Just for fun: You be the GM...

[reds1869]

Mike Trout just might be Mickey Mantle... blessed in every aspect of the game.

But i never even fantasize about trading Votto for another position player, because the net gain might only be marginal.

But...

Votto for Felix Hernandez?

No chance. I've seen too many pitchers fall off the map overnight to deal a hitter of Votto's caliber for even the very best.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Would anyone trade Hannigan for something of value? His value may never be higher, particularly if someone's catcher goes down. Have heard that several teams have inquired. Just throwing it out there. Not sure if I would. Depends on the return.

[REDREAD]

If I knew that Trout would sign long term here, of course yes.

If not, then no.

Trout has also likely had the best year he'll ever have in his career. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

My thoughts too.
By the time Trout reaches FA elibibility, if he's still an MVP calibar player, he's might cost a lot more than Votto, and might not even want to stay around.

Would I do it in a computer game? Maybe. But real life is kind of different.
What kind of message does it send to guys like Bruce when an established star like Votto wants to be a Red for life, and then the Reds trade him off after he commits to the team.

Heck, Arroyo is probably still bitter the Red Sox traded him after he gave them a hometown discount. Not saying that Votto is a hometown discount (I guess that's up for debate), but bottom line is, he's an MVP that was loyal.

[nmculbreth]

Easily, yes.

Votto may be the best hitter in all of baseball but Trout's contract status and overall skillset make him a far more valuable baseball player.

[REDREAD]

Would anyone trade Hannigan for something of value? His value may never be higher, particularly if someone's catcher goes down. Have heard that several teams have inquired. Just throwing it out there. Not sure if I would. Depends on the return.

I can't think of a realistic return that would make me want to trade Hannigan at this point.
The team really doesn't have any holes this year. Trading Hannigan isn't likely to upgrade anyone (other than perhaps a reliever). Doesn't really make sense to trade Hannigan for prospects at this point either (realistic prospects).

Even if Mez is playing outstanding at the allstar break, it's a tremendous advantage to have 2 capable catchers on the team and keep them fresh for the postseason.

[RedsBaron]

No chance. I've seen too many pitchers fall off the map overnight to deal a hitter of Votto's caliber for even the very best.

Amen. No way do I trade Votto for any pitcher.

[edabbs44]

Nope. Too much risk in Trout.

[Crumbley]

Would anyone trade Hannigan for something of value? His value may never be higher, particularly if someone's catcher goes down. Have heard that several teams have inquired. Just throwing it out there. Not sure if I would. Depends on the return.

If Mez showed anything last year, I'd at least consider it. But it would have had to be one heck of a return.

[kaldaniels]

In terms of resigning Trout, given that he is cheap the next few years, if you took the money owed Votto (200MM+) Trout just may accept that amount today to sign thru 2023.

That said I haven't seen Trout enough yet to make an informed decision. So due to ignorance I pass on the deal.

[Vottomatic]

Nope. Too much risk in Trout.

Agreed. Trout is like a wet fish.

[_Sir_Charles_]

That's an easy yes.

Pujol's and Trout for Votto and Hamilton

You do that?

I don't

Surprising. I've seen too many rookies start off well only to tank afterwards. No way I do Votto for Trout straight up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm not understanding the sentiment where Votto helps you more now than Trout. I think Votto is the best pure hitter in baseball. However Trout does more. Granted, I think Votto is vastly underrated league wide on his defense but I'll always take a stud defensive center fielder over a stud defensive first baseman if the offensive numbers are equal. Now, all this is dependent on if Trout can give the team he plays for close to the type of production he had last year.

And that's the big unknown. And the reason I don't do that trade. He needs to be more established before I pull that trigger.

[RedsBaron]

That's an easy yes.

Pujol's and Trout for Votto and Hamilton

You do that?

I don't

When I first read that I thought, "what is WOY doing? The Reds traded away Josh Hamilton years ago and the Angels already have him."

Oh, Billy Hamilton!
I would make that trade much more easily than I would Votto for Trout straight up. While Votto is now the better first baseman than Pujols, even in his decline part of his career Albert is probably 90% of Joey, so I haven't lost that much at first base. Meanwhile, the comparison between the two centerfielders isn't close IMO. We don't know if Hamilton can hit MLB pitching. I would be thrilled if Hamilton turns into a .300 hitter and steals 80+ bases a season, but if he does that, he still will not be as valuable as Trout was in 2012 (no way does Hamilton project to ever hit close to 30 HRs a season). Trout is younger than Hamilton as well.

[redsrule2500]

That's an easy "YES" - less money, 5 years instead of 10 years, and a younger player who will be in their prime for the entire 5 years!

[Ironman92]

Joey's knee and his sliding weirdness scares me.

Trout easily.