[mdccclxix]

Originally Posted by _Sir_Charles_

2 of the 3 might not even be ready for the Majors yet. The jury's still out on Corcino & Cingrani. Leake is vastly underappreciated IMO. So it's not really 8 deep regardless. But I certainly don't deal away promising young pitchers when we've got an unknown in Chapman and next season we lose Bronson. Trade Leake away and one of the C's...come 2014 we could be hurting to fill out that rotation. Especially if Chapman performs as a starter like he did the first time around.

Don't get me wrong, I'm in favor of moving Aroldis to the rotation. But I personally don't think Cingrani or Corcino are quite ready for the show yet and I want to hold onto Leake to fill Bronson's void in 2014. I'd certainly be willing to deal one of the C's in the right deal, but I don't feel that we're in a position where we "need" to deal them. We've got other pieces we can deal to bring in what we need.

2013
Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Arroyo, Chapman/Leake (Corcino/Cingrani in AAA)
2014
Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Chapman, Leake (Corcino/Cingrani in AAA if still starting)
2015
Cueto possibly gone, Latos, Bailey, Chapman, Leake, one of Corcino/Cingrani

Leake fills a major void once Bronson leaves. And I want some options come 2015. Stephenson should be knocking on the door, but one of the C's with some solid AAA experience under their belt might just be the ticket.

(and I'm guessing that both Latos & Bailey are going to get extensions this offseason. If not, Latos is a FA come 2016 and Homer in 2015.)

Good stuff. I think it's noticeable too that when Arroyo is gone Chapman will be the one to step in. The Reds can no longer wait to try him in the rotation, it must begin in 2013 if it's going to work best long term. Along those same lines, if Chapman does work out it provides clarity on Bailey and Latos' futures. I predict an extension for Latos this year and one for Bailey in 2014, after it becomes clear if he's really grown up and can stay healthy and if Chapman will be effective. I think Latos' track record speaks loud enough to sign him on asap.