross expendable in a deal. I like our bullpen now, but a young upgrade is always welcomed.
BAIT:
* I make Bailey or Cueto available if it means the right experienced 1 or 2-type starter is added
* I make one from among: Hamilton, Votto or Bruce (last resort) available in a major deal if I know Dunn is staying
* I do everything in my power to move Dunn for the best return possible if I'm not bringing him back in 09.
* I would move Junior for anything of value (I doubt the Reds will though)
* Ross and Gonzalez are available in any deal if I'm adding a SS or C in a deal
* Freel and Stanton are available if any one will offer anything
* One or maybe two middle relievers from among Coffey, Salmon, Majewski, McBeth & Coutlangus are available if it finishes the right deal
* Any Minor leaguer not named Bailey, Cueto, Bruce or Votto is available if it substaintially inpvoes the big league club
* Several have mentioned dealing EdE. He is by no means untouchable, but I think I'd resist, if possible, for three reasons -
1) Low value - I think he can bounce back and at least give us .280/20/80 with improved defense
2) No real replacement ready. I don't like the thought of Keppinger or Freel as the everyday 3B and decent 3B's are a pretty rare commodity to go after on the market
3) I'd like to let someone like Frazier have another year to get closer to the majors.