Paul Daugherty says Brandon Phillips is very available

[Kc61]

Tom Verducci today discusses teams with the worst performance at particular positions last year, mostly based on offense.

The Blue Jays are listed for second base in the AL and the recommendation is a trade for Phillips.

Phillips in a deal for Bautista seems like a fairly obvious trade. Not sure who else would have to be involved.

I could see the Jays insisting on Bailey. I could see the Reds insisting on Jays taking Ludwick's contract. I could also see the Reds insisting on a top prospect and another decent MLB player.

I could see the Reds wanting Brett Lawrie who is the scrappy type player that might help energize the team, although not sure he is a better fit than Frazier. Wonder if Lawrie plays second. I could see the Blue Jays being interested in Hanigan.

Rasmus would seem a bit much because the Jays would be really cleaning house. Reds would want him if not signing Choo.

Point is there seems to be a good trade fit between these clubs starting off with Bautista and Phillips, as has been discussed before.

[REDREAD]

I don't like this particular trade, but I think it's curious that the board seems 100% fine with letting Choo (a bigger piece of the 2013 team than BP) walk for a draft pick, but make comments like your B when it comes to Phillips.

If we're OK with letting one or the other go for nothing due to money, why not Phillips?

I see your point, but Choo leaving is beyond the Reds' control.
I am sure the Reds will make Choo a reasonable offer, but Choo is going to shop himself and probably take the most $$, and I don't blame him.

Phillips is signed through next year at a reasonable price. There's no need or urgency to let Phillips go for nothing. If we're trying to win in 2014, we need Phillips or a very good return for Phillips in a trade.. Botching a Phillips trade could be a contributing factor in missing the playoffs next year.

[redsmetz]

Tom Verducci today discusses teams with the worst performance at particular positions last year, mostly based on offense.

The Blue Jays are listed for second base in the AL and the recommendation is a trade for Phillips.

Phillips in a deal for Bautista seems like a fairly obvious trade. Not sure who else would have to be involved.

I could see the Jays insisting on Bailey. I could see the Reds insisting on Jays taking Ludwick's contract. I could also see the Reds insisting on a top prospect and another decent MLB player.

I could see the Reds wanting Brett Lawrie who is the scrappy type player that might help energize the team, although not sure he is a better fit than Frazier. Wonder if Lawrie plays second. I could see the Blue Jays being interested in Hanigan.

Rasmus would seem a bit much because the Jays would be really cleaning house. Reds would want him if not signing Choo.

Point is there seems to be a good trade fit between these clubs starting off with Bautista and Phillips, as has been discussed before.

Lawrie played a smattering of games at 2B last season (6, I think), and I see from his stats that he started out as second sacker in the minors, moving to 3rd in his third season.

[lollipopcurve]

I could see the Reds wanting Brett Lawrie who is the scrappy type player that might help energize the team, although not sure he is a better fit than Frazier.

Agreed, though since Lawrie is Canadian the Blue Jays aren't likely to move him. I do remember the year he was drafted the Reds were rumored to like him.

[TOBTTReds]

I do remember the year he was drafted the Reds were rumored to like him.

Yes, but remember that was still the scouting department that liked him, and they are now far removed from this decision. He was a very impressive 18 year old with the bat.

As far as his defense goes...he's pretty awful in the field from what I can tell. Anyone seen him play significant time?

[M2]

As far as his defense goes...he's pretty awful in the field from what I can tell. Anyone seen him play significant time?

He's pretty much universally considered a plus defender at 3B. I've seen a fair bit of him and he's got some range, quick reactions and a solid arm. The odd thing about Lawrie is his bat was supposed to be a sure thing and his defense was the question mark. It's turned out opposite that the past two seasons.

[PepperJack]

Something to ponder while we wait for news on the 40 man roster.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/1...ers-twins.html

White Sox GM Rick Hahn says that the intensity of trade talks has picked up in the past few days, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com (Twitter links). "We well could have something in the next day or it could take through Orlando (Dec. 9-12) when the logjam sort of breaks,” Hahn said. More out of the AL Central..

https://twitter.com/DatDudeBP

#YeaBuddy... Flight to one of my fav cities today!!! Bout to see what #Chicago is talking about✈️ #Brrrr

[RedTeamGo!]

Interesting coincidence

Probably all it is, I do not see a fit with the white sox.

[M2]

What would the ChiSox be able to put on the table. Addison Reed? Alejandro De Aza? They don't have prospects.

[RedTeamGo!]

Avisail Garcia is a decent left field prospect.

Other than that all I can think of is a 3 team trade.

Seems rather unlikely though, I am guessing Bphil is just going to chicago to chase tail.

[mdccclxix]

They have a 23 year old SS that has great plate discipline in AAA, I wonder what he's about.

http://mlbfarm.com/player.php?player_id=543760

Marcus Semien

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/wilsonballglove

.@DatDudeBP is at Wilson HQ today! He's giving away a signed A2K DATDUDE GM to this week's #WilsonWednesday winner! pic.twitter.com/bkTMQtT1q3

[mattfeet]

Take it FWIW:

Jeff Ruby‏@TheRealJeffRuby2m
@DatDudeBP Hey brutha. Take my word. U ain't being traded.

[RedsManRick]

He's pretty much universally considered a plus defender at 3B. I've seen a fair bit of him and he's got some range, quick reactions and a solid arm. The odd thing about Lawrie is his bat was supposed to be a sure thing and his defense was the question mark. It's turned out opposite that the past two seasons.

Sounds like another 3B we know...

[swaisuc]

What would the ChiSox be able to put on the table. Addison Reed? Alejandro De Aza? They don't have prospects.

Probably on an island, but I wouldn't mind Reed at closer if the plan is Chapman in the rotation.