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Re: Would You Be On Board for Shin-Soo Choo?
No.
1. Do not deplete starting pitching depth. Reds are not likely to be as lucky this year in keeping starters healthy. Arms are fragile. Ask Madson, Masset, and Bray. The Reds need to go to spring training with at least seven legitimate contenders to start. Cingrani and Corcino are not there yet. I do not understand the notion that the Reds have six starters, let's trade one.
2. I like Choo. Not having to play against him is a plus in itself. He is no guarantee, however, of making the playoffs or going further in the playoffs if the Reds do make them. Is Choo at that price worth that much more than Victorino at comparable numbers and no prospects?
3. Choo will be cheaper in July. The Indians are going nowhere. Let them deal with Choo's arbitration this off season. When it becomes obvious that the Indians will not make the playoffs, they will be happy to shed payroll and get a mid level prospect in return. That would mean having him for half a season instead of a whole season, but at a much cheaper price. The Reds may even have different needs at mid season.
4. In general, I am not one to mortgage the future for slightly improved chances of going further in the playoffs. As a fan, I enjoy following a competitive team. Winning it all is great, but how long does that glow last before it is time to focus on the next season? It is hard for a small market team to reload. It takes a few years and some good drafts. Keeping the pitching pipeline flowing is the best insurance of remaining competitive.
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